Training this Mustang the Vaquero Way | Bitless Riding with a Hackamore

Would you ride a mustang bitless? Or choose a bit before a young horse’s first mountain ride? In this video, I share why I chose to ride my mustang Rooster in a hackamore instead of starting him in a snaffle, and how that decision fits into our goals for safe, confident mountain riding. There are many traditions when it comes to horse training, mustang gentling, and developing a bridle horse, and this choice wasn’t about being anti bit or pro bitless. It was about choosing the right tool for this horse and for me at this stage. This video is also a bit of a life update. We’ve been busy working with all of our equines, hauling Mesa and Josey to the obstacle course, making progress on our greenhouse chicken coop combo, traveling to look at mustangs, and checking out properties for sale. There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes. The main focus, though, is riding Rooster in a hackamore and why I chose this progression for both of us. For Rooster, riding bitless in a hackamore helps build confidence, softness, and mental steadiness as we prepare for his first real mountain rides. For me, it demands better timing, feel, and awareness as a rider. Riding him through unfamiliar and “scary” environments like the fairgrounds challenges both of us to stay present and communicate clearly without over holding or rushing the process. This kind of exposure is an important part of setting a young mustang up for success, especially when the end goal is safe, enjoyable riding in the mountains. Whether a horse is ridden in a bit, bitless, or eventually progresses to a bridle, the foundation matters. We’re taking the time to learn together and build one that will last. As always, thank you for following along and supporting this journey. We’re excited to share what we’ve been working toward and what’s coming next. 🤠 **THANKS FOR RIDING ALONG WITH US!** As always — thank you for watching! **God Bless, and don’t forget to KEEP IT WESTERN 🤠** — Jason and Alyssa # 🐴 START HERE — IMPORTANT LINKS! 👉 **2026 MTN BUILT CALENDARS — AVAILABLE NOW!** https://mtnbuiltmerch.com/products/2026-mtn-built-calendar 👉 **Support the Mission (Donations Welcome!)** https://gofund.me/3ffcac745 👉 **Shop Our Official MTN Built Merch** https://www.mtnbuiltmerch.com 👉 **Amazon WishList — Support Our Herd & Doggos** https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2UPYTFXAZ53L9 👉 **Subscribe for Weekly Ranch, Mule, Horse & Backcountry Videos!** (*You subscribing genuinely helps our channel grow — thank you!*) # 📩 EMAIL US: [email protected] # ✨ FEATURED VIDEOS (Fan Favorites!) ✨ 1️⃣ **WHAT IS A MULE?** https://youtu.be/urzZj3HpvgA?si=PvxDuxMAXnxUYT5I 2️⃣ **Our Appaloosa Mules Story- Josey!** https://youtu.be/io2OM8SdZMM?si=4AfPmjXQqbbp7qwy 3️⃣ **Our Mustangs First Ride!** https://youtu.be/zePc1ScypTE?si=Ed9DrUZKIcCD3UTL # 🤠 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES **Instagram — Mules & Ranch Life:** https://www.instagram.com/mtn_built **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/people/Mtn-Built **Instagram — Hunting:** https://www.instagram.com/mtn_built_hunts **YouTube — MTN Built Hunts (Our Hunting Channel):** https://www.youtube.com/@mtnbuilthunts # 🐴 RELATED PLAYLISTS *(Perfect for binge-watching!)* **🐴 Mule Playlist:** https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmclj-movwxtFes1JLvs8zwa2wV8l5EA2 **🏕️ Backcountry Adventures:** https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmclj-movwxsI3iqdxyqYsgcXYS2VqHPd **🐓 Homesteading Playlist:** https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmclj-movwxv4wi-CZJHY6_ZviS57Vn7B **🦌 Hunting Channel (MTN BUILT HUNTS):** https://www.youtube.com/@mtnbuilthunts # 🐴 TRAIN WITH TY EVANS — MULEMANSHIP **Website:** https://www.tsmules.com **Ty Evans YouTube Channel:** https://www.youtube.com/@tsmules # 🏕️ BRANDS WE LOVE & USE Roamin Home Wall Tents — https://www.roaminhome.com Cafe Mule Coffee *(code MTNBUILT for 15% off!)* — https://cafemule.com Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply — https://www.murdochs.com # 📍 VIDEO CHAPTERS 0:00 — 0:00 — 0:00 — 0:00 — 0:00 — 0:00 — # ⚠️ DISCLAIMER Working with equines and outdoor living can be dangerous. Do not attempt what you see in our videos without proper knowledge, training, and experience. Our videos are for entertainment only and are not intended as professional advice.