Vaquero Horse Training Tips

Learn the keys to vaquero horsemanship and the gear essential to vaquero training, including the snaffle bit, hackamore, two-rein and spade bit.

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When it comes to training horses, a good foundation always paves the way to a well-broke, trusting horse. 

Training horses the vaquero way takes time, but according to the late Bill Van Norman of Van Norman Ranches, it’s worth it. In this FREE Vaquero Horse Training Tips e-book, Bill explains the vaquero style gear essential to vaquero horsemanship and horse training, which include the:

  • Hackamore or bosal
  • Snaffle bit
  • Two-rein
  • Spade bit

Natural horsemanship theories include gentler ways of working with horses and allow young horses a chance to read their trainers. Horses are able to progress slowly through the snaffle while riders work a cow and rope off them before moving into the hackamore. The next step is the two-rein, and then a spade-bit bridle when the horse is finished and well-broke.

Bill handled the livestock portion of the Van Norman Ranches, and spent nearly every day of the year on horseback, embracing vaquero techniques of horsemanship. The Van Norman Ranches were the recipients of the 2001 AQHA Best Remuda Award, which honors the tradition of raising well-bred, well-trained Quarter Horse ranch horses.

Submit the form below to download the Vaquero Horse Training Tips e-book.

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