Valley Equestrian Center (VEC) is one of the ministries of Youth Farm Bible Camp & Mission Centre (YFBC). It is a bustling, professional, multi-disciplinary equestrian facility designed to serve riders of all ages and levels. With experienced coaches and a diverse range of programs, VEC offers opportunities for everyone, whether you're interested in English, Western, or other disciplines in between. Explore our Programs page to find out more about what we offer.
​
A History
Valley Equestrian Center (VEC) was established in 2017 as part of Youth Farm Bible Camp & Mission Centre (YFBC)’s vision to create a full-time, high-quality equestrian program that could serve the community year-round. To bring this dream to life, YFBC brought Cheralyne Gibson, whose extensive equestrian experience and shared passion for using horses in a Christ-led environment aligned perfectly with the mission. Together they worked to reimagine and transform the equestrian program into what VEC is today.
​
Horses had been part of the Youth Farm for over 50 years, primarily used for a summer riding program during July and August. Recognizing the underutilized potential of this resource, the dream of a high-quality facility year-round was put into motion.
​
An old, non-productive pasture was transformed into the site of a new indoor arena, equipped with proper footing and safety fencing. Additional pastures were planted and fenced, shelters were constructed, and water lines were installed. Lesson horses were acquired, policies were made, and a curriculum was developed to support the growing equestrian community. The facility continues to expand with future projects like a heated viewing area and office for the indoor arena, a sound system to enhance teaching, and new boarding pens for client-owned horses.
​
Today, VEC reflects the joint efforts of equestrian staff, coaches, students with their families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed over the years to build this thriving horse community.
Our Mission
As a ministry of YFBC, VEC is committed to using the therapeutic and life-enriching qualities of horses in a Christ-centered environment. The staff at VEC aims to provide exceptional equestrian opportunities and share the love of Jesus through every interaction with horses and humans alike with great care and appreciation. We value you and we value the lessons horses have to teach us!
As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “We can not encounter God through nature alone. The only imperative that nature applies to us is “Look. Listen. Attend”. Nature never taught me that there exists a God of glory and of infinite majesty. I had to learn that in other ways. But nature gave the word glory a meaning for me. I still do not know where else I could have found one.”