As films go this one does not have in several locations, particularly dialog and acting, which is in some cases unskilled. But you can't find fault with the household story, revolving around a young teen woman who is various, including her first name "Moondance." Kay Panabaker is Moondance. Her dad passed away not long ago however she still had her artist mom Gelsey, played well by 40-something Lori Loughlin. By her own admission, Moondance has couple of, if any, pals since fellow students tease her name and the method she dresses. The movie starts on the last day of school as summer season break starts.
She has a little task, utilizing her bike to make small plan shipments in the backwoods surrounding her home (filmed in the Canadian Rockies and surrounding areas). One day, riding along a dirt road, a Pinto horse appears in front of her, evidently jumping the fence. We later on discover this is a practice of the Pinto, whom she names "Checkers", and this later on comes in useful in a jumping competitors.
As it ends up the horse is not lost, but is owned by Don Johnson as Dante, a man of gruff attitude and few words. We later learn he had actually been a horse trainer but something happened and he had quit. Moondance doesn't want to be separated from Checkers, so she bargains to work complimentary, starting at 6:30 AM every day, cleaning up stalls, etc and in return she gets to ride Checkers.
It is difficult to figure why skater Sasha Cohen has a function, except it appears 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 need more films with those attributes.
SPOILERS: Dante accepts assist Moondance and Checkers get ready for the annual leaping competition. But he cautions her not to get her hopes up. But they succeed, have a flawless trip, and wind up co-champions with the mean Fiona. Proving that "various" can be great You can find out more under the best conditions.