Horse Retreats

Enjoy a fun-filled ALL-INCLUSIVE horse vacation that will take your horsemanship skills to the next level.

all experience levels welcome

Whether you’re a first-time horse owner or an advanced horse trainer, you’ll feel right at home at one of our all-inclusive horse retreats. You can ride one of our amazing Paso Finos, Quarter Horses, or bring your own horse!

From general horsemanship and trail riding to retreats focused on confidence, colt starting, 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
  • Jousting
  • Trail Rides
  • Trick Riding/Roman Riding
  • Liberty
  • Reining
  • Roping
  • Horse Tag
  • 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

  • Advanced Boot Camp Retreats

    Walk / Trot / Canter / More Advanced Work* (*Must have attended a past retreat or been through our Horse Help Course program)

  • Gaited Retreats

    Additional Classes Focusing On Gait Work/Correction/Refinement

What's Included In A Retreat?

Enjoy our picturesque ranch nestled in the gently rolling hills of beautiful Southern Mississippi. You can ride our world-famous Paso Finos or bring your own horse to enjoy and learn on.
  • 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 stall care of 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

The retreat not only met but exceeded all my expectations. Michael, family and staff were so friendly and accommodating, eager to attempt to meet every request. Watching Micheal with his colt starting and getting the fundamentals of horse psychology, safety and exercises to control movement of the horse and correct common problems has quickly advanced my horsemanship and confidence.

Where else can you find this diverse knowledge and especially resources to cover so many disciplines and let you interact and ride so many types of horses! Most importantly we were able to apply what we learned by such fun activities as trail rides, obstacle course and, my favorite, horse soccer!

The food was outstanding and there was plenty of it. Michael, family and staff you all should be very proud of the work you are doing and the positive impact you are making in the lives of people and horses. I had a blast! Thank you.

Robert P.

Spending a week with 4 girlfriends at the MG Horse Retreat in Mississippi where we shared our passion for horses was the best birthday celebration I have ever had (#68)!

The Gascon Team made sure every detail looked effortless but we know it wasn’t. The “can-do” attitude by each and every team member, including Momma Cindi who fed us three hardy meals a day every day, did not go unnoticed.

No matter how bizarre our requests were - it was done with a smile coupled with an incredible amount of emphasis and hard work focused on our personal learning and confidence building for improving our horsemanship skills.

We were even given access to ride a bunch of famous national championship horses. The non-stop depth and breadth of learning experiences was mind-blowing and so much fun. If you ever find yourself thinking: I sure wish I knew how to: ( fill in the blank of your list here) then sign up for an MG Retreat because by the time you leave you WILL know.

Debbie B.

I had an amazing time at the retreat. The property was perfect for a get away. Secluded yet easy to get to. The rooms (beds) were comfortable, the food was absolutely delicious (Ms. Cindi should publish a cookbook!).

Watching Michael start a few horses in person was remarkable. It never got old to watch him. My biggest takeaway from my experience was confidence. Having my horse in 30 days of training followed by spending the retreat with him gave us a boost that I cannot fully describe.

Applying Michael’s methodologies while receiving encouragement and on-the-spot correction was invaluable. Playing soccer on my “chicken” horse is something I’ll never forget! It's impossible to finish the retreat without having new confidence and horsemanship skills or, at the very least, having had a relaxing yet exciting time!

Rhonda S.

Awesome Retreat!!! Beyond what I expected!!!

Michael gave me the confidence with my horse to try things I never would have tried.

Horse Soccer!! It was so much fun. The staff is wonderful. The food was delicious. I’m planning a trip to go back and bring friends!!

Tammy P.

In all my adult life I’ve wanted to learn to ride without popping up and down in my saddle. I finally settled for posting (not very Western or comfortable).

In TWO DAYS, under MG instruction, I developed an appropriate seat.

My horse and I crossed obstacles, swam in a pond and overcame a spook with a move which would’ve previously left me on the ground. My horses improved, and I feel I deserve to ride them.

Parks W.

It’s hard to be brief when they’re so many wonderful things to say about the entire week. The food, the accommodations, the staff and the exposure to different riding experiences was something I’ve never known on any trip, anywhere.

I’m especially glad I was able to bring my own horses for this trip. There’s so much more I could say but I will stop for now. Thank you for everything. I have the utmost respect for this trainer and his background. Good honest people.

Adrianne L.

Your Questions Answered

Find answers to common questions divided into categories to make it easy for you to find them. Can't find your answer here? Just reach out and my team is happy to help!

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS

The closest is Gulfport, MS (about a 45-minute drive) and the lowest priced tickets are usually for New Orleans, LA (about a 1.5 hour drive).

We highly recommend renting a car. You may be able to get here with Uber for the way here, but there is a very slim chance of Uber getting you back to the airport since our ranch is in the country. You can also contact a limo service in advance in New Orleans which charges $200-300 per way at 504-957-5062.

Our address is 270 H Burge Road, Poplarville, MS 39470 if you would like to enter it into your GPS. We are going to be a big black gate with the Horse Haven sign.

No, we have a huge pasture where you can pull in directly to your parking spot. No backing is necessary!

Everyone can plan to arrive AFTER 5 PM Central Time on the evening before the start of your retreat to get settled in with you and your horse (if you are using one of ours, you will be assigned a horse on Day #1) and depart on the day after your retreat BEFORE 11 AM Central Time.

Unfortunately, no, we do not allow anyone to show up before 5 PM Central Time on the night before your retreat starts or stay any later than 11 AM Central Time the day after. We recommend checking for layover facilities on your way here and planning your trip accordingly.

