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Michael Gascon emphasizes that every impressive thing a horse does—whether it’s liberty work, trail obstacles, or advanced maneuvers—starts with respect. A horse that gives you their undivided attention is doing so because you’ve earned it through consistent communication and leadership.
“Every amazing thing that you see a horse doing for a person starts on the basis of respect. That’s why we’re starting with the Respect Series.”
This is why Kindergarten is critical. It’s where horses learn to yield space, move their feet, and respond to pressure—skills that shape their behavior in the saddle and on the ground.
When the Horse Won’t Move: What to Do
Sometimes, a horse refuses to back up or move away from pressure. So how do you know when to switch approaches?
Gascon shares a layered strategy:
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Start with the lead rope—light pressure and release.
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Get bigger—a pop on the halter, a tap with your palm if needed.
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Use creative pressure—like disengagement or long-lining from behind.
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Never give up on the step backward—that first yield is the breakthrough.
“Getting them to back up one way or another is the beginning of a healthy relationship.”
According to Gascon, some of the most dangerous horses he's worked with had never been made to take that crucial first step back. That backward movement shifts the power dynamic and establishes your leadership.
Real-World Example: The Mustang Named Nicola
In his Bad Horse Challenge, Gascon put his method to the test with a mustang mare named Nicola. This wild, reactive horse had already been through two trainers and came with dangerous behaviors: bucking, throwing herself, and resisting everything.
“She didn’t pass Kindergarten. You couldn’t convince her to back up. You had to get big in front of her.”
This case showed how important early groundwork is. If Kindergarten had been solid, those dangerous habits likely wouldn’t have developed.
What Is “Passing” in Kindergarten?
Respect isn’t about just checking boxes. Gascon explains that every horse has to back up—but how they do it is what matters. He pushes each horse just past their comfort zone to evaluate their true mindset.
“If your horse is passing with a D today, tomorrow we look for a C. Then a B. We’re always pushing just a little outside their comfort zone.”
The goal isn't perfection—it's effort. A horse that’s relaxed and going through the motions isn’t learning. The goal is to challenge them enough to grow without overwhelming them.
Creating a Forgiving Horse: Don’t Train for Perfection Alone
A common mistake good horsemen make, says Gascon, is riding perfectly all the time. That sounds ideal—but it actually creates a horse that can’t handle mistakes, pressure, or change.
“It makes for a very unforgiving horse… the second someone loses balance, the horse can’t deal.”
Instead, train your horse to be resilient. Let them get used to distractions, imperfect cues, and surprises. Life isn’t perfect, and neither is riding.
Should You Use a Flag or Carrot Stick?
When asked if using a flag or stick to back up a horse is acceptable, Gascon says yes—but only temporarily.
“If you need help, use the tool. But very quickly, like a crutch, wean yourself off of it.”
The goal is always to communicate with your body and presence alone. But if you need a crop or flag to get the horse moving initially, it’s okay—as long as it’s not a permanent dependency.
What If My Horse Is Scared of Tarps?
If your horse hesitates to cross tarps on the way into the round pen, don’t make tarps the obstacle in Preschool. Move them aside, get the horse into the pen, and work on desensitizing them afterward.
“The whole point of this groundwork is that before we even get on, they’re right here—‘Yes sir, yes ma’am’ to me.”
Rather than working horses only in perfect conditions, Gascon believes in using shenanigans, distractions, and pressure from the start. That way, the horse learns to stay focused on the rider, no matter what’s going on.
Final Thoughts: Who Are You Really Riding?
The biggest takeaway from this session? Groundwork shows you the real horse—especially under pressure. When you challenge a horse slightly beyond their comfort zone, you reveal how they’ll behave when things go wrong.
“This groundwork is to see who you’re really riding. Not who they are when things are perfect—but who they are when they’re uncomfortable.”
By mastering Kindergarten, you lay the foundation for a confident, respectful, and safe horse. And that makes every next step—from trail rides to liberty work—not just possible, but powerful.
