Annie's back, and this time she is getting prepped for her first horse show. She isn't sure if she's ready, but she doesn't want to disappoint Reese by not going. When her dad makes snide remarks about her skills and Bobby's abilities, she changes her mind. She is going to go, whether she is ready or not, just to prove how wrong her dad is about her! Ugh! I can't stand Annie's dad. What a jerk. The poor kid is going to grow up with a complex. He belittles her constantly, and doesn't give her credit for anything. When Jessica can't accept her own inadequacy and blames Annie for her own lack of riding skills, her dad treats her even worse! It's a good thing Annie has good friends who aren't afraid to try to set him straight. I wish her dad would go on an extended business trip overseas and not return until after the series wraps up. He is so inconsiderate that he can't even give her a phone message. I felt bad for Austin. His ego takes a battering when he takes a fall in front of an instructor he admires, and it almost derails his riding career. It is mortifying to take a tumble, but unfortunately, it is a part of the sport. This is why I don't jump. I have enough trouble staying in the saddle on the flat, and don't need to add another level of potential fallage to my lessons. And yes, I just made that word up. Austin has to re-evaluate his reasons for riding, and he also has to accept that he is still just learning, too. The only difference between Austin and Annie are miles in the saddle, and level of determination. You can be the best rider in the world, but if you aren't willing to work at it, you aren't going to be successful and really enjoy yourself. Ridgeview Riding Club continues to entertain, while accurately portraying life with horses. Grade: A- http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=4665 * Manga Maniac Cafe *
