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Opening and closing gates from the saddle is a fundamental skill for every rider. Whether you're managing pastures, trail riding, or working cattle, being able to navigate a gate without dismounting keeps things smooth and safe. But what if your horse isn’t well-trained yet? That’s exactly why Michael Gascon, The Horse Guru, chose to demonstrate this technique using a less experienced horse named Sam.
Meet Sam: The “Rough Around the Edges” Horse
Sam is a 10-year-old Paso Fino that Michael started seven years ago. Since then, Sam hasn’t had much formal training, making him the perfect example for this demonstration. He doesn’t side pass, isn’t responsive to leg pressure, and has only a basic neck rein. If you’ve ever struggled to open a gate from horseback, chances are your horse is in a similar place.
Step 1: Line Up Beside the Gate
The first step is to ride up so that your horse is parallel to the gate, close enough that you can easily reach it. You want to stop right beside the latch, keeping your body in balance. If your horse bumps into the rail a little, don’t worry—just get as close as you safely can.
The goal here is to stay in control and never lose contact with the gate if you can help it.
Step 2: Unlatch and Bring the Gate Toward You
Instead of pushing the gate away, bring it toward you. This gives you more control and keeps you in a better position. As you hold the gate, back your horse up slowly. This will begin to open the space.
You don’t need a perfect backup or side pass—just get the gate moving while keeping your horse steady.
Step 3: Use the Gate to Help You
Now, aim your horse’s head toward the post where the gate is hinged. Even if your horse doesn’t know how to side pass, you can use the gate itself to help push him over. Keep your hand on the gate and use small movements to guide your horse’s body around.
This way, the horse learns through feel and gentle pressure, not force or advanced cues.
Step 4: Close It the Same Way
Once you’ve gone through, simply repeat the process in reverse. Ride alongside the gate, grab the latch, and use it to help push your horse over again. If your horse dances around or moves too far away, don’t reach for the gate. Stay safe and wait until he’s within your balance zone again.
Think of it like riding a skateboard—if your head gets too far out of alignment, you lose balance. The same principle applies on horseback.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe
One of the biggest takeaways from this exercise is that you don’t need a highly trained horse to get the job done. By keeping the steps simple and using the gate as a tool rather than fighting the horse, you’ll find yourself opening and closing gates with ease—even on a green or rusty horse.
Over time, this process will build confidence in both you and your horse, and before you know it, you’ll be able to go from gate to gate without a hitch.
Final Thoughts
This method works because it’s based on feel, timing, and simplicity—not complexity. You don’t need a perfectly polished side pass or a reining horse to get started. Just take your time, stay balanced, and let the gate become part of the learning process.
