As films go this one lacks in numerous areas, especially dialog and acting, which is in some cases incompetent. However you can't find fault with the family story, focusing on a young teen lady who is different, including her first name "Moondance." Kay Panabaker is Moondance. Her father passed away recently but she still had her artist mama Gelsey, played well by 40-something Lori Loughlin. By her own admission, Moondance has couple of, if any, good friends due to the fact that fellow trainees make fun of her name and the method she dresses. The motion picture starts on the last day of school as summertime break starts.
She has a small task, using her bicycle to make little bundle deliveries in the rural area surrounding her house (shot in the Canadian Rockies and surrounding areas). One day, riding along a dirt roadway, a Pinto horse appears in front of her, evidently leaping the fence. We later discover this is a practice of the Pinto, whom she names "Checkers", and this later on can be found in helpful in a jumping competitors.
As it ends up the horse is not lost, but is owned by Don Johnson as Dante, a male of gruff behavior and few words. We later on learn he had actually been a horseman however something happened and he had quit. Moondance does not wish to be separated from Checkers, so she deals to work totally free, starting at 6:30 AM each day, cleaning up stalls, etc and in return she gets to ride Checkers.
It is difficult to figure why skater Sasha Cohen has a role, except it seems she has acting goals. Here she is Fiona Hughes, a nasty and self-centered girl who won the Junior jumping champion last year, and who takes every opportunity to attempt and put Moondance down. There is no subtlety to her performing.
Overall an excellent family film, with a great message, and no bad language, no sex, no violence. We require more films with those qualities.
SPOILERS: Dante accepts assist Moondance and Checkers prepare for the annual leaping competitors. But he alerts her not to get her hopes more info up. However they do well, have a perfect ride, and wind up co-champions with the mean Fiona. Proving that "various" can be excellent under the ideal conditions.