Parents' Guide to The Saddle Club

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Common Sense Media Review

By Andrea Graham , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Cute boys and horses: A tween dream.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 9+

Based on 7 parent reviews

age 5+

Based on 15 kid reviews

Kids say the show is enjoyable for horse lovers, featuring likable characters and peaceful scenery, though it has some unrealistic elements, particularly with character behavior and storylines. While many appreciate the life lessons and positive role models, some find the portrayal of relationships distracting, and opinions vary on the later seasons and character changes.

  • fun for kids
  • unrealistic characters
  • good role models
  • varies by season
  • issues with relationships
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

Based on the books by Bonnie Bryant, THE SADDLE CLUB is an Australian series that tells the stories of three best friends -- Stevie (Sophie Bennett), Carole (Keenan Macwilliam), and Lisa (Lara Jean Marshall) -- who are united by their passion for horses. At the Pine Hollow stables, the girls not only learn about riding and taking care of horses, but also a lot about themselves and growing up. Each episode is full of drama as they try to navigate their way through the numerous challenges of adolescence. Friendships are tested, hearts are crushed, and rivals always cause trouble.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 7 ):
Kids say ( 15 ):

While some of the storylines and plot elements are a little unrealistic (the stable is relatively void of adult supervision), Stevie, Carole, and Lisa realistically portray tween girls and their concerns. In contrast to other shows in this genre, the characters don't try to act or dress older than they are, which is certainly a nice change. This succeeds in creating role models who are easy to relate to and whose problems seem familiar.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the dilemmas that each character encounters; each episode is full of moral conflicts. For example, should you keep a friend's secret even if you know she needs help?

  • While the series is centered around what it means to be a good friend,
    other issues may spark discussion, too. What can you do when you
    encounter peer pressure? How do privileges and responsibilities relate
    to each other?

TV Details

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