Plot

This story is about two teenage girls with totally different backgrounds. One girl, Jodie Brown was born with a physical disability. She and her mother live on a run down old farm. With the recent passing of her dad, Jodie's mother Sandy, works two jobs to make ends meet. Jodie's dream is to own and ride a horse and even eventually compete in a horse show. However, physical and financial problems make this quite impossible. Being bullied and made fun of is an every day part of her life. The other girl, Bridgett Van Heusen, lives a complete opposite life. She lives on a beautiful farm and has her own horse. She is very spoiled, wanting for nothing. Her dad is on the road most of the time earning money for their lavish lifestyle. Her mom's life consists of going from committee meeting to committee meeting. Both parents are involved in everything but their daughter's life. Bridgett has her own horse trainer and caretaker. She competes in district and national horse shows with much success. She does not appreciate what she has and is mean and belittling to all. These two girls path's cross and the story follows the success of one and the failure of the other. It has many emotional turns and twists. The story also has life lessons. It is a family story which will touch all ages.—Don Miller

IF I COULD RIDE

12-year-old Jodie Davis was born with a curvature of the spine and had limited mobility. With the recent passing of her dad, her mom Sandy and Grampa Bill struggled to make ends meet. Jodie is always so positive and never let things get her down. Her life's dream is to be normal like the other kids. Jodie's love for horses is always foremost on her mind, constantly hoping someday she can ride. However, with her physical disability, this seemed quite unlikely. 17-year-old Bridgett Van Heusen lives on a magnificent estate with her mom Victoria and father Stephen. She has a beautiful championship horse, Barkley. She also has a full-time equestrian coach/trainer, Jimmy Campbell. Jimmy carries a deep pain from the tragedy of losing his wife and daughter. Bridgett is constantly competing in horse shows and wins many awards. Victoria drives Bridgett and Jimmy relentlessly, creating anger and stress in Bridget's life. Jimmy is working with Bridget, not only with horses, but teaching her about life. Jodie and her family attend a local horseshow that Bridgett is competing in. After the show, which Bridget wins, Jodie and her family go to the stable area to meet Bridget and see her beautiful horse, Barkley. Strong, belittling words from Victoria directed towards Jodie's disability breaks Jodie's heart and angers her family. Days later, another meeting at the local feed store between Bridgett and Jodie again ends with Jodie getting her heart broken. Good news from a top surgeon has Jodie and her family very excited. A new medical procedure gives Jodie a great chance of walking normal again. Jodie gets the procedure and after a hospital stay, attends Helping Hooves rehabilitation complex which uses horses for rehab and therapy. Bridgett overhears a devastating statement from her father as they entertained friends "I always wanted a son, a true air, all I got was...." Bridget bursts out of the shadows "ME". She is devastated, runs and grabs Jimmy's saddled up training horse and gallops off at breakneck speed through the woods. A tree crashes on the trail, and a terrible fall from her horse leaves Bridget severely injured. The riderless horse gallops back to the stable area. Jimmy spots the horse and panics. He grabs a four-wheeler and charges through the woods, finding a crumpled, unconscious Bridget. An ambulance rushes Bridgett to the hospital. After surgery and during her hospital stay, Bridgett meets Jodie in the hospital rehab area. Jodie's positive attitude touches Bridget. After some time, Bridget also ends up at Helping Hooves rehabilitation center. Helping Hooves is such a positive place with great results. With both attending, Jodie and Bridget slowly, oh so slowly begin to form a friendship. Jimmy is the middle person, constantly working with both girls. Jodie's health progresses rapidly and Bridget is having many physical problems. With the fall state championship horseshow on the horizon, Bridget realizes she will not be able to compete. She convinces Jimmy and Jodie that Jodie should take Barkley and compete in her place. They don't tell Victoria. The three began a vigorous, demanding training program with Jimmy and Bridget working with Jodie. Working through setbacks, tears and discouragement, slowly Jodie develops into a first-class rider. The State Championship horse show day arrives. The tense competition begins, with Barkley and Jodie performing flawlessly. Jodie ends up winning the event. Tears and joy overwhelm everyone. Jodie and Bridget spend an alone moment together with a tearful hug. Jimmy grabs Jodie and they join the championship celebration. Bridget stands aside with her walking cane, watching the happiness and joy. A lady walking by stops beside Bridget. "You must be so proud. Is Jodie your sister"? Bridget thinks a moment, looking over at a happy Jodie. Bridget smiles "Yes, yes she is". The lady continues "Do you ride"? With a sad smile Bridget reply "Once upon a time". The movie was filmed in Vermont during the spectacular foliage season, giving it an added dimension in the Cinematography department!