OUR MISSION
Our mission is to positively impact lives through equine-related activities. Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center programs facilitate the learning and development of important life skills such as respect, responsibility, trust, citizenship, and compassion through horsemanship.
HISTORY OF SILVER BUCKLE RANCH
Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center, originally established as the Silver Buckle Rodeo Club in 1977, began as a working rodeo program created to combat juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, gang involvement, and truancy among Clark and Cowlitz County youth through the promotion of rodeo events and horsemanship. In 2000 they restructured as Silver Buckle Ranch, received 501(c)(3) status, and officially changed from a working rodeo program to programs based on ranch and equine-assisted activities.
For many years, programs at the center were funded by the operation of Rodeo Bingo, located in Vancouver, WA. In compliance with Washington state gaming laws, proceeds from this operation funded programs and activities at the center and Silver Buckle was able to offer free programs to area youth. With the implementation of the smoking ban in Washington, bingo proceeds dropped precipitously. Silver Buckle closed the bingo operations, re-structured, and sold 20 acres to ensure a debt-free future for the ranch.
Today, Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center continues to operate in Brush Prairie, Washington. Youth programs are funded through donations, affordable-fee-based lessons, classes, as well as event arena rentals and private horse-boarding.
