About Us

Buckboard was established in 1997 by Kathy Gatch. She designed this organization to empower individuals through the strength, wisdom, and beauty of horses. "My love for horses and children as well as helping my son recover from a car accident inspired me to form this program so special needs children could experience the benefits and enjoyment that only a horse can give." My son's accident left him in a deep coma for almost 6 weeks and a light coma for several more months. The doctors allowed us to bring him home while he was still experiencing the light coma. As he recovered, he spent every minute with me- even feeding and spending time with our horses. I was very impressed with how they helped calm him. He was a 2 year old in an 18 year old's body. With him being 6' 2'" and 150lbs, he couldn't safely ride. I heard about therapeutic horseback activities and became very interested. Later on, I became an instructor and started my own program. Buckboard has helped hundreds of children with special needs experience the enjoyment and benefits that only a horse can give.

Buckboard is a United Way partner agency (unitedwayofwesternnebraska.org) and operates with support from local individuals and businesses, the Knights of Columbus, and other grant-making organizations.