Who we are
Our story
About the ranch
Half a century of good horsemanship under the Bridger range — a small, family-run ranch where people and horses are looked after the same way.
Ranch founder — Hank riding his first horse, Sandy
Ranch founder — Hank riding his first horse, Sandy
Ranch founder — Hank riding his first horse, Sandy
Hank with his sons — John and Jimmy, 1972
Hank with his sons — John and Jimmy, 1972
Hank with his sons — John and Jimmy, 1972
Hank's son John with his wife Betty, 1991
Hank's son John with his wife Betty, 1991
Hank's son John with his wife Betty, 1991
How it started
From the ground up
Lone Mustang began when Hank Mercer bought a string of ranch horses and a stretch of open grassland, working from a simple idea — that anyone can learn to ride well if they're taught patiently, on a horse they can trust. There was no grand plan, just a man who knew horses and neighbors who wanted to learn.
Lone Mustang began when Hank Mercer bought a string of ranch horses and a stretch of open grassland, working from a simple idea — that anyone can learn to ride well if they're taught patiently, on a horse they can trust. There was no grand plan, just a man who knew horses and neighbors who wanted to learn.
Word spread the way it does in ranch country. A few lessons turned into a full roster, a couple of boarded horses turned into a barn, and the barn turned into the place it is today — built board by board, alongside the people who kept coming back.
Word spread the way it does in ranch country. A few lessons turned into a full roster, a couple of boarded horses turned into a barn, and the barn turned into the place it is today — built board by board, alongside the people who kept coming back.
Hank raised two sons in this barn, and today they both carry the place forward with families of their own — the herd is still small, and the trails still start right outside the gate. What hasn't changed is the idea it started with: patience, a good horse, and time enough to learn.
Hank raised two sons in this barn, and today they both carry the place forward with families of their own — the herd is still small, and the trails still start right outside the gate. What hasn't changed is the idea it started with: patience, a good horse, and time enough to learn.
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the folks who'll meet you
Meet the crew
Founder & Head of the Barn
Hank Mercer
Hank started Lone Mustang with a string of ranch horses and a conviction that a good horse and an unhurried teacher can turn anyone into a rider. He has started more colts than he can count, and he still walks the barn every morning before the first feed.
These days he leaves most of the teaching to his sons, but if you visit on a quiet afternoon you will usually find him at the round pen with a young horse and all the time in the world.
Founder & Head of the Barn
Hank Mercer
Hank started Lone Mustang with a string of ranch horses and a conviction that a good horse and an unhurried teacher can turn anyone into a rider. He has started more colts than he can count, and he still walks the barn every morning before the first feed.
These days he leaves most of the teaching to his sons, but if you visit on a quiet afternoon you will usually find him at the round pen with a young horse and all the time in the world.
Founder & Head of the Barn
Hank Mercer
Hank started Lone Mustang with a string of ranch horses and a conviction that a good horse and an unhurried teacher can turn anyone into a rider. He has started more colts than he can count, and he still walks the barn every morning before the first feed.
These days he leaves most of the teaching to his sons, but if you visit on a quiet afternoon you will usually find him at the round pen with a young horse and all the time in the world.
Jimmy Mercer
Trainer & Barn Manager
Cody Lane
Trail Guide & Wrangler
John Mercer
Lessons & Head Instructor
Life at the Ranch
“It doesn't feel like a business. It feels like driving out to your family's place and saddling up.”
Marcus Reed · Rider since 2015
the way we do things
What we stand for
Small Herd
We cap our numbers so every horse gets real, hands-on care.
Patient Teaching
No rush, no fear. Riders build confidence at their own pace.
Safety First
Sound horses, good tack, and an instructor in every lesson.
Small Herd
We cap our numbers so every horse gets real, hands-on care.
Patient Teaching
No rush, no fear. Riders build confidence at their own pace.
Safety First
Sound horses, good tack, and an instructor in every lesson.
True Western
Real ranch horsemanship — not a tourist pony ride.
Family Run
Three generations on the same ground.
True Western
Real ranch horsemanship — not a tourist pony ride.
Family Run
Three generations on the same ground.
Come see us
Ready to ride?
Book a lesson, reserve a trail ride, or ask about open boarding stalls. We'll get back to you within a day.
faq
good to know
Do you offer horseback riding for people with no experience?
Yes! Our lessons are tailored for beginners—you don't need any prior experience. Your instructor will help you get comfortable with the horse, teach you the basics of horse handling, and ensure that your ride is safe and enjoyable. We start with calm exercises in the arena in the Western riding style, which provides a comfortable and stable seat.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, all rides are by appointment only. This allows us to plan our sessions better, match you with the right horse and instructor, and have everything ready for your arrival. It's best to call or message us a few days in advance—especially during the busy summer season.
Do you offer rides for children?
Yes, we welcome children aged 7 and up for safe, instructor-led rides. For younger children, we offer lead-line rides—gentle horseback rides led by a guide. We focus on positive experiences, patience, and having fun, so kids can build confidence and trust in both the horse and the activity.
What should I bring or wear for the ride?
You don't need any specialized riding gear. Long, comfortable pants (like leggings or sweatpants) and sturdy, hard-soled shoes with a slight heel—preferably covering the ankle—are perfectly fine. We provide safety helmets on-site, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
Can we come over just to see the horses?
Yes, we would love to have you! If you just want to visit the ranch, see the horses, chat, or look around, please let us know beforehand. We want to maintain a peaceful environment for our animals and a comfortable experience for our guests, so all visits must be scheduled in advance.
Do you offer horseback riding for people with no experience?
Yes! Our lessons are tailored for beginners—you don't need any prior experience. Your instructor will help you get comfortable with the horse, teach you the basics of horse handling, and ensure that your ride is safe and enjoyable. We start with calm exercises in the arena in the Western riding style, which provides a comfortable and stable seat.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, all rides are by appointment only. This allows us to plan our sessions better, match you with the right horse and instructor, and have everything ready for your arrival. It's best to call or message us a few days in advance—especially during the busy summer season.
Do you offer rides for children?
Yes, we welcome children aged 7 and up for safe, instructor-led rides. For younger children, we offer lead-line rides—gentle horseback rides led by a guide. We focus on positive experiences, patience, and having fun, so kids can build confidence and trust in both the horse and the activity.
What should I bring or wear for the ride?
You don't need any specialized riding gear. Long, comfortable pants (like leggings or sweatpants) and sturdy, hard-soled shoes with a slight heel—preferably covering the ankle—are perfectly fine. We provide safety helmets on-site, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
Can we come over just to see the horses?
Yes, we would love to have you! If you just want to visit the ranch, see the horses, chat, or look around, please let us know beforehand. We want to maintain a peaceful environment for our animals and a comfortable experience for our guests, so all visits must be scheduled in advance.