Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming horse drama has some drinking, name-calling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
If I Could Ride
What's the Story?
Two girls from completely different backgrounds and a love of riding horses cross paths in IF I COULD RIDE. One girl named Jodie Brown (Alexis Arnold) is born with a curvature in her spine, prohibiting her from walking unassisted, much less riding a horse. But medical science gives her the chance to straighten her spine and allow her to rehabilitate while riding horses -- a dream she's always had. Meanwhile, Bridget Van Heusen (Eva Igo) is the daughter of wealthy parents who expect her to win at all costs, even if that means pushing their daughter to the point of tears and resentment. Along the way, Jodie and Bridget develop a friendship that makes them both stronger.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet tale has a lot of positive aspects, but it's a little longer than necessary. The story centers on two girls from different backgrounds, both with a love of horses. One comes from a strict wealthy family while the other, who was born with a disability, lives with her hardworking and loving mother. It doesn't take long to see where the story is going and how it will end. As one girl rehabilitates from her spinal surgery while learning to ride horses, the other, a competitive rider, has to mend her relationship with her overbearing parents. Both girls heal on the outside and the inside as they deal with their life's trials.
It takes nearly two and a half hours to tell a story that could have been told in much less time, which might cause a younger audience to lose interest before they get to the end. However, horse lovers willing to overlook the excessive length will happily immerse themselves in the gentle story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bridget's decision to coach Jodie. Why do you think she was willing to help her win something she herself had been working to achieve? Do you think movies show enough positive female friendships and girls helping other girls?
How were Jodie and Bridget similar when it came to their attitudes in recovering from their surgeries? How were they different? How do you think a positive attitude can help in situations like this?
How does this movie compare to other movies about horses you've seen?
How did the characters in this movie demonstrate teamwork and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 25, 2023
- Cast : Alexis Arnold , Hawk Meisenbach , Ursula Boutwell
- Director : Shawn Welling
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 142 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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