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Horse training success doesn’t start in the saddle—it begins on the ground. In this 1st Grade Q & A session, Michael Gascon (“The Horse Guru”) breaks down what it takes to get a horse soft, responsive, and respectful before ever moving on to more advanced work. This foundation is the root of his training through the grades program, and it ensures your horse can be safe, willing, and enjoyable no matter where you ride.
Shutting Down vs. Freezing Up: What’s the Difference?
One of the first questions asked was about horses shutting down. Many riders mistake a horse that freezes or trembles as one that has “given up.”
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Shutting down: The horse locks its feet, holds tension, and then may suddenly explode.
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Freezing up: The horse hesitates or gets mentally stuck but can be guided through with leadership.
Gascon emphasizes that horses in training aren’t in physical danger—these are mental hurdles, not life-or-death situations. By guiding the horse through resistance, you build their confidence to handle the “real world” outside the round pen.
Protecting Your Space: Teaching Horses to Respect Boundaries
A major part of 1st Grade groundwork is protecting your personal space. Horses naturally push with their shoulders, like a football player. To prevent that:
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Keep your lead hand between you and the horse.
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Use the lead rope as if it were reins, so the horse begins to feel familiar cues.
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If the horse drifts into your space, block with your hand or pop the shoulder out.
This establishes a “bubble” of respect while teaching steering and control—critical skills before you ever swing a leg over.
The Steering Wheel Test: Control the Head, Control the Horse
Gascon explains it simply: “Control the head, control the horse.”
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If you can guide the horse’s head, you can move its hindquarters.
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Crossing the hind legs is the key to shutting down bucking, bolting, or rearing.
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First grade isn’t about lunging—it’s about proving your horse has a steering wheel.
Unlike traditional lunging, where the horse just runs circles, this system teaches attention, softness, and obedience.
Motion Over Maneuver: Getting Forward Movement
When horses resist moving or try to side-pass into the handler, the answer is motion first, maneuver second.
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Ask the horse to move off with energy.
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If they ignore, increase pressure with the lead rope like a buzzsaw motion until they step away.
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The instant they move, release pressure.
This clear pressure-and-release system builds a responsive horse without confusion.
Walking, Not Rushing: Speed Control From the Ground
Another common challenge is horses wanting to trot or canter during groundwork. Gascon stresses the importance of speed control:
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Focus on the horse’s face, not the hindquarters.
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Slow your body language to bring the horse back to a walk.
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Use small circles and gentle bends to quiet excess energy.
If you can’t regulate speed on the ground, you won’t be able to under saddle.
Passing 1st Grade: What Does Success Look Like?
The bare minimum to pass first grade is simple:
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The horse can move its feet when asked.
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The horse looks at you with its nose pointed in your direction.
If your horse drags you around, ignores your cues, or looks everywhere except at you, it hasn’t passed. As Gascon reminds, “If it’s broken on the ground, it’ll be broken in the saddle.”
Working With Special Cases: Pushy or Blind Horses
Even horses with unique challenges, like blindness in one eye, need the same training principles. The key is not to treat them “special,” but to:
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Clearly define your space.
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Flex both directions, even on the blind side.
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Build softness in the head so you always have steering control.
Respect Comes First: Why Kindergarten and 1st Grade Matter Most
Gascon compares the program to military boot camp: respect and clarity are established from the very beginning. Horses, like people, thrive on knowing exactly what is expected of them.
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Kindergarten builds brakes and teaches backing for respect.
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First grade ensures steering control and attention.
Together, they form the foundation for safe, willing partnership.
Good Cop, Bad Cop: Balancing Kindness and Leadership
Love, cookies, and affection are valuable, but they’re only half the equation. True horsemanship means balancing kindness with firmness:
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Ask softly first.
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Apply pressure only if the horse ignores.
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Release immediately when the horse tries.
This balance creates a horse that both respects and trusts you.
Key Takeaways From 1st Grade Q & A
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Shutting down isn’t giving up—it’s resistance that can be worked through.
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Protecting your space is non-negotiable for safety.
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The steering wheel test (head control) is the foundation for all future work.
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Motion over maneuver: get the feet moving before fine-tuning.
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Passing 1st Grade means softness, attention, and willingness on the ground.
Final Thoughts
The 1st Grade groundwork program is about building respect, attention, and softness before progressing. If your horse doesn’t pass 1st grade, they aren’t ready for more advanced training. By establishing clear boundaries, leadership, and communication on the ground, you set your horse up for success everywhere—from the round pen to the trail.
