User reviews

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

When I was younger, I felt alone, nobody to talk to, nothing to do. This show gave me purpose, it gave me friends, it gave me family, it gave me hope. Now, at 23, my life is complete. I have three best friends, Stevie, Carol, and Lisa, and I'm part of something much bigger than myself. I am part of the saddle club. We are one.

Through this show, I learned how to ride, talk to boys, and maintain friendships. I now have three fictional husbands, and I've finally trotted off lead rein after 8years of lessons!

Watch this show if you want to make better of yourself.

The saddle club made me.

I am at one with the saddle club.

I have to say, when I was younger I had a short obsession with The Saddle Club. Yes, I know, it's tragic. But now that I have grown up I can see what utter sh*t I left behind.

Firstly, okay, so I am not a horse fan so I find it mundane to sit through this girly, horsey sh*t. It's sad because I love animals (I like horses but all this Saddle Club stuff reeaaallly put me off).

This show is lame to the extreme. Really, it's for tweens, not all ages.

And as for it being filmed in Australia, well get over it people! We are just as much apart of the world as any other country. Our country has obvious beauty (as seen in the show). I suppose that is one of the only good things in the show.

Also, because it's good to see that the typical Australian has not been portrayed as some Slack-Jawed Yokel by the likes of Cletus from the Simpsons (except the Aussie version. The Simpsons rocks, by the way). We are just portrayed accurately as NORMAL PEOPLE, NOT UNLIKE YOURSELVES!!!

SHOCK, HORROR!

Okay, so the only one who can really act is Heli Simpson, Lara is not too bad either, but she is too dramatic at times and it looks pathetic. The rest of the cast is pretty sh*thouse.

All in all, young girls will like this show. I personally find it to be boring and stupid (especially the second season, the first at least did not have insipid story lines crammed into it).

My verdict: Craptacular!

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.

Hell Yes! Omg i absolutely love this show and i think everyone should watch it, all of the characters are fantastic and it has many amazing plot details and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is not a boring episode. The Saddle Club is such a good show that anyone can sit down and enjoy everything that is going on. This show will take you on an emotional roller-coaster of highs and lows that will just simply keep you wanting more. 11/10 if I'm being completely honest here, 100% would recommend to anyone.

The Saddle Club details in on some of the most important traits and ideals of being human and what it means to surround yourself with truly good people. Phil and Max are some all time favourite characters that help engage and entrance you into this show. All of the actresses and actors really do give it their best and I think that some of the best performances by an actor/actress are found in this show. An absolutely incredible show that has created one of the best fictional worlds I have had the absolute pleasure of visiting.

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.

The negative reviewers here are really missing the point. Of course it is cheesy from an adults perspective. Yes, the situations are unrealistic and simple but does that really matter to young girls? Sometimes the plot may even be too complex for young girls to understand in which case they enjoy the songs and get excited when the horses are shown. I loved this as a girl, my young sisters love it now. In fact, it's the only way to get them to be quiet. Any other show and they're chatting and/or fighting all the way through. I recommend it to any girls between the ages of six and ten maybe even older depending on their taste. The show is not for adults so there's no use complaining about how stupid it is.

It's a fun kid show. AFAICT it's filmed on tape, even. So lay off... Do you want your 9 year old watching Sex and the City? Come on!

The show is cheesy - for a grownup. For kids it's fun, the characters are engaging, and the topics are very age-appropriate. It's about kids working together to overcome problems, friendship, and growing up.

This show gets both thumbs up; I wish PBS would broadcast it again. It's engaging enough to hold my attention for a while. My daughter likes to watch it.

Fortunately, we're in the US so we're not subject to the commercialism that one reviewer complained about. Then again, we have Hannah Montana.

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!

I now that everyone has their opinion about the saddle club and so do I.

I am a huge fan of the first two seasons of the saddle club. Since i'm born the year of 1994 I were 7 when the first episode came out and I loved it. Back then I did not ride in fact I were afraid of horses, but the Saddle club were a wonderful thing for me. Even now when I'm almost 20 I still love the saddle club. I believe that even thought their riding skills are not good at all, the series have a wonderful message.

The Saddle club show kids how to treat animals with love and respect. To show children this is very important, they also show kids the meaning of friendship and that even people that may be mean can also be nice.

So Long Live The Saddle Club <3

Regards from Sweden

Without saddle club in my life I would've killed myself a long time ago. This show has amazing, interesting and engaging characters and character developments. It touches your emotions, or should say horse. The problems that they face are very related in real life, I too often have boy troubles, my horse getting sick, and me not being able to fit in with other horses. I now worship the Saddle Club Princess, Long Nguyen everyday.

Hello World,

This is me.

Finally, I am the Saddle Club.

So Saddle up and get riding.

10/10

I highly doubt that our experienced dressage rider has ever watched The Saddle Club, but is merely using the topic as a platform to herald her accomplishments in the riding world.

Her first complaint is completely unfounded because the girls do not "burst into song" in the middle of the stories. The "singing" portions are promotional.

Likewise, her complaint that the horses "walking around" are not the same horses that are being ridden is also without merit.

The Saddle Club is a mixture of reality and fantasy. In fact, there are three concepts at play at the same time. (1) Some of the horses are at the actual ranch that passes for "Pine Hollow" and have their own riders and handlers, (2) some horses pictured have originated at other horse shows that the writer of the series visits and occasionally judges, and (3) other horses are supposed to "belong" to the main characters of Carol, Stevie, Lisa, Veronica, Stephanie, etc. and are actually ridden by them. It is nonsense to expect (or pretend) that the horses (or the riders) are all of the same status.

