Book Review: Pony Pals #1 - I Want a Pony

 'Lulu wants a pony. If only she had a pony, then staying with her grandmother while her father is away would not be so bad. If she had a pony, she could ride with Pam and Anna. And they could be friends - Pony Pals!

When Lulu finds a pony in danger, she wants to help the wounded animal. Will she be able to save the beautiful pony?' 

The Saddle Club Episode 1.19: Found Horse - Part 2

The episode opens with a recap of the previous one, and introduces the main plot points: the Western riding clinic, Kristi's awkward flirtationship with Johnny Brightstar, and Stevie finding Belle, and the 'curse' that Belle has apparently inflicted upon Veronica. 

The Saddle Club Episode 18: Found Horse - Part 1

Hello everyone! Apologies for my absence, November was a busy time for me. In between despairing over the fate of western democracy (thanks, America!) and a very busy time at work, I didn't have much time for writing. Thankfully, things have started to calm down (in terms of work, not in terms of America) so I'll be having some more writing time pretty soon. Today's episode is Found Horse, the one where Stevie finds Belle. It stands out to me because I have a very distinct memory of one of the horsey magazines I loved as a tween writing about this very episode, and how it was irresponsible to depict Stevie just walking up to Belle and taking her home - despite having no knowledge of the mare's behaviour or temperament. As a kid, I definitely thought that article was the author being a stick in the mud. As an adult, I now see it as quality journalism. 

The Saddle Club Episode: 1.17: Jump Off

The episode begins with the Pine Hollow students having a riding lesson. They're preparing for an upcoming dressage competition. Stevie notices a new rider on a white horse, and wonders who it is. (I would assume, Stevie, given that you are at a riding school, it is a new student/boarder. But, then again, logic's never really been Stevie's strong suit.)

The Saddle Club Episode 1.16: Flying Change

I'm absolutely nitpicking here, but this episode opens with some reused footage from Set Up - get it together, ABC! Anyway, the episode begins with The Saddle Club watching Veronica's awkward attempts at flirting with Phil. Lisa says, 'It's gross, the way she flirts with him,' in a tone of disapproval that belongs to an 1880s villager shaming a woman for showing her ankles in the town square. Veronica then asks Phil about an upcoming barbeque, and Phil responds by ignoring her and walking away. Smooth move! 

The Saddle Club Episode 1.15: Gift Horse

The episode opens with Carole filming Stevie, who is interviewing Dr. Judy about Cobalt and Delilah's foal. The birth is apparently imminent, but Mrs. Reg and Lisa are both hoping it isn't happening today - Mrs. Reg is going out with 'the girls' (I just know her crew would be an absolute hoot) and Lisa is auditioning for a school play. Judy says that Delilah's probably not going to give birth for a couple more days. 

Book Review: A Pony Promise

So back when I was ten and reading A Perfect Pony, the very end of the book had the first chapter of another book in the series: A Pony Promise. I remember reading that first chapter and thinking it was incredibly high stakes drama - you'll understand why soon. Unfortunately, because it was the early 2000s and I was, again, ten, I was pretty much limited to whatever books were available at my local library or bookstore, neither of which had a Pony Promise. Now, here I am in the year 2024, with my own eBay account. This is my long-winded way of saying I spent $15.67 to finally acquire a copy of this book! I do think the cover is really cute, but I am an absolute sucker for ones that feature little baby foals :)