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 blowups in horses.

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. NaSHA’s Instructor Pathway is designed to support capable riders who want to teach responsibly — not replace experienced trainers or create certification requirements.

Interested in becoming a NaSHA instructor or learning more?
Reach out anytime: info@shootinghorse.com

Interested in the Rider Progression? Click Here

Lessons

National Shooting Horse Association

How do I become a NaSHA Instructor?

Getting Started

There is no formal certification or required process. Getting started is simple: join NaSHA, share a bit about your background and where you’re teaching, and use any of the available resources you'd like—such as the training manual, rider progression toolkit and lesson frameworks—to support your instruction. Instructors who join and wish to can be listed on our website so riders can find and connect with them. Members may submit training videos for review at no charge when they’re working through specific questions or challenges. This gives you access to a different set of experienced eyes. While many riders already have trusted people they consult, NaSHA offers an additional, highly experienced group of horsemen who provide thoughtful, horse-first feedback and perspective. Collaboration guides everything we do, because when knowledge is shared, the horse wins—and so do their people.

We've got a lot of materials published, and many more in the works. We built what we wish we'd had. Let us know what you need and want!

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

National Shooting Horse Association

Shooting Horse Training Manual

The first and only horse-first training manual written specifically for the shooting horse discipline.

This step-by-step framework is designed to help riders build confident, competitive shooting horses — and avoid the common mistakes that derail good horses before they ever reach the arena.

Public Preview (Free): Download a short excerpt to see the tone, framework, and weekly practice template.

Full Manual: Digital book included with NaSHA membership or Shooting Horse School registration (option to purchase hard copy)

Preview Manual

Join NaSHA

NaSHA's Arena Side Training Guide

A practical, arena-ready reference developed by NaSHA to support competitive shooting horse training. This guide reflects NaSHA’s Rider Progression framework and competitive training philosophy. It was developed as a working arena reference for riders and instructors and is shared freely to support clarity, consistency, and long-term success in the sport.

No sign-up required. No strings attached. Use it, share it, and put it to work.

Download Arena Side Training Guide

Instructor Pathway FAQ's

We know, it's a new weird thing and you're wondering what the hay it's about...if we don't answer that below, reach out.

How do I become a NaSHA Instructor?

There is no formal certification or required process. Getting started is simple: join NaSHA, share a bit about your background and where you’re teaching, and use the available resources—such as the training manual and lesson frameworks—to support your instruction. Instructors who join and wish to can be listed on our website so riders can find and connect with them.

Who is the Instructor Pathway for?

The Instructor Pathway is designed for riders with horse training and mounted shooting experience who want to teach—whether formally, informally, or within a club or small group. It’s especially helpful for riders who haven’t taught before but want a clear place to start.

Do I have to follow NaSHA's training manual or tools exactly?

Nope. The manual and tools are resources, not mandates. They provide a shared foundation while respecting individual experience, training styles, and professional judgment.

What's the goal of this? Why do you have an Instructor Pathway?

The goal is to encourage more capable, thoughtful riders to step into teaching roles over time, expand access to instruction, support shooting horse training the right way without itimidating potential competitors, and help grow the sport in a sustainable way.