NaSHA's Lesson Levels

A Clear Lesson Path Within the Shooting Horse Discipline for Rider Progression

Self-paced progression framework — ideal for weekly training and structured learning with or without an instructor. NaSHA’s Lesson Levels for riders provide a clear, practical framework for developing skills within the shooting horse discipline—from foundational training through competitive performance. They are not a ranking system or certification, but a shared roadmap that helps riders understand what to work on next and when it is appropriate to progress. These frameworks are part of the National Shooting Horse Association standard approach to horse-first education and are published as part of the NaSHA Standards & Safety Framework.

Lesson Levels are designed for use by both instructors and independent riders, offering guidance for those training on their own as well as those working within lesson programs. They are designed to give day-to-day guidance for structured horse training.

Lesson Levels are designed to be used in conjunction with the NaSHA Shooting Horse Foundation Training Manual, which provides detailed guidance on gun-breaking principles, progression, and safety standards. The training manual and additional Rider Progression practice tools are available with NaSHA membership or Shooting Horse School attendance.
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National Shooting Horse Association

Lesson Levels

NaSHA uses a color-based system to make lesson progression easy to understand and easy to communicate. These levels are meant to help riders understand where they are in their shooting horse journey, and to give instructors a simple roadmap for providing clear, immediate feedback. The colors show your place in the training process, with GREEN meaning you’re ready to start competing. In addition to Lesson Levels, NaSHA offers a Rider Progression Toolkit to support ongoing development, available with membership or Shooting Horse School attendance.
Please click on the lesson level titles for FREE downloadable instructor/rider progress guides & checklists!

NaSHA's Lesson Levels
  • White - Foundation

    Control, communication, calm introduction
    A rider is typically ready to move beyond White Level when they can demonstrate:
    ☐ Consistent steering and stopping at the walk and trot
    ☐ Ability to maintain rhythm without rushing
    ☐ Understanding of pressure and release timing
    ☐ Calm exposure to equipment and noise
    ☐ Ability to regain focus after small mistakes or sound exposure
    ☐ Horse remains relaxed and willing throughout sessions
    Horse and rider can work calmly and predictably in a structured environment.

  • Blue - Preparation

    Consistency and Preparation
    Blue Level focuses on repeatability. Riders begin linking skills together and preparing horses for more intentional work.
    A rider is generally ready to progress beyond Blue Level when the following are consistently demonstrated:
    ☐ Balanced, controlled lope in both directions
    ☐ Predictable transitions without loss of rhythm
    ☐ Intentional lines through basic patterns
    ☐ Accurate single-gun shooting exercises
    ☐ Rider can correct errors without escalating pressure
    ☐ Horse maintains confidence through repetition
    Blue Level sets the stage for increasing speed without sacrificing accuracy or confidence.

  • Green - Performance

    Speed with Accuracy
    Green Level introduces speed as a performance variable. Accuracy, decision-making, and composure become critical
    A rider is generally ready to progress beyond Green Level when the following are consistently demonstrated:
    ☐ Accuracy remains consistent as speed increases
    ☐ Turns are smooth and efficient
    ☐ Multiple exercises can be linked together
    ☐ Rider makes independent decisions during runs
    ☐ Mistakes are corrected without loss of composure
    ☐ Horse remains forward, responsive, and confident
    Green Level prepares horse and rider for true competitive environments.

  • Red - Precision

    Precision Under Pressure
    Red Level is about tightening margins. Riders refine efficiency, timing, and accuracy under increasing pressure.
    A rider is generally ready to progress beyond Red Level when the following are consistently demonstrated:
    ☐ Consistent accuracy under time pressure
    ☐ Communication becomes subtle and efficient
    ☐ Maintained cadence through complex patterns
    ☐ Strategic decision-making during runs
    ☐ Performance is repeatable across sessions
    ☐ Horse remains sound, focused, and willing
    Red Level supports consistent competitive performance across events and conditions.

  • Black - Mastery

    Strategy, Execution, Leadership
    Black Level represents advanced competitive performance and thoughtful horsemanship over time.
    A rider performing at Black Level demonstrates:
    ☐ High-level precision at competitive speed
    ☐ Ability to adapt to varied arenas and conditions
    ☐ Strategic pattern execution
    ☐ Consistency across multiple events
    ☐ Leadership through example in training and competition
    ☐ Strong focus on horse longevity and management
    Black Level reflects mastery, responsibility, and leadership within the shooting horse discipline.
Download Instructors Guide Here!
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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

Lesson Level FAQ's

What are lesson levels used for? 

Lesson Levels are designed to help riders track their own progress as they train their shooting horses, and to give instructors a clear roadmap for providing timely, meaningful feedback to students. The color-based levels show where you are in the training process, with GREEN indicating readiness to begin competition.

Are lesson levels required to compete or attend schools or clinics? 

No. Lesson Levels are used only within lessons and ongoing training. They are evaluated over time and are not evaluated or assigned during clinics or schools, which are intended for learning and exposure—not progression assessment.

Can I use lesson levels if I'm not an instructor? 

Lesson Levels were created to give riders a clear place to start—whether or not they’ve ever given formal lessons. They’re just as useful for small groups, clubs, or a few friends training together, providing a shared framework to guide weekly rides, set goals, and help each other progress.

Our long-term goal is to support more capable riders as they grow into instructors over time, strengthening the sport by making good training practices easier to share.

Do Lesson Levels have to be followed in a strict or formal way?

Nope. Lesson Levels are meant to be flexible and practical, not rigid or prescriptive. They can be used in formal lessons, informal group rides, club settings, or individual training—whatever makes sense for the riders and horses involved. The goal is to provide a shared language and clear reference points, not to force a one-size-fits-all approach.
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