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...

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...

Training a hot horse to spin isn’t about wearing them out—it’s about engaging their mind. In this session, Michael Gascon works with Clark Gable, a high-RPM Paso Fino stallion, to...

Struggling with a stiff or distracted horse under saddle? In this 9th Grade Q\&A session, horse trainer Michael Gascon shares practical tips for improving flexing in motion, softening resistance, and...

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,...

Disengaging the shoulders from the ground is a key step in developing full-body control and respect in your horse. In this 10th-grade lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to use forward...

Learning to manage your reins and rope at the same time is key to successful roping from horseback. In this blog post, Michael Gascon, the Horse Guru, breaks down how...

In this training session, Michael Gascon works with Smokey, a naturally pacey gaited horse, using his foundational Respect Series to improve softness, control, and gait. By focusing on groundwork, stop-and-backup...

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,...

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...