NaSHA's Rider Progression

NaSHA’s Rider Progression is a rider-focused framework that shows the long-term journey of development within the shooting horse discipline. It is not a ranking system or a certification. It's your 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.

Wondering the difference between these and our lesson levels? 

Rider Progression shows the big picture for the rider.
Lesson Levels help with the day-to-day work for the horse.

Together, these aren’t steps — they’re the measure of excellence in our sport. Every great Shooting Horse honors them. Every rider pursues them. 
Riders across the country are already using Lesson Levels, Rider Progression tools, and clinics to bring more clarity and consistency to their training—whether they’re just getting started or refining long-term goals.
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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 basic  standards all horsemen follow: Cadence. Confidence. Collection. Control.
 NaSHA Standards & Frameworks are published by the National Shooting Horse Association and support safe, ethical shooting horse education.

One 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.

Two 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.

Three 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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National Shooting Horse Association

Rider Progression Toolkit

NaSHA’s Rider Progression toolkit contains six different checklists and guides that are designed to support riders as they develop the skills, awareness, and responsibility required in the shooting horse discipline. These Rider Progression materials are provided to riders after NaSHA clinics and Shooting Horse Schools to extend the value of instruction, reinforce key concepts, and give riders a clear path forward.

The Rider Progression toolkit is also included with NaSHA membership and are designed to support riders long after schools end, or those without access to a school or clinic.

Rider Progression Toolkit Contents

 Available with Membership or School Attendance 
  • One-Handed Riding Progression Guide

    The most overlooked skill, these are progressive drills to help riders develop balanced, consistent one-handed control.

  • Firearm Handling & Readiness Progression Guide

    Practical drills to build skilled accurate firearm handling that supports the horse and prepares riders for competition.

  • Holstering Confidence & Flow Progression Guide

    Step-by-step drills to remove hesitation and integrate smooth, deliberate holstering into the ride.

  • Precision Riding Drills

    A set of mounted practice exercises to improve line accuracy, transitions, and rhythm without adding tension.

  • Pattern Management & Pattern Study Guide

    Tools to help riders quickly interpret patterns, plan efficient lines, and stay mentally organized during competition runs.

  • Between-Lessons Practice Ride Guide

    Structured practice rides that give riders clear direction between lessons and clinics without overloading horse or rider.

  • Rider Reflection & Progress Review

    A guided checklist to help riders evaluate each ride, identify priorities, and plan intentional progress.

Wondering How Everything Fits Together?

Rider Progression is rider-focused and outlines the long-term path of development within the shooting horse discipline. It helps riders understand where they’re headed over time, using the Four C's as a gauge, but it is not evaluated or assigned.

Lesson Levels are horse-focused and used during lessons and ongoing training to track a horse’s readiness. They are evaluated over time using the Four C’s and indicate when a horse is prepared to begin competing.

The Instructor Toolkit supports the person teaching. It provides practical resources and shared frameworks to help instructors organize lessons, communicate progress, and support riders and horses effectively—without prescribing how anyone must teach.
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)
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