NaSHA's Shooting Horse Schools

In-Person, Structured Learning for Riders and Shooting Horses 

NaSHA's Shooting Horse Schools are designed to provide riders and horses with clear, fun learning experiences that support long-term development in mounted shooting and meet riders where they are.

NaSHA is headquartered in central Missouri and actively hosts Shooting Horse Schools throughout the Midwest. These clinics are led by NaSHA leadership—experienced clinicians who have successfully taught hundreds of horses and riders across the country and presented the shooting horse discipline in front of thousands of spectators, including at the Midwest Horse Fair.

While NaSHA’s broader mission is to support instructors nationwide, clinics hosted directly by NaSHA offer the opportunity to learn from the source of the materials. 

Each school fits within NaSHA’s broader Rider Progression framework, helping participants understand where they are, what they are learning, and what comes next.
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National Shooting Horse Associations

Upcoming Schools & Clinics

Upcoming clinics, schools, and workshops in the shooting horse discipline—hosted by NaSHA and other instructors and organizations. Shared as a resource to help riders find quality learning opportunities and keep progressing.
Want listed here? It's free for members, simply join and send us your flyer! 

1 Gun Shooting Horse School

Gun-Breaking + Horse-First Foundation Training

May 30th-31st, 2026, North of Columbia, Missouri

This school is designed for riders and horses at the beginning of the shooting horse discipline — with a strong focus on safe gun-breaking and the riding fundamentals that build a calm, confident, competitive shooting horse.

You’ll leave with clear homework, simple tools to guide your practice at home, and a better understanding of what to build next — even if you don’t have an instructor nearby.

$135 per rider, per day
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SHOOTING HORSE SCHOOLS

Competitive Skill Development Through Structured Progression

We currently offer three levels of Shooting Horse Schools, each built on NaSHA’s foundation of Cadence, Confidence, Collection, and Control — the Four C’s that define the standard for every great shooting horse and rider. Two days can change the way you ride — and the way your horse listens. Riders don’t have to “climb a ladder”—we’ll place you where you’ll succeed and build from there.
Join us for a Shooting Horse School and see what’s possible. 

1 Gun | The Foundation

Building the Competitive Foundation

The 1-Gun School focuses on building the competitive foundation every competitive shooting horse rider relies on. Riders and horses work on correct firearm handling from horseback, calm and predictable responses to gunfire, and maintaining cadence and control at the walk and trot. Emphasis is placed on steering accuracy, intentional transitions, and understanding arena flow and safety expectations. This school establishes the control and confidence required before speed becomes a meaningful factor.

2 Gun | The Connection

Refining Competition Skills

The 2-Gun School introduces increased coordination and complexity while reinforcing accuracy and consistency. Riders and horses begin managing multiple shooting tasks while maintaining rhythm through patterns. Timing, shot placement, and transitions are refined, and speed begins to increase in a way that supports control rather than undermining it. This level focuses on decision-making and repeatability, both of which directly impact competitive performance.

3 Gun | The Standard

Honing the Winning Edge

The 3-Gun School emphasizes refinement and execution at competitive speeds. Riders and horses work on executing full patterns with clarity, maintaining composure under pressure, and refining accuracy as intensity increases. Instruction focuses on adapting to different patterns and environments while supporting horse confidence and responsiveness. This level prepares riders and horses for sustained competitive application rather than short-term results.— and may include shotgun and rifle classes.
The best runs don’t look fast; they look easy.
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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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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

National Shooting Horse Association

Shooting Horse Schools FAQs

Interested in the shooting horse discipline? That's what we're here for! 
What makes NaSHA schools different? 

We’re not here to impress you — we’re here to empower you.
Every clinic follows NaSHA’s Shooting Horse Standard, built on the Four C’s: Cadence, Confidence, Collection, and Control. That means clear communication, measurable progress, and a horse that leaves the arena better than it entered.

You’ll leave with more than skill — you’ll leave with a plan.
What do I need to bring to each shooting horse school? 

Each school level builds on the last, and so do the requirements:

  • 1 Gun: Just bring your horse and a willingness to learn. We focus on foundation work, communication, and introducing your horse to the sport safely — no firearms or gear needed.

  • 2 Gun: You’ll need your guns and holsters, but if you’re still getting set up, we’ll have limited equipment available for use.

  • 3 Gun: You’ll need your guns and holsters — this level assumes both you and your horse are comfortable and ready for full shooting horse practice, including rifle and shotgun work when offered.
How do your Shooting Horse Schools fit in with the Rider Progression? 

Shooting Horse Schools reinforce NaSHA’s Rider Progression framework by developing the Four Core Elements—Cadence, Confidence, Collection, and Control—in a competitive context. Riders leave with a clearer understanding of what is working, what needs refinement, and how to train more effectively between events. The emphasis is on readiness rather than rushing, so that increased speed and precision are sustainable.
How long is a NaSHA Shooting Horse School? 

Most NaSHA clinics are designed as one or two-day programs, depending on location and level. Each day combines hands-on instruction, and mounted sessions focused on the four C's. 
Can my horse attend if they've never been around gunfire? 

Absolutely, those are the majority of our 1 gun participants. In fact, that’s where we specialize. NaSHA’s step-by-step approach has a 100% success rate helping riders safely introduce their horses to the shooting environment — no rushing, no stress, just progress.
Is a Shooting Horse School right for me?

Shooting Horse Schools are appropriate for riders and horses preparing for shooting horse competitions who want to improve speed and accuracy responsibly. They are well suited for those who benefit from clear instruction, structured progression, and a performance-focused learning environment. Riders unsure of which school is appropriate are encouraged to consult with instructors or hosts to ensure the best fit.
I'm nervous about how my horse will react, but I really want to do this, HELP! 

That’s exactly who we’re here for.
NaSHA clinics are known for helping horses build calm, honest confidence through structure and patience — never force. Many of our participants start the weekend unsure and end it shooting safely, comfortably, and even smiling through the smoke.
How do I sign up, & what if there's no clinic in my area? 

Find an upcoming Shooting Horse School near you at https://shootinghorse.com/store/ Spots fill quickly — we keep groups small to focus on quality, not quantity.

Can't find a clinic in your area? Email us directly at info@shootinghorse.com to let us know if you're interested, and we'll see what we can put together, we're always taking requests! 
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