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Free Rein
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| Free Rein | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Genre | Drama |
| Created by | Vicki Lutas Anna McCleery |
| Starring |
|
| Opening theme | "No Matter" by Basic Tape versus Frances |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 32 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Rebecca Hodgson Kate Little Claire Poyser |
| Production location | United Kingdom |
| Running time | 25–33 minutes 60 minutes (special episodes) |
| Production companies | Lime Pictures Netflix |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 23 June 2017 – 6 July 2019 |
Free Rein is a British drama television series created and written by Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery.[1][2] Produced in the UK by Lime Pictures, the ten-part first series premiered on Netflix on 23 June 2017. Although the island where the series is set is fictional and unnamed, it is based on Anglesey, Wales, and is referred to as "an island off the coast of England" throughout the programme. The second series premiered on 6 July 2018. Shortly afterwards, Free Rein was renewed for a third series, as well as two feature-length special episodes. Free Rein: The 12 Neighs of Christmas, premiered on 7 December 2018.[3] The second special, Free Rein: Valentine’s Day, premiered on 1 February 2019.[4] The third series, consisting of 10 episodes, premiered on 6 July 2019.[5] In January 2021, cast member Céline Buckens confirmed that the series had concluded.[6]
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Jaylen Barron as Zoe Phillips, a 15-year-old girl from Los Angeles, US who spends the summer in her mother's hometown in the United Kingdom, where she discovers a local stable and develops a kinship with a horse named Raven (the wildest in the stables and foal of Ruby Dawn). Zoe immediately becomes friends with Jade and Becky, two riders, upon arriving at Bright Fields.
- Freddy Carter as Peter "Pin" Hawthorne, a stable boy and son of Ted. In series two, it is revealed that he is a duke and inherits a fortune, which he uses to buy Raven and Bright Fields Stables. He has a horse named Elvis. One of the boys who has a crush on Zoe and later becomes her boyfriend.
- Navia Robinson as Rosie Phillips, Zoe's younger sister who has difficulty adjusting to the United Kingdom and stable life, but becomes friends with Ben. At the end of series two, she goes back to Los Angeles with Maggie. (series 1–2)
- Manpreet Bambra as Jade Gill, Zoe and Becky's best friend who rides at Bright Fields. In series three, she receives an honorary letter from David Attenborough after her successful horse project.
- Kerry Ingram as Rebecca "Becky" Sidebottom, Zoe and Jade's best friend who rides at Bright Fields, and Ben's older sister. She works part-time at The Barley Bag Cafe. Becky and her brother own a black and white Pinto Gypsy horse named Bob. In series three, she begins a horse club called The Breakfast Club, composed of Aaron, Winnie and Heather. For this, she receives a medal due to the contributions they made to the safety of the wild horses.
- Bruce Herbelin-Earle as Marcus Greenbridge, a well-liked rider and trainer at Bright Fields. He is Sam's cousin. At the end of series one, he gets accepted into the academy; being the only person from the island to go. However, he later drops out. In series three, he receives his qualification to be a trainer. Marcus has a romantic history with Mia, who he begins a relationship with in the third series.
- Céline Buckens as Amelia "Mia" MacDonald, a girl whose father financially supported Bright Fields in series one and two. She and Zoe immediately clash, but after episode nine, Mia and Zoe became friends. Mia owns Firefly. In the third series, Mia is thrown from Firefly, after which she suffers from PTSD when around horses. Later that series, she discovers her father dumped building waste in the lake, which poisoned residents and wild horses, and helps bring him to justice. Mia has a romantic history with Marcus, who she begins a relationship with in the third series.
- Natalie Gumede as Margaret "Maggie" Steel-Phillips, Zoe and Rosie's mother. Maggie is a former equestrian, and as a child, she had a horse named Emerald. Maggie forbids Zoe from riding, but eventually started riding again to help her accept the fact that Zoe was going to ride. At the end of series two, she goes back to Los Angeles with Rosie. (series 1–2)
- Caroline Ford as Samantha "Sam" Myers, the owner of Bright Fields and one of the trainers. She is Marcus' cousin. However, it is revealed that she had been reluctantly working with the horse thieves who were trying to steal Raven in a desperate attempt to save Bright Fields from bankruptcy. (series 1)
- Noah Huntley (series 1–2) and Andrew Steele (series 3) as Elliot MacDonald, Mia's wealthy but often absent father. Elliot is a childhood friend of Maggie, and encourages Maggie to ride again. In the third series, Elliot goes to prison following dumping building waste in the lake.
