Review pending/Reread pending...

This is the book that started it all... An obsession that lasted YEARS. Even now... I still have these books boxed and tucked away in storage. (One of these days I'm going to have to go pull everything out and go through it all - even I don't know what all I got in there anymore. Just the main stuff really...)

Anyways, I think I know what next year will bring, but that'll be for another post, not this here.

This is the first in a long running series. Probably one of the best running series for horse crazy girls out there (behind Farley's Black Stallion and Island Stallion books). I tried several over the years, and this was easily my favorite series.

As the first book, it was a bit weak as a stand-alone, but it's also got the weight of the entire series behind it (as well as a spin-off series for older readers).

As an unofficial member of the Saddle Club, I give this a resounding Yee-haw! lol ( )

This was a very cute book about friendship. It was a chapter book that focused on the journey of three girls, two of which were best friends who at first excluded the third friend, who bonded over being students at the Pine Hollow Riding Stable. First, the plot would engage young readers, especially who love riding horses, because it details specifics about being a great rider and talks about what it takes to be a great rider. The plot also touches upon a fun riding trip that the girls are all looking forward to, struggles in school work, sleepover and hang-outs with friends, and of course the central theme of friendship and acceptance. The theme of the book pushes readers to value inclusion and set aside differences to embrace those who hold the same values as one another. The three main characters are all very different and go through a series of challenges, first against one another, and then against the outside world as they try to figure out how all three of them will attend their stable’s big weekend trip to a riding trail. They end up solving the problem together of how one of the girls will attend the trip by completing a difficult school assignment, and in turn give her the confidence that she is a good student in math. The language in the book is quite simple, and the plot has obvious events that include repetitive sequencing (i.e. going to riding class, hanging out after class, etc.). This would make the chapter book less overwhelming for readers who are not quite ready a plot-twisting novel, but also challenge them to comprehend a lengthy story. The main message of this story is to not judge someone new and to always be accepting of new friends. ( )

Where do you purchase your clothing? How does raise money and do homework at the same time? ( )

http://equus-blog.com/horse-crazy-by-bonnie-bryant/ ( )

Reviewed by Andie Z. for TeensReadToo.com

THE SADDLE CLUB is a hugely popular series by Bonnie Bryant. In this first book, HORSE CRAZY, we are introduced to Stevie Lake, Carole Hanson, and Lisa Atwood. All three girls are very different: Stevie is a practical joker, Carole is obsessed with horses, and Lisa is a straight-A student, but they are brought together by their love of riding.

Stevie and Carole have been friends ever since they met at Pine Hollow Stables, and at first they're not sure that Lisa will fit in. But when Stevie's parents tell her that she can't go on the Mountain Trail Overnight unless she improves her grades, the girls decide to come up with a plan, and eventually the Saddle Club is formed.

This is a very fun and enjoyable series. The stories are quick, light reads, great for a day when you just want to relax with a book. The characters are all likeable and relatable, and HORSE CRAZY does a great job at introducing them and making you want to read more. ( )