There is only about a week to go before the next A CIRCUIT book, REIN IT IN, is released. Woohoo ... excitement plus.

This fabulous series is written by professional showjumper and the daughter of the New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, and Georgina really does bring the world of professional showjumping to life.

Georgina's father is considered to be one of the richest men in the world, and you can't help but wonder if the character of Tommi is based on her own life? And I think I can pick who the grumpy showjumping trainer is too. There are a few differences, but a very populuar US showjumping trainer who visits Australia every summer for clinics, certainly fits the bill. And the daughter of a legendary pop singer is doing very well on the international jumping circuit too at the moment. They say true stories do make the best fiction!

A little like a RIDERS (Jilly Cooper) for teenagers, this is a series both mum and daughter will really enjoy. Even more good news is they have now had a PRICE DROP from the publisher. Yippeeee.

Book 1: The A Circuit
Book 2: My Favourite Mistake
Book 3: Off Course

DUE IN APPROX 1 WEEK

Book 4: Rein It In

I'm so thrilled have finally found a supplier where I can get this fabo family movie. I haven't seen this one since I was a child myself, and it's very exciting to have finally tracked it down.

This one is from the era of classic Disney from the 1950's and 60's. Every Saturday night we all gathered around the TV to watch the weekly Disney movie and, although a lot of them were often repeated, I never got tired of watching them over and over.

Dean Jones stars as the father of a shy young girl desperate for a horse of her own (instant empathy ... weren't we all!). He made so many brilliant family movies with Disney like The Love Bug (Herbie) movies, The Ugly Daschund, The Million Dollar Duck, The Shaggy DA, Beethoven; the list goes on and on. It also co-stars a teenage Kurt Russell in one of his earliest movie roles ever. Glad to see he chose the right one and decided horse movies would, quite rightly, launch his career.

They've made a really good effort at matching the different horses in this one too. Of course you can see the difference, especially by the tail or lack thereof in different shots, but all in all it's a pretty good effort. One thing that is VERY far fetched is how clean and tidy they all are. Fashion straight out of Vogue magazine, clean jods even after competing and not a hair out of place. I don't think so, Tim! Very true to life was however, the mad panic to make it to the class at the first show. Now that, we can all relate to.

All-in-all this is a beauty. Dated yes, but still immensely enjoyable for the whole family.

THE HORSE IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT - REGION 1 - DVD

The Brumby holds a special place in the Australian psyche. Immortalised in films, Brumbies epitomise the spirit of freedom and courage beloved by most Australians. Today, however, they face an uncertain future.

Considered by some to be feral pests and increasingly marginalised in lands that have been their home for over a century, Brumbies need our support more than ever before if they are to be protected for the enjoyment of future generations.

Bringing together breathtaking photographs of Brumbies in the wild as well as often thought-provoking and entertaining stories from people privileged enough to have encountered or worked with them personally, Brumby celebrates the beauty, strength and indomitable spirit of these amazing animals.

Royalties from the book go towards supporting the valuable work of preserving the Australian Brumby.

Brumby: A Celebration of Australias Wild Horses - HARDBACK BOOK

Here is a classic movie that has recently been re-mastered and brought back into print. It's one I had never seen, or even heard of, so I was really looking forward to seeing it. Gladly, I was not disappointed.

The star of the movie is the gorgous little boy who almost stole the show when he played the role of Velvet Brown's little brother Donald, in National Velvet. He was to-die-for cute in National Velvet and just as good in this one. It was also directed by the great Fred Zimmerman, who directed such movie greats as High Noon, From Here to Eternity, Oklahoma and many more.

Although it's a formula movie for the era, it's still great entertainment and one I can highly recommend for collectors. It's been really well restored too. Perhaps that reflects a little in the price, but well worth the money to have a good, clear print on a black and white, golden oldie.

My Brother Talks to Horses - Region 1 (NTSC) DVD

A riotous mockumentary style comedy in the style of BEST IN SHOW. Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri star in the indie comedy AND THEY'RE OFF, a the story of a losing thoroughbred horse trainer whose only chance to save his career and get back into the winner's circle is to hire his erratic ex-girlfriend/jockey, who is equally as desperate to get back into HIS circle.

I've long been a fan of a good mockumentary going all the way back to the immortal This Is Spinal Tap. And wasn't the more recent Best In Show about all the show dog mum's and dad's just hilarious!

Although this one is good fun, it's not in the same league as the mockumentary greats. I wish someone would do one based in the world of show horses. With all the Jilly Cooper type spice, the tears, tantrums and tiaras, wouldn't that make for some hilarious viewing.

And They're Off - Region 1 (NTSC) DVD