Course 1: Solid Foundation for Horse and Rider

Use the design and function of the horse to create harmony in training horses.

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When you join Course 1 of Vaughn Knudsen's Compass Horse Training Academy online, Course 2 and 3 are included!

This course bundle will get you started on your journey to better horsemanship and gaining a better understanding of your horse.

Course 1 - Solid Foundation for both Horse and Rider

Covers material on how a horse thinks and learns, and then using the flag and the rope to establish a solid foundation in a horse or using the same concepts to restart a horse who needs help. Plus, some background on Vaughn Knudsen.

Course 2 - Fundamental Training Concepts for all Maneuvers

is filled with great information and concepts which will be the building blocks from which we will create more finished maneuvers. These include:

  • How to tell if your horse is safe and ready to ride
  • Developing feel in the horse and rider
  • Creating a Connection through the whole horse from the ground and then translating that into a Connection through the whole horse with the rider in the saddle.
  • Hand and Leg positions for clear communication with your horse
  • How to use spurs correctly and never create resentment in the horse
  • Techniques for focusing your horse mentally on the task at hand while creating a willing attitude
  • Sidepassing, Backing and Lead Departures in balance
  • Locking in circles on a loose rein
  • and more...

Course 3 - Intermediate to Advanced - Building more finished maneuvers

Now that you have developed so many tools in your horse training toolbox, this course will teach you to use those concepts to build more finished maneuvers.

From flying lead changes to spins and sliding stops, the concepts in this section will take you to the next level of training and connecting with your horse.

The methods and concepts used in this course help develop a deeper understanding of the horse and how we can connect with them to accomplish more finished maneuvers without using fear or intimidation.

This section includes:

Four lessons on building balanced Spins

  • J- Walking
  • Building a Sliding Stop
  • Fencing for better stops
  • Counter Canter
  • Flying Lead Changes
  • Sidepassing the Square
  • Four lessons on building balanced Spins
  • and more...

Don't miss the fun stories told by Vaughn and illustrated by Kim at the bottom of the page on each lesson!

This is one of the most powerful and influential statements that I have ever heard: In order to be understood, first we must understand.

And believe me I've heard and read a lot of motivational and positive statements. But I know that one of the most important things about being a horse trainer is learning how to live in the horse’s world. I know that if we want the horse to understand us, first it is our obligation to know exactly what makes the horse tick and function. We must live in the horse’s world rather than insisting that they live in ours.

We don't travel to Spain and expect everyone to speak our language. Instead, in order to have a good experience in that country, we learn to understand their language.

2 for 1 Special Value! You get Course Levels One and Two as a package for the same price!

Vaughn Knudsen's

Compass Horsemanship Academy

This method of horsemanship is for those who are seeking a deeper understanding. For those who want a deeper connection with their horse. I have spent a lifetime learning from the best horsemen in the world, and also from the best teacher of horsemanship - the horse.

The training methods offered in the Compass Horsemanship Academy courses work by design. Each training concept works with the way a horse is designed physically as well as the way the horse is designed mentally and emotionally.

The methods are different than those offered by the majority of the horse training world. This is because the concepts teach us to communicate with the horse in his world rather that expecting him to understand the human world.

I do not offer any horse training methods to you which will not stand the test of time.

I am excited to work with you and your horse on your journey towards greater understanding and better horsemanship!

-Vaughn Knudsen


Your Instructor


Vaughn Knudsen
Vaughn Knudsen

Vaughn Knudsen grew up in the Elko, Nevada area on his Father’s working cattle and horse ranch.

Vaughn rode and trained horses for many years with Tom and Jim Dorrance where he gained a strong foundation for his horse training.

Born with a passion to try to understand what makes a horse tick, Vaughn has spent the past 40 years of his life in search of those answers.

He has trained and shown horses in the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Paint Horse Association for over 30 years. Vaughn was responsible for the training and showing of 15 horses to their APHA and AQHA Championships. Vaughn has also trained and shown horses to earn World and Reserve World Titles as well as money won at major NRHA Competitions.

Vaughn has learned and refined horse training concepts which he has taught at major Universities, symposiums, workshops and clinics. Vaughn has taught these concepts at the University of Wisconsin, Morrisville College in upstate New York, Utah State University, University of Minnesota and others. With 40,000 people in attendance, Knudsen was the keynote speaker at the Minnesota Horse Expo. He has taught numerous private clinics across the country.

In his workshops, Vaughn teaches how to reorganize the energy balance within the horse, how to develop a deep inner connection with the horse and changing fear to curiosity, along with how to lock in a spin, build a sliding stop, lead changes, and loping round circles on a loose rein.

Vaughn Knudsen has published horse training videos, written a book, offers an online horsemanship academy, and has developed and patented new horse training products. Included in these products are the Compass Bit and the Compass Horse Connector horse training machine.


Courses Included with Purchase



Course 2: Clear Communication, Building Blocks, and training for maneuvers
Course teaches training concepts that build all maneuvers in harmony with the horse's design
Vaughn Knudsen
Course 3: Advanced maneuvers- Sliding stops, Flying Lead Changes and Spins
Intermediate to Advanced level will teach you to use Concepts that build more finished maneuvers.
Vaughn Knudsen
$105

Original Price: $105


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!