Horse Training
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Breaking Up Pace Using The Respect Series with Smokey Day 2
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...
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Working Through Extreme Obstacles With Nakaia Day 2
On day two of her training, Nakaia faced a series of extreme obstacles designed to build her confidence and trust. From rope handling and pressure release...
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Thunder Dome
The Thunderdome is a high-energy, controlled chaos training method designed to help horses and riders thrive in unpredictable situations. By exposing horses to distractions like flying soccer balls, pool noodles,...
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Working Through Extreme Obstacles With Nakaia Day 1
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...
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Garrocha Stick / Pole Part 1
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...
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How To Throw A Houlihan
The Houlihan is a unique roping technique that allows riders to reverse their swing and rope from the opposite side of their horse. Popular in rodeo and ranch work, it’s...
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How To Make Any Horse An Obstacle Horse
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...
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Do's And Don'ts of Preschool
Preschool is the crucial first step in colt starting, where a horse’s respect, responsiveness, and mindset are evaluated before any saddle work begins. In this phase, Michael Gascon uses free...
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Do's And Don'ts Of 11th Grade - Push Obstacles
Mastering 11th grade "push obstacles" is all about building confidence, control, and clear communication with your horse. In this stage, you'll learn how to guide your horse through fear of...
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Rail Road Step Over On A Green Horse
Training a green horse to navigate finesse obstacles like the railroad step over builds confidence, precision, and trail-readiness. Unlike push obstacles, these require a horse to slow down and think...
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Stairs And Bridge On A Green Horse
Introducing stairs and bridges to a green horse can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, it’s a rewarding experience for both rider and horse. Michael Gascon emphasizes the...
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Cowboy Curtain On A Green Horse
Introducing a green horse to the cowboy curtain is a powerful way to build confidence and control through thoughtful redirection. In this lesson with Thunder, we transition from round pen...