NaSHA's Rider Progression

Everything we teach begins here. This framework shows how riders and horses progress toward competitive readiness. It is not a ranking system or a certification. It is a map.

The Four C’s — Cadence. Confidence. Collection. Control.
More than philosophy — they’re the structure behind every NaSHA clinic.
Each level of our curriculum builds on them, from the rider learning to draw a single gun and fire with rhythm and control from his horse, to the shooting horse teams refining precision to get to the highest level. 

This is where our standard begins. And where every great Shooting Horse does, too. Every Shooting Horse, every rider, and every run uses these principles — rhythm, trust, balance, and communication. The rider progression exists to preserve that truth, giving riders and horses a shared foundation to grow from. 

Together, these aren’t steps — they’re the measure of excellence in our sport. Every great Shooting Horse honors them. Every rider pursues them.
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Rider Progression

A Clear Path for Riders and Shooting Horses

The shooting horse discipline is not a collection of tricks.
It is a progression of skills built intentionally over time — for both horse and rider. NaSHA’s Shooting Horse Standard exists to make that progression clear. Rather than asking riders to guess when they are “ready,” this framework organizes training into stages that prioritize safety, confidence, and consistency. This framework supports progression within the shooting horse discipline, from foundational training through competitive performance.

Speed and precision are built through progression — not substituted for it.

All rider development within NaSHA is guided by four foundational elements:
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CADENCE

The ability to maintain rhythm and tempo regardless of environment or task.

A rider demonstrates cadence when they can:

  • Regulate speed intentionally

  • Maintain balance through transitions

  • Ride patterns without rushing or hesitation
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CONFIDENCE

The rider’s ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective in the presence of noise, motion, and pressure.

Confidence is demonstrated through:

  • Consistent decision-making

  • Calm body language

  • Clear cues, even when conditions change
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COLLECTION

The rider’s capacity to influence balance, shape, and engagement in the horse. 

Collection is not about “frame,” but about:

  • Preparing the horse for direction changes

  • Supporting sound movement

  • Riding with intention rather than reaction
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CONTROL

The rider’s ability to direct the horse accurately and predictably through all speeds and phases of movement.

Control includes:

  • Steering with purpose

  • Executing transitions cleanly

  • Maintaining line and shape through patterns

  • Engaging patterns at speed with precision
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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.

Note: This PDF is formatted for double-sided, postcard-size printing in the correct order. A digital reference version will be available soon. Email us if you want placed on the notification list when it's available!
Download Arena Side Training Guide

Why the Rider Progression? 

Because it's where horsemanship meets purpose.

Our tiered clinic system — 1 Gun, 2 Gun, and 3 Gun — was designed to reflect real, progressive growth. One clear path, built on the same standard: Cadence. Confidence. Collection. Control.

1-Gun: The Foundation

Focus: Cadence & Confidence
Where it all begins — rhythm, trust, and understanding.
This level is designed for new riders or horses starting their journey in the Shooting Horse discipline. The goal is simple: establish clear communication, find rhythm, and build the confidence that makes everything else possible.

It’s about building the control and confidence that makes speed and precision possible.

2-Gun: The Connection

Focus: Collection
The partnership deepens — balance, flow, and unity.
At this stage, riders refine their cues, improve timing, and begin to feel their horse move in true connection. The patterns become smoother, the communication quieter, and the results more consistent.

Progress is rhythm turning into feel — when the horse starts listening before you ask.

3-Gun: The Standard

Focus: Control
The art of precision — calm under intensity.
At this level, riders refine timing, accuracy, and efficiency until communication with the horse feels second nature, while incorporating advanced disciplines like rifle and shotgun to expand their control and versatility. It’s the place where calm creates confidence, and control turns into flow.
Because the best runs don’t look fast — they look effortless.

True control isn’t force. It’s clarity.

If this feels like the path you’ve been looking for — we can help!
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