Let’s Ride! Silver Buckle Stables challenges you to become the best horse rider you can be. Aim for the blue ribbon in barrel racing and agility, while taking care of prize horses in your very own stables.
The game challenges players to compete in a range of western-style riding events, including high-speed barrel racing and agility courses. This contrasts with the predominance of English riding disciplines like dressage and show jumping in other horse games, providing a refreshing alternative that appeals to players who enjoy the unique demands of western equestrian competition.
Rather than relying on simplistic "click to feed" mechanics, the game requires players to physically walk into the horse's stall, bringing food and water, and engaging in a grooming session before their horse is ready to ride. While this added step takes more time, players can bypass the grooming process by simply feeding their horse treats, offering a convenient alternative. This level of hands-on interaction enhances the sense of connection and responsibility towards the player's horses.
Players can extensively customize the appearance of their horses, selecting from a wide variety of coats, manes, saddles, bridles, and blankets. As players progress through the competitions and events, they unlock additional customization options for both their horses and their own character, providing a rewarding sense of progression. The ability to maintain and customize multiple horses in the player's stable is a feature that many reviewers appreciate.
The riding competitions present a genuine challenge, requiring players to master the timing and controls to achieve top placements. However, the game offers adjustable difficulty settings, allowing more casual players to enjoy the experience without becoming overly frustrated. Reviewers note that this balance between challenge and accessibility is a strength of the gameplay.
Players praise the game's steering and turning mechanics, particularly the ability to quickly transition from a gallop to a canter in order to execute tight turns during the barrel racing events. This level of responsiveness and control over the horse's movements is considered a highlight of the gameplay, contributing to a sense of realism and satisfaction during the competitions.