Without the thraotlatch, the headstall can easily be pulled off when leading or tying up the mule. The Hackamore has developed over the years from a Spanish training tool introduced in California in the 1770's to a fad piece of equipment in horse shows during the 1980's. However, not every horse, let alone every mule, can be a hackamore prospect. Generally, the more refined the head and facial structure will respond better to the hackamore. A mule who is light and a pretty mover generally will be light enough for the bosal.
Some mules are too strong and unresponsive to go in a hackamore.
They need more control. These mules will not respect the bosal and run through it every chance they get. If the mule is heavy on the bit and been taught to pull by rough hands, he probably is a very poor candidate for the hackamore. This type of mule has learned to take control and not be light and giving. It would take a lot of time to reform this mule and put him working well in a hackamore.