- Geoffrey McGivern as Francis "Frank" Steel, Maggie's father and Zoe and Rosie's grandfather. In Free Rein: Twelve Neighs of Christmas, it is revealed that Frank has a long-lost brother, Owen, who Zoe reunites him with.
- Carla Woodcock as Susie Garrett, Mia's best friend who is often bossed around by Mia. In series two, she began dating Callum, a rider at Holloway, but later finds out that he attempted to cheat on her with Mia. In the third series, Susie had a job at the council offices and has become far more independent of Mia's influence, even threatening to end their friendship if she does not help her and the stable.
- Charlotte Jordan as Gaby Grant, the sister of James and a girl with a tragic past. It is revealed in Free Rein: 12 Neighs of Christmas that Gaby is homeless, and Zoe finds out which leads Zoe to ask Gaby to move in with her. In the third series, she bonds with Ariel, a wild horse, but allows her to be free. Gaby earns a place on the Under 18s Riding Team following Callum's disqualification. (series 2–3)
- Martin Bobb-Semple as Alex Barber, a friendly rider at Holloway and Becky's love interest and boyfriend. (series 2–3)
- Joe Ashman as Callum Elphick, Susie's ex-boyfriend and the bad boy of the neighbouring riding school. Susie broke up with him when Mia exposed him for attempting to cheat on Susie. In the third series, he helps Elliot to dump building waste in the local lake, in exchange for a place on the Under 18s Riding Team, which his father and brother have all been in. (series 2–3)
- Sadie Simm as Winnie, a girl who helps Becky out around Bright Fields. She is part of The Breakfast Club. (series 3)
- Seth Carr as Aaron Phillips, Zoe's cousin visiting from Los Angeles. His mother sends him to the Island in a final chance to prove he can be good before he sends him to boarding school. He is part of The Breakfast Club. (series 3)
- Sanchaez-Rain Li-Brown as Heather Wright, the daughter of Claire. She is part of The Breakfast Club, and owns a horse called Princess. (series 3)
Recurring
[edit]- Billy Angel as Benjamin "Ben" Sidebottom, Becky's younger brother, who befriends Rosie. (series 1–2)
- Milo Twomey as Tedward "Ted" Hawthorne, Pin's father who has a past with Maggie, and buried her horse Emerald when he died. Ted wants Pin to stay away from Zoe, as he believes that she will hurt Pin.
- Holly Hayes as Meredith Moore, Raven's former owner. The final episode of series one reveals that Raven was stolen from Meredith as a foal. When Meredith shows up to legally take Raven home with her, he refuses to leave Bright Fields. After Zoe reasons with Meredith, she agrees to board Raven at Bright Fields. At the end of series two, it is revealed that Pin bought Raven from her, as a gift for Zoe. (series 1–2)
- Ryan Sands as Huck Phillips, Zoe and Rosie's father, Maggie's husband, and Frank's son-in-law, as well as the apparent brother-in-law of Aaron's mother. (series 1–2)
- Paul Luebke as Derek Wrigley, a police officer who comes to the stables occasionally and had a crush on Sam. (series 1)
- Tom Forbes as James, the former trainer at Bright Fields and the current trainer at rival riding school, Holloway. (series 2)
- T'Nia Miller as Claire Wright, the new mayor of the island. Upon arrival, Claire wants to hunt down the wild horses to capture them, but she is later made to protect them, after Jade confronts her while on a livestream. (series 3)
- Joe Sims as Geoff, the bodyguard and assistant of Claire. (series 3)
- Anna Passey as Felicity, a rider who examines Marcus on his test to be an instructor. She later appears as a judge in the tryouts for the Under 18s Riding Team. (series 3)
- Paul Antony-Barber as Arthur, the butler at the castle that the Hawthorne family own. (series 3)
Episodes
[edit]| Series | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 23 June 2017 | ||
| 2 | 10 | 6 July 2018 | ||
| Christmas Special | 7 December 2018 | |||
| Valentine's Day Special | 1 February 2019 | |||
| 3 | 10 | 6 July 2019 | ||
Series 1 (2017)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Raven" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
When her sister Rosie goes missing after arriving at their grandfather's home in the United Kingdom, Zoe scours the area, meets some locals, and has a scary encounter. Zoe reaches the beach with her bike looking for Rosie but rather encounters a wild horse called, Raven. She somehow has some sort of connection with him unlike anyone else, for the fact he is a wild horse. | ||||
| 2 | 2 | "Close Up" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
When Mia insists on mounting Raven for a photo shoot, Zoe must calm the wild horse so he can be saddled. Rosie snoops in her mom's childhood diary. | ||||
| 3 | 3 | "Spying on Pin" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
To investigate her suspicions, Zoe defies her mom and sneaks off to the stables, where she has her first riding lesson and catches Pin red-handed. | ||||
| 4 | 4 | "Pony Camp!" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
