Starting a green gaited horse is all about balance—teaching them when to use their energy and when to relax. In this session, Michael Gascon works with Bambi, a young Paso...

Flexing is more than a simple groundwork exercise—it helps create the steering wheel you need for safer, clearer communication with your horse. In this fifth-grade Q&A, you’ll learn how far...

A solid bridle can help a properly prepared gaited horse develop more unified one-handed control and a steadier feel in the contact. Unlike a jointed snaffle, a solid mouthpiece provides...

The Thunderdome is a controlled horse training environment designed to prepare horses and riders for unexpected movement, distractions, and pressure. Through obstacle work, group riding, games, and changes of direction,...

Disengaging your horse’s shoulders is an important groundwork exercise that builds better control, communication, and responsiveness. The key is to maintain forward motion, keep a soft bend, and apply clear...

Disengaging your horse’s hindquarters teaches them to move the hind end away from pressure while keeping their head connected to you. By starting with light cues, increasing pressure only as...

Breaking up pace in a gaited horse starts with more than asking for a smoother gait. During Smokey’s first day in the Respect Series, the focus was on helping him...

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...

The Turn and Burn exercise is a key drill for improving your horse's spins, focusing on pivoting on the correct foot for smoother, more controlled movements. This technique helps the...

Flexing in motion is a crucial skill for developing softness, responsiveness, and control in your horse. Instead of attempting to flex both sides at once, it's best to start by...

Negative horse behaviors on the trail, such as biting, kicking, or being buddy sour, are not the real problem—they're symptoms of a deeper issue: lack of respect and attention. Instead...

Working through resistance on obstacles and side passing is all about timing, consistency, and clear communication. In this session with Red, the focus was on building respect on...