Grand galop

Just like to credit some people that did work on the side for this show in the very last episodes. Thanks to: Sarah K., Edward J. and Vicki S. For their help in Forum help - information - and out side key help.

During the time the show was being filmed these above people made other things possible during the first few months of production. Giving all their best to help out and make extra add-ons possible.

The dates for this was during 2001-2003 Once again I would like to take the time to thank these following people.

these names came from a list of extra out side people that helped on the side of the community.

The 'Saddle Club' is a modern version of Walt Disney's 1955-58 'Spin and Marty'. It is set in Australia and 'Pine Hollow' replaces the 'Triple R Ranch'. It has Stevie (Spin), Lisa (Marty), and Carol, the friends who call themselves the 'Saddle Club'. Both shows are hard to beat because a fantasy shared by most kids is to hang out with horses-ALL THE TIME. Instead of singing songs around the campfire, the girls are shown singing in a recording studio in the closing credits (which adds to the fantasy).

Both Saddle Club and Spin & Marty are little gems that kids will love until ages 11-13, secretly watch for another year, and then come back to in their mid-20's, wishing they were that age again. Most of the critical comments here are from kids who want to demonstrate to themselves that they have outgrown this stuff. I see little basis for criticism because 'Saddle Club' is pretty much up front about what it is and it delivers what it promises. If you don't want or need a straightforward story about the values of friendship, personal responsibility, and saddle club hugs; then don't watch.

While it is true that the episodes are somewhat formulaic, full of positive values, and almost always conclude with a mandatory happy ending; the plots revolve around some very serious subjects and bad things do happen to good people. Horses die, Carol struggles to come to terms with her mother's death, kids make mistakes that have serious negative consequences for themselves and others, and people that the kids are very fond of go away. It is not as lightweight as it first appears.

The show is amazingly strong on all areas of technical production. The camera shots are often very tight on the characters' faces and lots of reaction shots are used, the audio is excellent, and the editing is fast-paced and logically sequenced. Most shows could learn a lot from the way 'Saddle Club' is shot and edited.

The acting is a little weak, especially by the supporting characters. But Lara Marshall (Lisa), Keenan MacWilliams (Carol), and Heli Simpson (Veronica) are all solid. If they weren't solid they would not survive all those close-ups and reaction shots, the director would have abandoned his tight shot style since it exposes acting weakness.

The real gem of this cast is Zachary Bennett's little sister Sophie (Stevie). She looks like an expressive Lindsey Lohen and has made her character the most interesting of the group. Sometimes this is a self-fulfilling process as the writers pick up on who is the strongest actor and place more demands on them. Bennett is a fine dramatic actress who also teams well with Heli Simpson for comic relief. And Stevie's unlikely semi-romance with Phil has a strangely 'real' feel to it.

together we are, brighter than the sun; together we are, the calm inside the storm;

we are nothing without each other, we are together where we belong;

together we are, everything we need; together we are, more than the sum of us

I am surprised at how little is mentioned about The Saddle Club book series by Bonnie Bryant. I loved these books growing up and still have every copy! I was so excited to see Stevie, Lisa, and Carole on television, as they are much more quality characters than those on most other shows for girls that age. It is refreshing to see girls on television preoccupied with something other than boys, clothes, or drama at school. Sure, some things are different, like the fact that the show is filmed in Australia and the books take place in Virginia, but really the spirit of The Sadddle Club is a good message: love and quality care for horses as well as friendship and loyalty.

I have seen several other reviews here that are really negative, and I could not disagree more. In fact, I am jealous that Australians get quality television like this, and we get trash like Survivor, American Idol, and Fear Factor. I am 49, my 8 year old daughter got me started watching. The photography is beautiful, the plot lines well developed, the acting is excellent. The values taught by the show are universal and good. It is also nice to see Zachary Bennett's little sister Sophie - she not only reminds me of her brother, but has some of the same qualities that made Felix a good character on Avonlea. I notice that Keenan Macwilliam's acting was good enough to get Disney's attention, because they cast her in "Get a Clue". Lara Jean Marshall, Heli Simpson, and Kia Luby also get my attention - quite lovely girls! Heli plays the part of Veronica - and plays "bad" very well, although you can tell that her character is secretly jealous of the other girls. I expect to see a lot more of these beauties in the coming years! There have been two seasons with 26 episodes each, separated by a year's haitus - so you see the girls at one age in the first season (2001), then grown up quite a bit in the second season (2003). I can't help but think that the show's popularity in the United States spurred more production - when the producers originally thought it had run its course.

Come on folks! I have watched five or six episodes with my daughters (ages nine, eight and three) and always enjoy the show. It is entertaining enough to hold an adult's interest while simple enough to challenge a child's imagination. Gosh, makes me wish I were ten again!