Phil Monaghan and his partner Tania Kraus have developed a unique training system in Cowboy Dressage known as the "way of the horse." Phil's passion for horse training began during his childhood, where he participated in pony clubs and stockman challenges. He constantly sought out new and better ways of training his horse, leading him to learn from old-school masters, horsemen, and trainers from past and present.

As a level 3 clinician educator with the Cowboy Dressage Professionals Association, Phil continues to learn and develop his skills by traveling to the USA at least once a year to ride and train with Eitan Beth Halachemy, the founder of Cowboy Dressage. Phil also studied Doma Vaquera, a Spanish equestrian discipline that emphasizes the horse's natural movements and balance and the rider's relationship with the horse. He introduced Working Equitation to his training program, which combines elements of classical dressage and show jumping with practical skills used in working with livestock and on the farm.

While both Cowboy Dressage and English Dressage focus on developing the horse's obedience, flexibility, and balance through predetermined movements, they differ in their approach. English Dressage is characterized by a formal, structured style that emphasizes elegance, grace, and movement, while Cowboy Dressage combines traditional dressage principles with practical techniques used by working equestrians, prioritizing a strong partnership between horse and rider.

Phil's clinics cover all disciplines, including laterals and high-level maneuvers, such as finesse, needed to reach top performance goals. In addition to his specialties, such as Doma Vaquero, Cowboy Dressage, and Working Equitation, Phil also incorporates Garocha, a form of art in Spanish bullfighter training, into his training program.