When your horse fails "first grade" training, it’s not a failure—it’s a chance to adapt your approach. In this session, Michael Gascon works with Smokey, a stiff and resistant horse,...

Did you know a breeching can help your gaited horse move with better collection and balance? In this post, Michael Gascon explains how this traditional mule tack, when fitted correctly,...

In this session from Michael Gascon’s Respect Series with Monty, we dive into the step-by-step process of teaching horses to back and side pass with softness and precision. Through consistent...

In this Day 1 training session with Nakaia, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to turn fear into focus by building respect through foundational groundwork and clear communication. By reinforcing softness in...

In this training session with Belle, a tense Standardbred pacer, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to transform stiffness and anxiety into softness and gait. By focusing on poll flexion, timing, and...

Preparing your horse for garrocha stick work starts with building trust and confidence using a simple tarp. In this foundational lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to desensitize your horse by...

Grooming your horse isn’t just about appearance — it’s a key part of training, bonding, and long-term coat health. In this guide, Michael Gascon walks you through how to achieve...

Struggling with a hot or sensitive horse that just won’t walk? The spiral exercise, taught by horse trainer Michael Gascon, offers a calm, effective way to redirect excess energy without...

In this advanced horsemanship Q\&A, Michael Gascon breaks down the essential techniques for teaching horses to disengage their shoulders—a key 10th-grade skill. Using a combination of groundwork and saddle work,...

Want to make your horse calm, confident, and obstacle-ready? The key is patience training through daily tying routines and environmental exposure. In this blog post, Michael Gascon shares simple yet...

Proper halter fit is essential for safe and effective horse training, and in this post, Michael Gascon walks you through how to fit a natural horsemanship rope halter using his...

Building respect through groundwork is the foundation of every great horse-human partnership. In this Kindergarten Q\&A, Michael Gascon explains why backing up, handling pressure, and working just outside the horse’s...