Free Rein

This show changed my life. I did not know what I was going into as a pressed "start episode" on my blotchy iPhone screen. As the minutes passed by, so my spirits lifted. "Could there be any show on earth more incredible?" I inquired to myself. Turns out, after minutes of searching and viewing, there isn't. This show has anything your aching heart could desire: the vibrant British country side, little horsey boi, drama, and attractive British lads! Yes, Free Rein has it all. And it has my heart. No other show can possibly be as perfect, as pure, as wonderful as this series. If you are questioning whether to begin on this epic journey that is streaming this series, I personally would like to invite you on the ride of your life. Don't forget to bring your horsey helmet, it's going to be the greatest ride of your life.

Netflix recommended this series to me because I watch Heartland. I ignored it for a while because I figured it'd be some cutesy, childish TV series, but eventually decided to try it. It's actually pretty good! Currently I'm 28, and I used to watch The Saddle Club when it aired back in 2001 when I was 11. I think it appeals to a slightly more mature audience than TSC, and the child actors are better in comparison. Being an equestrian myself, I can't help but roll my eyes at the idea of a teenage girl with zero prior riding experience suddenly becoming the stable's best rider in a matter of months, but it's still all around a great series. The cast has great chemistry, the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and I love the variety of beautiful horses they have. Definitely a good drama series.

Look, this show isn't perfect. It's actually far from perfect. Main character Zoe is moderately unlikable - she is self-absorbed, obnoxious and unwilling to listen to experts and their riding advice, constantly falling back on the "I'm a natural rider" excuse to do whatever she wants. Make sure kids are aware that it takes years of riding to get to the level she was at if this show inspires your kids to start riding. However, all other characters are decent and interesting, both the main secondary characters like Mia, Marcus and Pin and the lesser used characters like Susie. If the writers put effort into Zoe like they did with everybody else, this would be a great show. The plot is also a strong point. The twist in the first season does originally feel like it comes out of nowhere, but was actually very clever in that there are little subtle hints to who the horse thief was.

I watched this series with my 6 yr old horse crazy daughter over a weekend and we absolutely loved it. The story line is easy to follow for young children, the characters are likable and there's no inappropriate themes. The English country side is just beautiful as are the horses. Admittedly we are horse lovers but this is a really enjoyable show for young families to watch together. My daughter is desperate for season 2, fingers cross it's renewed.

I am a horse person, so I agree that some of this is "horse fantasy" land, but I don't mind. It's a horse crazy girl's show and it's appropriate for kids and family. Plot holes galore! Horses magically tacked up! A trainer who never rides any horses! But still, good characters, beautiful horses. Just needs a dog or two and then it would be perfect.