When Pin refuses to tell Zoe why he was stealing from the medical cabinet, she follows him home and finds out. Mia learns Zoe is not allowed to ride. | ||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Sleepover" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
Still being mad at her mom for not letting her ride for no reason, Zoe meets up with Becky and Jade at a cafe where Mia and Marcus are present. On the way to the cafe, Mia invites Rosie to a sleepover. Zoe gets frustrated because of that. Zoe and her friends find an engraved riding crop that may have been left behind by the horse thief. They decided to inform Sam about this but she wouldn’t take to consideration. Since the horse thief could still come, they planned to have a sleep over in the stable for a lookout. At the sleepovers, Mia, Rosie, and Susie were looking at old photos while Zoe and her friends were favouring all of Marcus’s photos (mistakenly). Alarmed by the sound of a horse at the stables, Zoe and her friends were eager to catch the horse thieves, but turns out it was Zoes’s mom (on a horse) and Mia’s dad. While they were complaining (along with Mia, Susie, and Rosie), horse thieves are on action to take Raven. Zoe goes to rescue the day but in result, she ended up crashing to the ground and fainting. | ||||
| 6 | 6 | "Horse Thief Hero" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
Zoe learns why her mom forbade her from riding. Jade uncovers a secret about Raven's past. Becky proves to Ben that horses are better than quad bikes. | ||||
| 7 | 7 | "Emerald" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
Zoe learns more about Raven's mysterious origins. After finding what may be the real horse behind the ghost pony legend, Rosie realizes who "E" is. | ||||
| 8 | 8 | "Pony Prom" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
Mia sabotages Zoe's plans for the barn dance. Becky sets a trap for the ghost pony, but she and her friends catch a suspected horse thief instead! | ||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Search" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
Ben helps Rosie trick her dad into calling her mom. While leading the kids on an islandwide search on horseback for Raven, Zoe has it out with Mia. | ||||
| 10 | 10 | "Show Down" | 23 June 2017 | |
|
The kids compete at the county show. An odd comment leads Zoe to realize who helped the horse thief, and sends her racing off to rescue Raven in time. *Note: Charlotte Dujardin guest stars as herself in the Season 1 finale. | ||||
Series 2 (2018)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Rivals" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
When rival riding school Holloway steals Bright Fields’ recently won County Cup, Zoe and Pin must steal it back before Mia’s press interview begins. | ||||
| 12 | 2 | "Golden Boy" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
The gang sees Pin in a new light. On his last day, Marcus confesses a guilty secret to Rosie. Becky says a heartfelt goodbye to Marcus. | ||||
| 13 | 3 | "Maid of the Island" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
Things get out of hand during a jousting match at the annual Maid of the Island tournament when Zoe and Mia face off against Gaby from Holloway. | ||||
| 14 | 4 | "Truth or Dare" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
At a beach party, a game of truth or dare forces Zoe to face her feelings for Pin, and a horse race on the sand leads her to betray Raven’s trust. | ||||
| 15 | 5 | "Sweet 16" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
At Zoe’s 16th birthday bash, Gaby stirs up trouble between Pin and Marcus, Rosie plays matchmaker, and Mia gathers proof of Callum’s bad behaviour. | ||||
| 16 | 6 | "Runaway" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
Zoe takes Raven to a private spot to win his forgiveness. Becky, Ben and Rosie stumble upon a mysterious discovery. Mia overhears an upsetting chat. | ||||
| 17 | 7 | "Bob" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
A fire brings an unlikely hero to the rescue. Gaby reveals her painful past to Zoe and Pin. Jade comes through for Becky during a time of need. | ||||
| 18 | 8 | "Gaby" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
Gaby secretly trains on Raven, but Zoe’s kindness makes her feel guilty. Rosie and Ben hunt for treasure in the tunnels. Pin makes plans with his mum. | ||||
| 19 | 9 | "Road Trip" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
After Zoe and Pin miss the ferry to Nationals, they get a ride in Grandpa Frank’s van. But an empty gas tank leads to an unplanned trip to a fair. | ||||
| 20 | 10 | "Nationals" | 6 July 2018 | |
|
At Nationals, Pin does things his way, Becky cures Jade’s fear of performing, Rosie uncovers an old family secret, and James tries to sabotage Raven. | ||||
Christmas Special (2018)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "The Twelve Neighs of Christmas" | 7 December 2018 | |
|
As Bright Fields prepares for its Mistletoe Ball, a broken ornament leads Zoe to a family secret, while Gaby finds herself at the mercy of new boss Mia. | ||||