When you register for a retreat on the events page, you are able to pick your on-site housing option including a Cabin, Hotel Room, or Cowboy Quarter Room. All of the bed options are listed on the rooms available.

There is a room availability map when booking your tickets where you can see which rooms are open and what size beds each has.

The Cabins and Cowboy Quarter rooms have private bathrooms. The Hotel rooms have 2 shared bathrooms.

Yes, you absolutely can. However, the price per participant and auditor is the same. This is also an option if you notice your retreat date that you are interested in is sold out. Please reach out to us and see if there are any hook-up spots available.

AT THE RETREAT

We normally have between 12 - 20 people during our retreats, including participants and auditors. Don’t worry, we make sure everyone gets plenty of time to do and work on all of the sessions!

We don’t have a specific age restriction, but the rider must be old enough to take instruction and have at least basic horse knowledge to use one of our horses or bring their own. All children under 18 must be under the supervision of a parent at all times.

Yes! We have a mix of men and women during our retreats. Some of the men come by themselves, others come with their wives, children, or friends. This is a fun event for everyone to attend!

Participant spots allow you to bring a horse or use one of ours and fully participate in all of the sessions throughout the week. Add-on auditors to your room will allow them to be a spectator for the retreat sessions and cover room & board. Auditors do not get to ride during the event.

Please plan to bring yourself, your horse (if you’re bringing one), a great attitude, and a willingness to learn and try new things.

This retreat is designed to help you create a better bond with your horse, gain more confidence in your/your horse’s abilities, and try things outside of your comfort zone while helping you work through any problems you may be having with your horse. We suggest that you bring anything that you need for your horse (hay and grain, fly spray, etc.).

Your horse will need to be UTD on vaccinations suggested for your region and a current negative Coggins. Shavings will be provided in the all-inclusiveness of the retreat.

For yourself, please bring any medical items, sunscreen, bug spray, or other personal items you may need. Dress in layers!! If you have a special lawn chair or folding chair that you prefer, please feel free to bring that with you for the parts of the day where you are watching me teach and work with other retreat horses.

We will have food and drinks for all parts of your stay here, including three meals and snacks throughout the day.

Once you purchase a retreat ticket, you can list any allergies or dietary restrictions on your registration form so we can accommodate however we need to.

Once you purchase your retreat ticket, you will be emailed a retreat itinerary, ranch map & unloading/check-in details, and more. This also includes your registration form and waivers to be signed digitally.

We have a no photography and no videography rule at our facility. We try to have a photographer throughout the event to take highlight/promo photos and videos that you can have access to, but is not guaranteed. When it’s a professional that we hire in, they usually have a gallery you can purchase pictures from.

After parking your horse trailer, we have you unhook your trailer so you can drive to the on-site accommodations with your bags. After you get settled into your room, everything for the retreat is within a 3-5 minute slow walk (stalls, arenas, etc.) so you can choose to drive back and forth or walk.

There are 2 designated smoking areas down by the hotel. We ask that you only smoke in these two areas. There is NO SMOKING near the barns, arenas, riding areas, or on the trails. 

RETREAT SCHEDULE

We will have a more detailed itinerary included in the welcome gift when you arrive at our location. You can please plan to participate from approximately 9 AM - 5 PM every day of the retreat. There will be a combination of one-on-one training, group training, obstacles, trails, discipline work, and outside clinicians involved in your week with us. It’s going to be action-packed and a guaranteed great time.

DAILY SCHEDULE:
8 AM – Breakfast
9 AM – Start Time
12 PM – Lunch
5 PM – End Time
6 PM – Dinner
Free Time To Mingle After Dinner!!!
*Lunch & Dinner Times May Vary Slightly – We Will Hear The Bell!!!

TUESDAY: Horsemanship
Order Of Go:

1st – Horses Who HAVE NOT Been Worked By Gascon Horsemanship (We Take These Horses Through Our System The First Time For You)

2nd – Horses Who HAVE Been Worked By Gascon Horsemanship (You Will Work These Horses With Our Help

WEDNESDAY: Thunder Dome & Obstacles
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4

THURSDAY: Soccer Game & Sword Fighting
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 1
Afternoon Activity – Trail Ride

FRIDAY: Ride-A-Paso & Tack/Handling Q & A
Afternoon Activity – Liberty & Trick Riding/Roman Riding Demo

SATURDAY: Cattle & Roping
Group 3
Group 4
Group 1
Group 2
Afternoon Activity – Trick Training

Unfortunately, we do not allow anyone to ride around or do anything outside of the group activities. Please do not venture off with your horse on your own or ride around the farm before, during, or after the retreat sessions.

No, this is your vacation! If you want to attend all of the sessions, do it! If you want to sleep in and attend later, that’s perfectly fine.

Yes, the retreat day starts at 9 AM each day, but you can attend when you’re ready if you’d like to sleep in!

ABOUT YOUR HORSE

Yes! If you plan to bring a colt starting horse, there is an added fee for you to be able to use one of our horses while your horse is being worked for the week.

Yes, we can address problem horses that you are already able to ride yourself and work with them throughout the week. If your horse has enough problems or severity of problems that you don’t feel comfortable riding them, we would suggest bringing a different horse, sending your horse for training prior to the retreat, or riding one of ours in order for you to get the most out of the retreat.

Please check out the Horse Training page to get on the waitlist for any open opportunities. This is a great idea if your horse has any problems that you want us to work with before you come for your retreat. You get to spend your retreat week working with your horse and getting all of your questions answered.

No, only one horse is included per participant and NO other animals are allowed at our facility.

are you ready for your fun-filled horse vacation?