Includes 1 Participant Spot (1 Rider & 1 Horse*) At Our Ranch In Poplarville, Mississippi
*Can Bring Your Horse Or Use One Of Ours
———
Confidence Retreat: Regaining Confidence With Your Horse
At the Confidence Retreat, we focus on helping riders regain their confidence. Whether you've had a fall, a bad experience, or simply need a boost, this retreat is tailored to rebuild your trust in the saddle. Over 5 days and 6 nights in our picturesque Southern Mississippi ranch, you'll find comfortable lodging in cabins, cowboy quarters, or a Western-style hotel. Coupled with an unforgettable experience, you’ll get to combine world-class education in an environment where you can feel comfortable and confident getting your questions answered and actually making progress with your horse. You can bring your own horse or borrow one of our Paso Finos or Quarter Horses.
ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME
During this retreat, you choose to work on walking and trotting, with the option to explore cantering in various games. Confidence is the key, and you'll gain valuable insights into safety and reading horses. With our expert, Michael Gascon, The Horse Guru, by your side, you'll be back in the saddle with newfound confidence.
—-
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A RETREAT?
Enjoy our secluded ranch nestled quietly amongst the pine trees in beautiful Southern Mississippi.
-
5 Days And 6 Nights Of Lodging
-
Stay In Our Peaceful Cabins, Cowboy Quarters, Or Beautiful Western-Style Hotel*
-
Hookups For RVs, Campers, And LQ Trailers
-
Stabling And Shavings For Any Horse You Bring
-
Amazing Home-Cooked Meals Each Day
-
Entertainment And Fun (Everyone Knows We Can Throw A Party!)
-
Horsemanship Education With Michael Gascon (The Horse Guru)
-
Education On Safety And How To Read Horses
From general horsemanship and trail riding to retreats focused on confidence or advanced riding, you’ll have the opportunity to relax as much as you want and to learn as much as you want.
Possible Horse Retreat Topics And Education Opportunities May Include, But Are Not Limited To:
-
Groundwork & Horsemanship Sessions
-
Obstacles
-
Horse Soccer
-
Trick Training
-
Pool Noodle Jousting
-
Trail Rides
-
Trick Riding/Roman Riding
-
Liberty
-
Reining
-
Roping
-
Bridleless
-
Working Cattle
-
Tack & Training Equipment
-
And So Much More!
What Are The Different Retreat Types?
-
Confidence Retreats: Walk / Trot / Optional Cantering In Games / Recovering Confidence
-
Intermediate Retreats: Walk / Trot / Some Cantering
-
Gaited & Advanced** Gaited Retreats: Additional Classes Focusing On Gait Work / Correction / Refinement
-
Cattle Retreats: Sorting / Reining / Roping
-
Advanced Boot Camp Retreats*: Walk / Trot / Canter / More Advanced Work
-
Mastermind Retreat*: Individual Topics Are Chosen By Participants / Each Participant Gets To Choose 2 Topics They Would Like To Be Part Of Itinerary
(*Must have attended a past Retreat or been through our Horse Help Course or Challenge, **Must have attended a past Gaited Retreat)
*Accommodations:
-
Cabins: 1 Queen Bed Per Room With Private Bathroom Each
-
Hotel Rooms: 1 Queen Bed Per Room With 2 Shared Bathrooms For The 4 Total Rooms
-
Cowboy Quarters: 1 Or 2 Queen Beds Per Room With Private Bathroom Each
- The Lodge: 4 bedrooms (2 with queen beds, 2 with twin beds that can convert to kings), 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and laundry
NOTICE: We DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS on any of our services (Retreats, Private Retreats, Academy Programs, or Private Horse Training), however we will allow you apply a credit towards future dates for the previously mentioned events if given a 30 DAYS NOTICE prior to the event date. This allows us to have time to fill that available spot or date.
____________________________________________________________________________
Includes 1 Participant Spot (1 Rider & 1 Horse*) At Our Ranch In Poplarville, Mississippi
*Can Bring Your Horse Or Use One Of Ours
———
Confidence Retreat: Regaining Confidence With Your Horse
At the Confidence Retreat, we focus on helping riders regain their confidence. Whether you've had a fall, a bad experience, or simply need a boost, this retreat is tailored to rebuild your trust in the saddle. Over 5 days and 6 nights in our picturesque Southern Mississippi ranch, you'll find comfortable lodging in cabins, cowboy quarters, or a Western-style hotel. Coupled with an unforgettable experience, you’ll get to combine world-class education in an environment where you can feel comfortable and confident getting your questions answered and actually making progress with your horse. You can bring your own horse or borrow one of our Paso Finos or Quarter Horses.
ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME
During this retreat, you choose to work on walking and trotting, with the option to explore cantering in various games. Confidence is the key, and you'll gain valuable insights into safety and reading horses. With our expert, Michael Gascon, The Horse Guru, by your side, you'll be back in the saddle with newfound confidence.
—-
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A RETREAT?
Enjoy our secluded ranch nestled quietly amongst the pine trees in beautiful Southern Mississippi.
-
5 Days And 6 Nights Of Lodging
-
Stay In Our Peaceful Cabins, Cowboy Quarters, Or Beautiful Western-Style Hotel*
-
Hookups For RVs, Campers, And LQ Trailers
-
Stabling And Shavings For Any Horse You Bring
-
Amazing Home-Cooked Meals Each Day
-
Entertainment And Fun (Everyone Knows We Can Throw A Party!)
-
Horsemanship Education With Michael Gascon (The Horse Guru)
-
Education On Safety And How To Read Horses
From general horsemanship and trail riding to retreats focused on confidence or advanced riding, you’ll have the opportunity to relax as much as you want and to learn as much as you want.
