The Saddle Club

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.

Some young kids will probably like this show, but cringe if they see it again when they're older. The storylines are cheesy and most scenes are very unrealistic, such as where a young girl trips over the side of a cliff and her young friend, also hanging off the cliff by her fingertips, catches her in one arm. Always full of moral, the good people always get what they want and the bad people end up punished in a fitting manner. The even mix of Australian and American accents is interesting to say the least, making you wonder where the show is supposed to be set.

If you are a preteen, a teenager, or even a person in their twentysomethings (even further)....if you just have a heart that loves and remembers childhood...you will love Saddle Club.

When I first saw it, I was drawn because I don't get to see enough foreign-produced shows. Anyway, the point is, if you like movies/shows about friendship and buddies or stuff about the unique bond that girls have with each other when they are young, this show is worth watching.

I'm in my twenties and I like it because it reminds me of what it was like to be young and happy and to have a passion and to share it with your friends. This show is about the girls and guys on a ranch -- you get to see all the heartache and fun that comes with being a preteen. If I had a daughter, I would feel happy to let her watch this show.

If you think this show is "crap", perhaps this show just isn't for you. Other than that, I watch it everyday on Discovery Kids.

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.

I personally get annoyed to death of the acting of the characters Stevie, Lisa, and Carol and whenever they break out in song on the TV show I change the channel for a few minutes and return, I have noticed that the horses jumping are not the same ones that are walking around and that all the horses conformation is practically flawless. Which does disappoint me. I have been riding (dressage seat mostly) for 10+ years and competing in eventing for about 3 years and find the riding of the actors and actresses at times very annoying, Though I find the character of Veronica having a little talent for the basic equitation of riding. (her posture is very correct and she seems to do plenty of the basics with ease)

Overall if your into horseback riding and your a kid (I'd say 6-12) You would probably enjoy this movie, or if your older and looking for a laugh on some of the things the younger kids miss this would be good (IE: Mistakes riding, some bad acting, or some lines easy to make fun of)