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Riding in a group can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires preparation to ensure both you and your horse remain safe and confident. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential steps to get your horse comfortable riding with others, using proven techniques from professional horse trainer Michael Gascon.
Why Group Riding Preparation Matters
Riding with other horses introduces a variety of variables—changes in temperature, distractions, and the unpredictable behavior of other horses. Your goal is to have so much of your horse’s attention that external factors don’t cause problems. If you can maintain control, your horse will stay focused and responsive, no matter the situation.
Establishing Control Before Introducing Other Horses
Before adding the complexity of a group setting, your horse should already respond well to basic commands. This means:
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Walking, trotting, and cantering smoothly
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Responding to rein cues for left and right turns
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Maintaining attention on you, rather than external distractions
Michael Gascon demonstrates this process with Joker, a six-year-old barrel horse known for being explosive and difficult to handle. By ensuring Joker responds reliably to cues in a controlled environment, he builds the foundation necessary for safe group riding.
The Key to Group Riding: Undivided Attention
One of the most crucial elements in riding in a group is maintaining your horse’s focus. No matter how many horses are present—whether it’s five or fifty—your horse must remain responsive to you. If your horse gets nervous or distracted, you need to regain control immediately.
Gascon explains that losing control is the root of most trail problems, whether it’s barn sourness, buddy sourness, or general nervousness. The real issue isn’t the behavior itself—it’s that the rider can’t regain control when the horse reacts. This is why training for steering, brakes, and attention is essential before introducing distractions.
Gradual Exposure to Group Environments
Once your horse responds well in a controlled setting, you can introduce other horses. Start with just a few horses and increase the number gradually. Gascon demonstrates this by working Joker alongside a variety of horses, including a young Paso Fino and an off-the-track Quarter Horse. The goal is to ensure that even if other horses act up, your horse remains calm and responsive.
Key steps in this phase:
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Continue practicing the same exercises you would do alone.
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Ensure your horse responds instantly to rein cues.
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Ignore what other horses are doing and focus solely on your horse’s behavior.
Handling Unexpected Situations
Even in a well-prepared group, unexpected things can happen. A horse may spook, bolt, or act aggressively. The key is to maintain control and regain your horse’s focus immediately. If your horse looks at another horse, the moment you touch the reins, they should return their attention to you.
By practicing in an arena with other young and inexperienced horses, Gascon ensures that Joker is exposed to real-world scenarios. This way, when Joker eventually hits the trail, he won’t overreact to other horses’ behavior.
Final Thoughts: Confidence and Respect
Successfully riding in a group comes down to two things: confidence and respect. If your horse respects your cues and remains attentive despite distractions, you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable ride.
As Gascon emphasizes, respect and undivided attention are the keys to riding safely in a group. Train these fundamentals, and you’ll be able to enjoy group rides without stress or unpredictable behavior.
