Let's Ride! Silver Buckle Stables Reviews

Childhood nostalgia~

Horses.

This is my favorite horse game from my childhood because it accurately captures western competitions. Most horse games growing up were English, so when I found this game again I fell in love with it all over again. Though keep in mind it's made for kids, so it's gonna feel that way.

Relaxing game that brings back a lot of childhood nostalgia for the genre.

If you grew up with horse games in the early 2000s, Silver Buckle Stables will feel like revisiting a dusty photo album that somehow still makes you smile. It’s not a game that tries to be flashy—and honestly, that’s part of its charm. On the Steam Deck, this old-school gem runs surprisingly well, making it a perfect pick-up-and-play title for fans of retro-style sims. Graphics & Performance Yes, the graphics are dated. Expect stiff animations, blocky horse models, and flat textures. But it holds up in its own way—like a VHS tape that still plays perfectly fine. On the Steam Deck, performance is buttery smooth, loading is fast, and battery drain is minimal. It’s like this game was made for handheld nostalgia. Gameplay What it lacks in complexity, Silver Buckle Stables makes up for in straightforward fun. You train your horse, compete in events, and explore scenic trails. Controls are simple and responsive on the Deck. Don’t expect a deep riding simulator—this is more about casual joy than competitive realism. It’s the kind of game you can zone out to for an hour and still feel like you accomplished something. Sound & Atmosphere The music is pure early-2000s cheese—gentle country tunes, lots of wind effects, and the occasional hoofbeat that sounds like someone tapping coconuts. But it works. It’s cozy. There’s no voice acting or cinematic moments here, just the quiet satisfaction of brushing your virtual horse and clearing a jump course. Final Thoughts Silver Buckle Stables isn’t for everyone, but for fans of old-school horse games or anyone looking for a relaxing, no-pressure sim to enjoy on their Steam Deck, it’s a hidden gem. It won’t win any modern design awards, but it doesn’t need to. It knows what it is—and it delivers. + Pros: ✔ Nostalgic fun ✔ Runs great on Steam Deck ✔ Simple, satisfying gameplay − Cons: ✘ Dated graphics and sound ✘ Very basic mechanics ✘ Little replay value after a while