Instructor Toolkit & Resources

Why the Instructor Toolkit Exists

Across the country, riders are asking for instruction—and in many areas, there simply aren’t ANY instructors available. At the same time, instructors are often expected to make complex training decisions without shared tools or language to support them. While these resources were created with instructors in mind, riders are also encouraged to use them—especially those who are learning independently or looking for clearer direction in their training.

For Instructors

Instructors use the toolkit to organize lesson planning, track progression over time, and communicate clearly with riders and families. Lesson Levels and planning tools help instructors evaluate readiness, adjust training priorities, and protect horses from rushed progression—without replacing individual teaching styles or experience.

For Riders

Riders may use these resources to better understand their own progress, identify training priorities, and make more informed decisions between lessons, clinics, or competitions. When paired with the NaSHA Arena-Side Training Guide, the toolkit helps riders answer two important questions:

Where do I start?
What should I work on next?

This is especially helpful for riders who do not have regular access to instruction and are working to build skills thoughtfully on their own.

How the Tools Work Together

The Instructor Toolkit and Arena-Side Training Guide are designed to complement one another. Lesson Levels provide structure and progression, while the Arena-Side Training Guide offers practical, in-the-moment training reminders and exercises. Used together, they create a clear path for development that supports both riders and instructors.

A Shared Resource

These materials are offered freely to support the growth of the shooting horse discipline. They are based on fundamental horsemanship principles, organized specifically for this sport, and shared with the intention of helping riders progress confidently and helping instructors teach effectively.

If you use these tools in your lessons, clinics, or personal training, please credit NaSHA as the source and tag us when sharing so others can find the original resources.

While clinics and schools may reference these concepts, Rider Progression Levels and lesson tools are not evaluated or assigned during clinics.