"The Saddle Club" is a children's television series produced as a collaboration between Australia and Canada, developed by Sarah Dodd and based on Bonnie Bryant's book series. It centres on three best friends who share a passion for horse riding and train to become jockeys for equestrian competitions at the fictional Pine Hollow Stables, while navigating challenges in their personal lives. The show debuted in 2001 and wrapped up in 2009.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around three girls who form a group called "The Saddle Club" after discovering their mutual love for horseback riding. Their main rival is a fellow rider at the stables named Veronica DiAngelo. The series chronicles their experiences as they balance competition training, participating in horse shows, and facing typical challenges that arise between friends and staff at Pine Hollow Stables. Each episode highlights themes of teamwork and friendship as the girls consistently overcome obstacles and resolve conflicts.
Production Details
The series was originally filmed in Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, with a cast from various nationalities. A third season was announced in 2007, and production for this new instalment took place between late 2007 and early 2008 in Daylesford, Victoria. The show spanned three seasons, with a total of 78 episodes. The third and final season aired from September 7, 2008, to April 10, 2009.
Broadcasting and Popularity
"The Saddle Club" first aired on YTV in Canada and ABC in Australia in 2001. Its popularity led to its American debut on Discovery Kids in January 2002, followed by reruns on Horse Racing TV and other U.S. channels such as PBS, Connecticut Public Television, and American Public Television. The show was also broadcast in the UK on CITV, Horse & Country, and Pop Girl, and in France on Gulli, where it was dubbed in French.
In 2009, the third season premiered in the U.S. on Discovery Kids on February 22, with sneak peeks shown on "Saddle Club Sundays" in December 2008. The new season began airing in Australia on March 7, 2009, on Channel Nine and WIN TV. Since 2017, WIN Television has aired a compilation movie every Christmas Day, which includes episodes like "Horse Shy," "Mystery Weekend," and "School Horse" from the first season.
The series' success also led to the release of several music albums by the cast, including "Friends Forever", "On Top of the World", "Secrets & Dreams", and "Hello World – The Best of the Saddle Club". The cast performed live shows, including an appearance at the 2004 Sydney Royal Easter Show, and a new album titled "Best Friends" was made available in Australian stores and as a digital download in North America.
Legacy of the Original Cast
The first two seasons of "The Saddle Club" featured a beloved original cast, and while a third season was created in 2008 with a new cast, many fans consider the first cast to be the most iconic.
- Carole Hanson, portrayed by Canadian actress Keenan MacWilliam, was the leader of the group. After her role on the show, MacWilliam pursued various creative endeavours, including acting, singing, dancing, writing, directing, and fashion design. According to her LinkedIn, she currently works as a creative professional at VICE Media in New York.
- Stevie Lake, the tomboy of the group, was played by Canadian actress Sophie Bennett. Following her time on the show, Bennett took on minor acting roles before transitioning to work as a freelance director and producer. She also runs her own YouTube channel.
- Lisa Atwood, the "new girl," was played by Australian actress Lara Jean Marshall. Unlike her co-stars, Marshall continued acting after "The Saddle Club" ended, appearing in projects such as "The Doctor Blake Mysteries" and the upcoming series "We Were Tomorrow", set to premiere in 2023.
"The Saddle Club" remains a cherished show for fans who grew up watching it. Its mix of friendship, adventure, and the love of horseback riding resonated with viewers across the globe, and its legacy endures through its cast and dedicated fanbase.