Known for his passion and common-sense training style, Tommy is happy to once again be available to train horses for the general public. Having ridden everything from saddle broncs, bareback horses, and bulls in his home state of Texas to fox hunters from Alabama to Maryland and everything in between, Tommy’s career spans decades. He has developed a reputation for his exceptional understanding of equine behavior and for delivering horses with solid foundations.

“Growing up, my mom was a trainer, and there were always horses around. I thought everyone had horses and I didn’t always take it seriously. I wasn’t considering a career in horses, but then I saw “The Palo Alto Project,” a documentary about polo, and it stirred something profound in me. Even then, I didn’t realize where horses would take me.”

Tommy is dedicated to building a solid foundation of trust, respect, work ethic, and confidence in horses, whether young and new to work or simply new to you. Though Tommy has an affinity for young horses, he has, over the years, also developed methods to refine and work with older horses and their new owners to create a harmonic relationship between them. Whatever your goal with your horse, Tommy’s ambition is to aid you in making it the best partnership possible.  

Tommy blends traditional methods from a variety of disciplines that are tried and true, as well as the ever-evolving, modern training modalities available to create an uncomplicated equine partner. “Back to basics” is Tommy’s motto. “Only once you’ve shored up the basics and filled in any holes should a horse move forward in its training. And that’s a permanent quest – to keep rider and horse moving forward.”

Don’t let the hat and boots fool you. According to Tommy, “It doesn’t matter the hat on your head, the boots you wear, or the saddle you ride." To him, it’s all about versatility. You may find him enthusiastically galloping behind a pack of foxhounds, getting his legs sore in the cutting ring, or flying over a triple bar in a sand arena. Whether roping off a head horse or training horses for a chase, Tommy’s love of the performance of horses shines through, igniting a similar passion in those around him.

Tommy Gesell’s unwavering commitment to excellence in training and his comprehensive advisory services make him a trusted asset to the equestrian industry. His blend of practical experience, active pursuit of continuing education, and passion ensures that both horses and their owners receive the highest level of care and guidance.