Possible Horse Retreat Topics And Education Opportunities May Include, But Are Not Limited To:
-
Groundwork & Horsemanship Sessions
-
Obstacles
-
Horse Soccer
-
Trick Training
-
Pool Noodle Jousting
-
Trail Rides
-
Trick Riding/Roman Riding
-
Liberty
-
Reining
-
Roping
-
Bridleless
-
Working Cattle
-
Tack & Training Equipment
-
And So Much More!
What Are The Different Retreat Types?
-
Confidence Retreats: Walk / Trot / Optional Cantering In Games / Recovering Confidence
-
Intermediate Retreats: Walk / Trot / Some Cantering
-
Gaited & Advanced** Gaited Retreats: Additional Classes Focusing On Gait Work / Correction / Refinement
-
Cattle Retreats: Sorting / Reining / Roping
-
Advanced Boot Camp Retreats*: Walk / Trot / Canter / More Advanced Work
-
Mastermind Retreat*: Individual Topics Are Chosen By Participants / Each Participant Gets To Choose 2 Topics They Would Like To Be Part Of Itinerary
(*Must have attended a past Retreat or been through our Horse Help Course or Challenge, **Must have attended a past Gaited Retreat)
*Accommodations:
-
Cabins: 1 Queen Bed Per Room With Private Bathroom Each
-
Hotel Rooms: 1 Queen Bed Per Room With 2 Shared Bathrooms For The 4 Total Rooms
-
Cowboy Quarters: 1 Or 2 Queen Beds Per Room With Private Bathroom Each
- The Lodge: 4 bedrooms (2 with queen beds, 2 with twin beds that can convert to kings), 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and laundry
NOTICE: We DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS on any of our services (Retreats, Private Retreats, Academy Programs, or Private Horse Training), however we will allow you apply a credit towards future dates for the previously mentioned events if given a 30 DAYS NOTICE prior to the event date. This allows us to have time to fill that available spot or date.
____________________________________________________________________________
App section
Customer Reviews
The Spring confidence Retreat at Horse Haven Ranch is more than just a training clinic; it is a profound shift in perspective for any horse owner. If you have spent years believing that horsemanship is a battle for dominance, Michael Gascon’s approach will be a revelation.
A New Philosophy of Connection
Michael’s teaching centers on the idea that training shouldn't be a fight for control. Instead, he demonstrates that true horsemanship comes from the miraculous clarity of a well-timed cue. This clarity transforms the horse-human relationship from one of friction to one of mutual understanding.
The Respect Series: This foundational program is the heart of the retreat. It moves away from "dominance" and toward establishing a "bubble" of mutual respect. By mastering these ground-level cues, you learn to communicate with such precision that the horse chooses to look to you for leadership rather than reacting in fear.
The Mirror Effect: The retreat emphasizes that horses hold up a quiet mirror to our own hearts. Your energy, patience, and clarity (or lack thereof) are reflected directly back to you by these animals, making the experience as much about personal growth as it is about equine education.
The Retreat Experience
Located in the rolling hills of Poplarville, Mississippi, the All-Inclusive Retreat offers a comprehensive environment for this transformation.
Instruction & Activities: Days are filled with Michael’s high-energy instruction, ranging from the Respect Series to advanced skills like cattle sorting and bridleless riding.
Southern Hospitality: The experience is rounded out by the Gascon family’s legendary hospitality, featuring home-cooked meals by Mrs. Cindy and the famous morning Cuban coffee.
Accommodations: Guests stay in a unique Western-style hotel or cozy cabins right on the ranch, ensuring you are never far from the horses. While larger groups can stay in the 4bedroom 2bath lodge with its quaint quiet atmosphere.
Whether you are an experienced rider or overcoming deep-seated fears, the Spring Retreat provides the tools to replace dominance with a bond built on crystal-clear communication and heart-to-heart connection
Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review of the Spring 2026 Confidence Retreat! We’re honored the retreat made such an impact and truly appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective. We hope to see you again soon!
A superb value! I have never seen a family work as hard as this one. The information and knowledge disseminated could not have been easier to understand plus it all made sense. Everyone was friendly and helpful plus food was great and more than plentiful. A relaxing vacation for sure.
We’re glad you found the experience so valuable at the Spring 2026 Confidence Retreat . It means a lot to hear you enjoyed the atmosphere, the team, and the retreat overall. Thank you!
We had the best time at the Gaited retreat in March. We learned so much from Michael. Have several things to work on at home now.
Brooke also was very informative with her nutrition class. I never would have thought my horse had an ulcer, but after her segment I went out and bought the Outlast supplement and it has made a tremendous difference in my horse.
I would truly recommend any of Michael's retreats to anyone that needs help with there horses.
There hospitality is unparalleled, they take great care of you and the FOOD is awesome too.
Thank you for sharing your experience from the Spring 2026 Gaited Retreat. We’re so glad you enjoyed the retreat and found both the training and nutrition guidance helpful. It’s great to hear your horse is doing better from the information, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
What an amazing week focusing on gaited horses and all they are capable of doing - if only I can ask the right way :) Always amazing to hang with horse folk and be spoiled by Mrs. Cindi and her crew... its addicting the good feelings keep you coming back.
This was my 6th retreat...... and it never gets old! There is always something new to learn. As usual, the food, fun, and fellowship was exceptional. The horse training part was top notch. 5 stars, absolutely recommend!
We love having you at the Spring Confidence Retreat, and we’re so glad each one keeps bringing something new. Can’t wait for the next one with you! Thank you!