Flexing is one of the most important foundations in horse training because it gives you a steering wheel before you ever ride off. By teaching your horse to soften and...

Desensitizing your horse while standing still is only half the battle—the real challenge is keeping their focus and respect in motion. In 3rd Grade Horsemanship, desensitizing exercises test whether your...

Graduating from kindergarten to first grade in horse training is all about teaching your horse undivided attention. Instead of lunging for exercise, you’ll learn how to...

Respect is the foundation of every successful partnership between horse and rider, and it starts in the kindergarten stage of training. By teaching your horse to stay out...

Starting horse training doesn’t begin in the saddle—it begins on the ground with clear communication and respect. In this Pre-School Q & A, Michael Gascon explains...

Breaking up pace in gaited horses starts with one simple foundation: control of the head. In this session from Michael Gascon’s Respect Series with Smokey – Day 2, we see...

Horses, like children, can throw temper tantrums when they’re frustrated, confused, or testing boundaries. Bucking, rearing, or refusing cues often point to gaps in training and a lack of respect...

In this 5th Grade Q\&A session from the Horse Help Challenge, we dive into advancing your horse’s training through groundwork, flexing, and tie time—without ever stepping in the saddle. Learn...

Disengaging the hindquarters is a key safety and control skill every horse trainer should master. In this 8th-grade horsemanship lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to teach a horse to move...

In this 6th Grade Q&A clinic, horse trainer Michael Gascon answers real questions about stopping techniques, turning on green horses, halter fit, and riding bitless. He shares practical tips to...

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,...

First Grade training, as taught by Michael Gascon, focuses on developing undivided attention and respect through intentional groundwork—not traditional lunging. By using proper hand positions, close proximity, and clear body...