Television Review: The Saddle Club
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this Australian drama is based on
the growing pains of three tweenaged horse riders. The series
takes on the often-challenging life lessons of emerging
adolescence: responsibility, loyalty, honesty, and forgiveness.
Reflecting the shift of social influence in a tween's life from
parents to peers, the characters tend to resolve conflict
without adult input. The girls and boys at the stable also
engage in some innocent flirtation.
Families can talk about the dilemmas each character encounters;
each episode is full of moral conflicts. 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?
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.
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.
W.I.T.C.H.Naturally, Sadie
As Told by Ginger
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