Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Rackham

Like so many other pony-loving little girls, the young Jennifer Saunders daydreamed about riding in the Olympics despite, she admits now, being nervous of jumping and living in fear of infringing some Pony Club rule. Yet for some insane reason she’s decided to rekindle her equestrian love affair by taking part in the Grass Roots Challenge at Badminton.

So she delves into all things horsey, acquaints herself with her new ride Jack, talks to the experts (including Princess Anne) and begins to get over her dread of breaking a bone (“especially one I’m fond of”).

There’s a lot of laughter and grimacing along the way mainly because, as she suddenly realises, to be any good at this sport, “You need to be at your physical peak - and I’m at base camp.”

About this programme

The comedy actress sets out to re-engage the nation with equine sports and returns to the saddle after a 40-year break from the world of competitive riding and showjumping. In the first of two programmes, she takes a trip down memory lane at a children's pony club in Cheshire, and an interview with Clare Balding inspires her to agree to ride in a grassroots competition at Badminton. As the reality of what she has let herself in for dawns, she visits Princess Anne's Gloucestershire home Gatcombe House to witness a similar event, and takes all-important lessons from equestrians Tim Stockdale and Piggy French.