Navigating the World of Horsemanship with Michael and Kelsey Gascon
Owners of Gascon Horsemanship, Michael and Kelsey bring rich backgrounds in equestrian industry and a shared passion for horsemanship. Their collaborative approach to training and performance has set them apart in the equestrian world.
Michael and Kelsey’s Unique Training Approach: The couple’s individual approaches to training are distinct yet complementary. Kelsey, a world-class trick rider, admits that Michael's expertise in colt starting and fundamental training has significantly influenced her method of selecting and training horses. Michael's focus on fundamentals ensures every horse they start becomes a viable candidate for Kelsey’s trick riding needs.
The Horse Guru’s First Step with Untrainable Horses: Michael, known as the "Horse Guru," is celebrated for training horses deemed untrainable. His first step in dealing with a new, challenging horse is to establish control over the horse’s head, thereby controlling the horse entirely. This approach, centered on gaining the horse’s respect and softening them left and right, ensures safety and sets the stage for effective training.
Kelsey’s Advice for Enhancing Confidence in the Saddle: Kelsey emphasizes the importance of confidence in horse riding. She advises riders, especially those overcoming bad experiences or starting over with a new horse, to ensure their horse is mentally and physically prepared before every ride. Understanding and controlling the horse’s movements builds rider confidence.
Kelsey’s Journey with Her Senior Horse, Lightning: A touching aspect of Kelsey's equestrian journey is her long-term relationship with her horse, Lightning. She has been with Lightning since she was 11 years old, providing her with a unique perspective on caring for senior horses. As Lightning transitions from a performance athlete into retirement, Kelsey has been attentive to his changing needs. She emphasizes the importance of giving senior horses a sense of purpose and inclusion in various stages of their life. Lightning's current role as a babysitter for their colts underlines the significance of adapting care and engagement for aging horses. This experience with Lightning has been a profound lesson in understanding the aging process and providing compassionate care for senior equine companions.
> Related Reading: Caring for Your Senior Horse Until the End
International Horsemanship Lessons: Sharing an intriguing story from their international clinics, Michael recounts an experience in Zimbabwe where they trained horses to be ridden around lions, water buffalo, and elephants. This adventure reinforced their belief that horsemanship is universal, transcending language and geographical barriers.
Educational Resources and Magic Halter: Gascon Horsemanship offers a wealth of educational resources, including clinics, training academies, and retreats. Their unique Magic Halter is another highlight, offering innovative training solutions. The retreats, a notable aspect of their business, offer an immersive experience where riders can enhance their skills through various fun and challenging activities.
Advice for Couples Working Together: Michael and Kelsey’s working relationship is a testament to their shared goals and understanding. They emphasize the importance of being on the same page, making sacrifices for shared goals, and maintaining clear communication. Their light-hearted banter and mutual respect make them a formidable team in both life and business.
Our conversation with Michael and Kelsey Gascon provides valuable insights into the world of horsemanship. Their experiences, advice, and educational offerings are invaluable resources for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of horse training and riding.
Listen & watch the Gascon's episode below!
Exclusive Opportunity for Podcast Listeners – FREE Horse Help Course by Kelsey and Michael Gascon
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Host (Brad): Welcome to the Horse Trailer Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have not one, but two giants in the world of horsemanship—Michael and Kelsey Gaston, owners of Gaston Horsemanship. Thank you both for joining us!
Michael and Kelsey: Thanks so much for having us!
[00:01:00]
Brad: You both have such rich backgrounds in horsemanship. How do your individual approaches complement each other?
Kelsey: Michael helped me see things from a different perspective, especially when it came to training my trick riding horses. His approach to fundamentals really makes my training easier and more efficient.
Michael: Yeah, I work on starting colts and establishing strong fundamentals, which complements Kelsey's work in performance riding. Now, every colt we train has the right foundation, so Kelsey doesn’t have to go through tons of prospects. It’s made our work together smoother and more consistent.
[00:03:00]
Brad: Michael, you're known for training "untrainable" horses. What's the first step you take when facing a challenging horse?
Michael: The first step is controlling the head. We have a saying here—“control the head, control the horse.” Whether they’re scared, bucking, or rearing, if we can control their head, we can soften them and take away their power, making them safer and more receptive to training.
[00:05:00]
Brad: Kelsey, as a champion trick rider, what advice would you give to folks looking to build confidence in the saddle?
Kelsey: We run confidence retreats where we focus on rebuilding confidence after setbacks. We teach riders how to make sure their horses are mentally ready before getting in the saddle. This helps riders feel safe and in control. A pre-ride checklist is key—it makes sure both horse and rider are ready.
[00:07:00]
Brad: You both travel the world giving clinics. Can you share an impactful story from your international experience?
Michael: Sure! We got a call from Zimbabwe, asking if we could train horses to ride around lions, water buffalo, and elephants. Despite never having done anything quite like that, we trusted in horsemanship fundamentals. In Zimbabwe, we trained horses to ride among water buffalo and even elephants. It showed us that good horsemanship is universal.
[00:11:00]
Brad: Kelsey, you have a Master’s in equestrian education. How do you cater your clinics to different learning styles?
Kelsey: My background in education helps me structure clinics so they’re accessible to everyone. We make things simple, so riders of all skill levels can understand and feel empowered. We want everyone, from complete beginners to experienced riders, to learn and grow confidently.
[00:14:00]
Brad: Michael, I read that you’ve done professional boxing and underwater welding. Do either of those skills help with training horses?
Michael: Absolutely! The footwork from boxing is really helpful, especially when dealing with dangerous horses. It lets me stay close without getting hurt. The other jobs—well, the horses always called me back, no matter what else I did.
[00:16:00]
Brad: Kelsey, your first horse, Lightning, has been with you since you were 11. What has that taught you about caring for senior horses?
Kelsey: It’s important to keep older horses involved. Even if they’re no longer competing, they need purpose. Lightning now helps babysit the colts. It’s about keeping them engaged and giving them a fulfilling role in their later years.
[00:18:00]
Brad: You have so many educational offerings—clinics, retreats, the Magic Halter. Tell us about the retreats!
Michael: Our retreats are like a cruise for horse lovers. People come for five days, all-inclusive, and we have so much fun. We work on horsemanship, do activities like cattle sorting, play games, and even soccer on horseback. It’s all about learning while having an amazing time.
[00:22:00]
Brad: Lastly, you work together as a couple. Any wisdom for other couples in the horse industry?
Kelsey: Clear communication and shared goals are key. We’re always on the same page, and we make sacrifices together to achieve our dreams.
Michael: Also, it’s very important for the man to have the last word—and those words are "Yes, dear." [laughs]
[00:24:00]
Brad: Michael and Kelsey, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you both. To learn more, visit their website at gastonhorsemanship.com. Thanks again!
