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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...