Healing Through Horsemanship: A Powerful Partnership with The Reboot Project and Rugged Mountain Outfitters

This past Saturday, The Reboot Project had the privilege of partnering with Rugged Mountain Outfitters to host a transformative Horsemanship for Renewal program, welcoming veterans and first responders for a therapeutic journey centered on connection, trust, and healing.

A Day of Discovery and Growth

From 11 AM to 4 PM, our participants embarked on a carefully structured experience that prioritized emotional healing over technical riding skills. The day began with a welcome circle where we set intentions around moving from service to self-discovery. What followed was a powerful demonstration of how horses can serve as mirrors for our own emotional states and catalysts for personal growth.

The program emphasized deep groundwork and trust-building exercises, allowing participants to develop relationships with 1,000-pound animals that demanded presence, patience, and authentic communication. Through extended grooming sessions that became meditative practices, leading exercises that built confidence, and ground control work that reinforced leadership skills, each participant discovered something profound about themselves.

For those ready to take the next step, we offered optional riding experiences that focused on partnership and communication rather than technical proficiency. The day concluded with a session of integration and reflection, where participants shared insights about trust, communication, and the healing power of connection.

The Power of Partnership: Working with Mitch Vazquez

Our collaboration with Mitch Vazquez and Rugged Mountain Outfitters represents everything we believe in at The Reboot Project: bringing together exceptional resources to serve our veteran and first responder communities. Mitch, a sixth-generation military member and Special Operations veteran with 20 years of service, understands firsthand the challenges our participants face because he has walked that path himself.

What makes this partnership so special is the depth and diversity of what Mitch brings to the table. Rugged Mountain Outfitters is not just about therapeutic programs; it is a full-service traditional big game outfitting operation here in Colorado, offering world-class hunting experiences across thousands of acres of mountain terrain.

Mitch’s expertise spans from guiding hunters in pursuit of elk, deer, and other Colorado big game to delivering specialized tactical training for Special Operations units and transformative leadership development for corporate executives.

Perhaps most importantly for our mission, Mitch founded Heroes' Harvests, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides exclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences for military members and their families. Understanding the healing power of the outdoors from his own experience, Mitch created Heroes' Harvests to share those transformative moments with fellow service members who need them most.

Three Programs, One Mission

Mitch’s work at Rugged Mountain Outfitters spans three distinct areas, each built on the same foundation of authentic connection and real-world application.

1. Basic Horsemanship & Pack Animal Training
For those just beginning their journey with horses, this comprehensive two-day program requires no prior experience. Participants learn everything from horse psychology and safety protocols to mounting techniques and pack animal operations, culminating in an extended trail ride where they apply their new skills in real mountain conditions.

2. Leadership Excellence Program
The corporate world has discovered the unique power of equine partnership through Mitch’s leadership program. In just one intensive day, executives and professional teams experience something remarkable: immediate, unbiased feedback from horses that reveals how their communication style truly impacts others. Through five structured phases, from observing herd dynamics to navigating trail challenges, leaders discover that horses do not care about titles or positions. They respond only to authentic presence, clear communication, and genuine leadership energy.

3. Advanced Tactical Horsemanship & Mountain Operations
For military units requiring specialized capabilities, this program combines two decades of Special Operations experience with advanced mountain horsemanship. From silent movement techniques to tactical resupply operations, it delivers mission-critical skills across thousands of acres of diverse training terrain.

Why This Partnership Matters

At The Reboot Project, we are constantly seeking partners who share our commitment to serving those who have served us. In Mitch and Rugged Mountain Outfitters, we have found a team that does not just talk about supporting veterans; they live it every day through Heroes' Harvests, therapeutic programs, and transformative outdoor experiences.

Whether guiding hunters through Colorado’s backcountry, helping veterans find healing through horses, teaching outdoor enthusiasts essential pack animal skills, training corporate executives in leadership, or preparing Special Operations units for specialized missions, Mitch’s mission aligns perfectly with ours: using real-world environments to transform lives and build resilience.

The horses do not care about your rank, your title, or your past. They respond to who you are in the moment, your energy, your authenticity, your presence. That is a powerful teacher for anyone, whether you are healing from service, learning new outdoor skills, leading a team, or preparing for your next mission.

From his base in Pueblo West, Colorado, Mitch continues to push the boundaries of what is possible when you combine military precision with wilderness expertise and the profound wisdom that comes from partnership with these incredible animals. With numerous service members trained and countless corporate executives transformed, he has proven that these programs build both technical skill and character.

Moving Forward Together

We are proud to partner with Rugged Mountain Outfitters and look forward to many more transformative experiences together. Programs like this remind us why The Reboot Project exists: to connect our heroes with the resources, experiences, and healing they have earned through their service.

Learn More About Our Partners

Rugged Mountain Outfitters: www.ruggedmountainoutfitters.com
Heroes' Harvests: www.heroesharvests.org
Contact Mitch Vazquez: 719-252-7936 | ruggedmountainoutfitters@gmail.com