This is a story of a RIDING SCHOOL, which means the students are just learning! Our experienced dressage rider is not fair to the efforts of these young women who are just now learning to ride. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to own our own horses, to learn how to care for our animals, and learn to ride, must not be "snooty" or "snotty" about those who have not had that same opportunity!

For some viewers, this is their first introduction to horses, and it does not benefit them to have it picked apart by those at a different skill level; and remember, there are always those who have MORE skill and MORE talent and MORE awards! While not all people have a high interest in riding, they still enjoy watching The Saddle Club. Remember, it is not necessary to have technical knowledge to enjoy a show! Many non-swimmers were enthralled by Sea Hunt! Those with no background in criminal justice are addicted to "cop shows." Those who will never visit England are committed to British comedies. Likewise, those who will never ride a horse in their lives can still enjoy The Saddle Club.

We are all at different places in our journey. I have attended many horse events and there are winners and losers. If our experienced dressage rider is always the winner, she could do with some humility, and thank heavens for those who are willing to participate, even if they don't win. If it weren't for all those "losers", she could not be the winner she perceives herself to be.

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 think that the Saddle Club is a great show for ALL ages!! I think that all you idiots that don't like the show are just plain stupid! The show is a wonderful TV show to watch when you get bored. The girls have great acting skills and can ride really well. The show is an excellent presentation of great acting skills. I think that this show is great for everyone and isn't cheesy or horrible. The Saddle Club shows great horsemanship and great friendship. The show is supposed to be based on the wonderful books by Bonnie Bryant and even though it is shot in Australia, it is based in Virginia, USA. I think that all you idiots that don't like the show shouldn't even watch it if you don't like it. Get over it!

I think this show is great!!!! If you have a problem with happy endings good guys always coming out on top and girls breaking out in song then why are you even reading this but its a great light hearted show I love horses I've been ridding for about 4 a and 1/2 years sure the actors aren't great riders but the sure can act!!! this show is great 4 all ages I think we could all use a little life lesson now and then over all I think this

show

is

great!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's so refreshing to see a kid's show with VALUES that I want to share with my daughter. In this world of trashy "Brats", etc, this is a needed and welcome change. My daughter is 6, and we love watching as much Saddle Club together as we can. We've Tivo'd every episode!

The story line over the years has tied together impressively, deeply engaging; but each episode as a stand alone works as well.

The show's plot lines have universal themes, centered around a horse-stable in Australia: overcoming grief, tragedy, betrayal. Committing to friends, loved ones. Being true. All of these presented in touching stories.

I can tell my child about these things til I'm blue in the face, but when she sees it in action from characters who have become her friends, it's much more meaningful.

I wish there were more episodes!

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.

I love the Saddle Club! It is great for ANY AGE!! And Amanda, or whatever Degrassi is not "real". But anyways I think some of the things are cheesy, but so if Full House and I love it too!! I mean in that one episode where Phil and Stevie have there first date but there horses 'date' (thats the only way I could find to say it) that was just so cheesy, but cute!! I still love the show and always will. I think that the episodes when they are older are so much more...'real' then when they are younger, and even though the show is called The Saddle Club, when they are young they are way to obsessed with the horses and pretty much only shows the episodes at Pine Hollow. When they are older, they like show them at JB's and Lisa, Stevie, and Carol's homes. Thats all I have to say.

10!

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)

ok i think its the best show ever and i dont take kindly to what all u idots are saying about it get a life it is soo cool.why dont you like it its not unreal and not a waste of time and yes all the horse are actually beautiful as i have met the horses personally so get you facts straight my horse actually came ---- this close to being on it but he ended up hurting him self and couldnt be on it i am sick of all the ppl his are baggin it out you all need to get i life and i speak for all the ppl who love the show so get over it all u losers who thinks its a waste of time your a waste of time

MELINDA

If you like cheesy cheese with extra cheese then you will love this show, if your part of the other 6 billion people on the planet then you won't. Whether it's funerals, weddings or 9 year old children in comas this show manages to make every situation it presents laughable. It's as if they locked a horse, powerpuff girls and E.R in a room and forced them to create mutant offspring. From the first episode you can instantaneously tell that this show is nothing but a vehicle for endless merchandise, sure it's packaged nicely with enough flowers and cutsey little girls to make you sick, but it just doesn't cover the horrible commercialism this show has. This became blatantly apparent when the stars of the show formed a band, and then every other minor character on the show followed suit and released one after another horrible singles. If you liked this show when it was aired then i can guarantee that you will look back on it and shudder.

I honestly have no idea why this show was ever put on the air. I mean if I was asked to be on this show I would just say no. And also when you make a movie from a TV show it is not supposed to be 3 episodes put together. I mean I could understand if you like horses and like this but come on! I mean this show (in my opinion) is geared toward around 7-10 year olds and a lot of this is way over their heads. I mean when I watch this I think of some soap opera but instead of people horses. One last thing about it is I can NOT STAND the actors and actresses. Although I never laugh at the 'jokes' I can point them out and they are FAR from funny! If I had one thing to say about this show I would simply say: A waste of time!

Younger kids might like this show, but I see it completely pointless. It is very unrealistic, all the good people get their way and the bad people end up punished. The group goes through hard times with EVERY episode but end up as best friends in the end. This is only worth watching if you are 10 or below, or if you like horses. Otherwise, don't bother. If you want something realistic (and your a teen) try Degrassi: The Next Generation.