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If you're struggling with an anxious, distracted, or disrespectful horse, chances are the foundation is missing. That’s where “First Grade” training comes in—Michael Gascon’s method for building undivided attention in groundwork. This isn't traditional lunging. It's about developing focus, softness, and body control—without exhausting your horse.
In this blog, you'll learn the do's and don'ts of First Grade groundwork, how to gain and maintain your horse’s attention, and why this step is critical for safe, successful riding.
What Is First Grade in Horse Training?
First Grade is the next step after Kindergarten groundwork, where your horse learns to respect your space or “bubble.” In First Grade, the goal is to have your horse:
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Move around your bubble at a calm walk
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Maintain eye contact and mental focus
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Mirror your body language
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Respond to subtle lead rope cues
This style of lunging focuses on connection, not chaos—the foundation for every good horse-human relationship.
Proper Hand Position: Lead vs. Rear
A key element of Michael Gascon’s method is how you hold your lead rope. When sending your horse to the left:
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Lead hand (with coils): Left hand
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Rear hand (with popper or rope tail): Right hand
When going right, switch hands. This posture instantly tells your horse the direction and gives you precise control over energy and body language.
The Do’s of First Grade Groundwork
✅ 1. Stand Directly in Front of Your Horse
Don’t “cheat” by walking around the shoulder. Instead, stand squarely in front of the horse and:
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Point your lead hand in the desired direction
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Add energy by swinging your rear hand’s popper toward the shoulder
This helps the horse respect your body language and keep their focus where it belongs—on you.
✅ 2. Watch Their Eye, Not Their Butt
To ensure your horse is paying attention:
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Look directly at their face
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Adjust based on whether they are looking at you or distracted
By watching the eye, you know exactly how mentally “present” your horse is.
✅ 3. Stay Close—Not 25 Feet Away
Forget lunging on long lines. First Grade happens inside your horse’s personal space. This closeness:
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Builds trust
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Tests softness and respect
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Prepares your horse for the feel of a rider nearby
Distance doesn't teach respect—presence does.
The Don’ts of First Grade Training
❌ 1. Don’t Run the Horse to Get Results
You're not trying to tire the horse out. The goal is a calm, thinking walk—not mindless movement.
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Avoid fast circles or trotting
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Don’t escalate energy unless necessary
❌ 2. Don’t Ignore Disrespectful Behavior
If your horse isn’t looking at you, they aren’t listening. A distracted horse can be dangerous. Redirect their attention the moment they:
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Look away
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Drift mentally or physically
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Ignore your cue
❌ 3. Don’t Stay on the “Correct Side” Just Because Books Say So
Sometimes, being on the “wrong” side of the horse can reveal whether they truly respect your leadership. A respectful horse will still move off correctly—even if you’re not in the textbook position.
Bonus: “Extra Credit” for Shoulder and Hip Control
Once you’ve got your horse circling with undivided attention, take it up a notch:
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Step into the shoulder to influence forward movement
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Step toward the hindquarters to disengage or redirect
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Add energy only as needed to encourage responsiveness
This teaches your horse to yield both ends of their body—critical for advanced groundwork and under-saddle work.
Real-World Example: Miss America the Hot Horse
Michael works with top-level gaited show horses like Miss America—a mare known for her fiery spirit. Through undivided attention training, she becomes soft, focused, and responsive without ever needing to be worn out.
🔥 “No matter how fast she goes, I can control her face. That keeps her calm—and me safe.” — Michael Gascon
Safety Tip: Respect and Attention Prevent Injury
Most accidents happen on trained horses, not wild ones. Why?
Because riders trust a trained horse that isn’t paying attention. With First Grade groundwork, you teach the horse that:
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Your body language matters
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Disrespect has consequences
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Attention keeps everyone safe
Final Thoughts: Why Undivided Attention Is the Foundation of Everything
Whether you're riding trails, showing in the arena, or working cattle—your horse must be mentally connected to you. First Grade training develops:
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Respect
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Focus
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Emotional control
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Safety on the ground and under saddle
