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Instructor Pathway

A Clear Path for People Who Want to Teach

Many people love the shooting horse discipline. Many more want to learn about it.
Fewer people know how to teach it safely, clearly, and consistently.

NaSHA’s Instructor Pathway exists to support riders who want to become thoughtful, effective instructors — without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all model or demanding immediate credentials. This pathway exists to help instructors help their students develop speed and precision responsibly — without creating confusion, fear, or breakdown in horses.

This is not a certification program.
It is a development pathway.

Our goal is simple: turn experience into education, and passion into progress.
Why an Instructor Pathway Exists

We regularly receive requests from around the country asking who can help develop shooting horses and riders. The Instructor Pathway exists to support the next generation of instructors, so the growing demand for guidance in the shooting horse discipline can be met responsibly. Teaching the shooting horse discipline is not the same as riding well.

Instructors must be able to:

  • Break skills into teachable steps

  • Communicate clearly under pressure

  • Recognize when a horse or rider is overwhelmed

  • Maintain safety while progress is happening

  • Adapt instruction to different learning styles

Most instructors learn these skills informally — through trial, error, and observation. NaSHA’s Instructor Pathway exists to make that learning process clearer, safer, and more intentional.

Who This Pathway Is For

This pathway is designed for riders interested in teaching clinics or lessons, assistant instructors or mentors, experienced riders transitioning into instruction, and instructors seeking clearer structure and support

It is not limited to a specific discipline background, competition level, or teaching style.

The only requirement is a commitment to responsible horsemanship, clear communication and continuous improvement.

The Instructor Pathway is organized around developmental stages, not approval or permission. Each stage focuses on building the skills required to teach responsibly — at that level.

Interested in becoming a NaSHA instructor or learning more?
Reach out anytime: info@shootinghorse.com
Interested in the Rider Progression? Click Here

How the Instructor Pathway Works

Getting Started

The Instructor Pathway is intentionally accessible. You do not need to apply or qualify to begin learning. The Instructor Pathway is organized around four core areas of teaching development.
Instructors may engage with any area based on experience, goals, and immediate needs. Most instructors start by:

  • Exploring teaching resources

  • Reviewing progression frameworks

  • Observing clinics and lessons

  • Reflecting on their own teaching goals

As interest and involvement grow, additional support becomes available.

What NaSHA Provides

NaSHA supports instructors through structured teaching frameworks, lesson and clinic planning tools, safety guidelines and best practices, progress tracking resources, opportunities for mentorship and discussion and ongoing educational materials.

NaSHA does not dictate:

  • How you must teach

  • Where you may teach

  • Who you may teach

The focus is on support, not control.

A shared arena-side training reference developed by NaSHA and made freely available to support consistent, competitive instruction. Download it below. 

Learn more at info@shootinghorse.com
Access the Arena-Side Training Guide
National Shooting Horse Association

Instructor Pathway 

From Experience to Instruction

Teaching Well Is a Skill — Not a Title - Good instruction develops over time.

NaSHA’s Instructor Pathway exists to support that development by providing structure, clarity, and tools — not by assigning labels or status. Whether you are just beginning to teach or refining an established practice, the goal is the same: clear communication, responsible training, and confident progression. Instructors often begin where they are most active and expand into other focus areas as needed.

MORE MATERIALS COMING SOON!! 

Teaching Foundations

How to structure lessons, communicate clearly, and maintain safety while developing shooting horses and riders.

Supported Instruction

Applying teaching skills in clinics, schools, and lessons while adapting to different horses, riders, and environments.

Performance Development

Helping riders and horses build speed, precision, and consistency under competitive conditions.

Leadership and Mentorship

Supporting other instructors, modeling best practices, and contributing to the growth of the shooting horse discipline.
Rider Progression Join the Alliance