The Buster Welch
Legacy Fund for
Therapeutic Riding
A Personal Discovery
Buster's story is one of the most powerful testaments to the healing power of therapeutic riding that the equine world has ever seen, not because he was a patient in need, but because he was a master of horses who discovered an entirely new dimension of what a horse can give a person. His recovery through riding became a deeply personal proof of concept for everything that therapeutic riding programs like Camp Able work to provide every single day. His story is not just about a legend getting back in the saddle. It is about a human being rediscovering their strength, their balance, and their sense of self through a relationship with a horse. That story resonates far beyond the cutting pen, and it is exactly why the Welch family chose to partner with Camp Able of Buffalo Gap to carry his legacy forward.
Who Was Buster Welch?
Buster Welch was one of the most celebrated horsemen in the history of the American West, a founding member of the National Cutting Horse Association and a man whose name became synonymous with the finest cutting horses ever bred, including the legendary Mr. San Peppy and Peppy San Badger. Born in 1928 in Texas, Buster spent his life working cattle, ranching, and developing a legacy of horsemanship that shaped generations of riders, trainers, and competitors across the country. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame for his extraordinary contributions to the sport and to ranching culture, and his influence on the cutting horse world remains immeasurable to this day. In his early seventies, following a debilitating stroke, Buster turned to therapeutic riding as part of his recovery, returning to the saddle as a way to restore his balance, coordination, and spirit. Even after a lifetime as one of the world's greatest professional horsemen, Buster experienced firsthand the healing power of the horse in a deeply personal and transformative new way.
About the Buster Welch Legacy Fund
The Buster Welch Legacy Fund for Therapeutic Riding is a dedicated endowment established in partnership with the Welch family to honor Buster's life, values, and extraordinary connection to horses and the people who ride them. Created specifically to support the long-term growth and mission of Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, the fund ensures that individuals with special needs will continue to experience the healing power of the horse for generations to come. Through sustained financial support, the Legacy Fund helps expand programs, care for therapy horses, and provide life-changing opportunities for riders across the Abilene area and beyond. The fund is managed by Cedar Gap Wealth Management on behalf of Camp Able, ensuring responsible stewardship and long-term impact worthy of the name it carries. Ken Welch, a member of Camp Able's Board of Directors, represents the living connection between the Welch family's legacy and the mission we carry forward every day in Buffalo Gap.
Contribute to the Legacy Fund
To learn more or make a contribution to the Buster Welch Legacy Fund, visit the official fund website.
Questions About the Legacy Fund?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about the fund and how your gift makes an impact.