Valentine’s Day Special (2019)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 1 | "Free Rein: Valentine’s Day" | 1 February 2019 | |
|
Love is in the air as Zoe and friends go on a quest to find a fabled Maid's Stone. But when rivalry blinds them to danger, it is Raven to the rescue. | ||||
Series 3 (2019)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original release date [7] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 1 | "Wild Horses" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Zoe's cousin from Los Angeles, Aaron, arrives earlier than expected. With the new mayor, Claire, arriving, the riders at Bright Fields organise an open day to impress her. However, Aaron leaves the gate open, and wild horses from the island stampede. Heather, Claire's daughter, tries to mount a wild horse but gets thrown off. She fakes an injury, leading to Claire wanting the horse captured. | ||||
| 24 | 2 | "Hunted" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Following Claire hunting for the wild horse, Pin and the Bright Fields riders set off to find her. On the way back, Mia is thrown off of Firefly, leading to her developing anxiety when around horses. Becky starts The Breakfast Club, composed of Aaron, Winnie and Heather. Susie starts her internship at the council office, and uses insider information to warn the riders about Claire. | ||||
| 25 | 3 | "Ariel" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Zoe and Gaby attempt to figure out what's wrong with the wild horse, Ariel. Mia goes to the council offices and manages to talk Claire into firing Susie and hiring her; due to her fear of horses after the accident with Firefly. Marcus' exam for a trainer qualification is moved up, and when Mia fails to show up, Pin fills in, but he fails the exam. | ||||
| 26 | 4 | "The Tea Party" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Aaron suggests the riders host a tea party at Pin's family castle and invite the mayor in order to persuade her into protecting the wild horses. Zoe was meant to give the speech, but due to her competing with Gaby, she is late, and Jade fills in for her. She agrees that the horses are special, until Zoe trips into Aaron, splashing cream all over the mayor. | ||||
| 27 | 5 | "Foal O'Clock" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Marcus notices that Mia is upset, and tells her to face her fears. Ariel gives birth to a foal, named Scout, with the help of Mia. It is revealed that Raven is the father of the foal. Claire turns up to take Ariel away, but Jade starts a livestream on Becky's blog with 3 million subscribers, and coerces her into protecting the horses and supporting her horse project. At the end of an episode, a wild horse chokes and collapses. | ||||
| 28 | 6 | "Pony Safari" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Pin hosts a pony camp, and when Winnie's classmates turn up demanding a photo with Ariel, Pin and Zoe are in disagreement on what to do. Mia begins to show trust in horses again, after helping out at the pony camp. Zoe paints Raven so that he looks like Ariel, and rides him. Carly, Winnie's classmate, posts the video of it, which goes viral. | ||||
| 29 | 7 | "Tryouts" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
The tryouts for the Under 18s Riding Team are held, to which Zoe, Gaby, Mia, Susie and Callum compete in. While looking after Scout, Aaron loses Ariel. At the tryouts, Gaby steals Zoe's riding routine, and Jade discovers the horse tags in the bin outside. Callum is revealed as the winner of the tryouts. | ||||
| 30 | 8 | "Princess" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
When Zoe, Jade and Gaby sneak into the mayor's office to find information about the wild horses, Zoe discovers that Gaby was the reserve for the Under 18s Riding Team. She also finds a receipt for horse food being delivered to Claire's house. They go to her house, but discover that the food was part of Heather's birthday present; her horse, Princess. Mia mishears Marcus talking about Princess, thinking he was talking about her, rather than the horse. | ||||
| 31 | 9 | "Victory Parade" | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Jade and Becky sneak into the castle, suspicious that Arthur, the butler, is poisoning Pin and the wild horses. However, when they go searching in the lake, they find building waste, containing lead. Jade explains that Pin, Arthur, and the horses suffer from lead poisoning. Claire hosts a parade with Callum as showman, but he drops out. Zoe decides that she wants to move back to Los Angeles with Raven. | ||||
| 32 | 10 | "S.O.S." | 6 July 2019 | |
|
Zoe and Gaby go hunting for the wild horses, and after finding them, Callum locks them in the barn. With the horse tags, Zoe sends an S.O.S. message via morse code, which Aaron receives and goes to save them with The Breakfast Club. When they arrive at the barn, they break them out and head to Elliot's Firefly Hotel opening. It is revealed that Elliot dumped the waste and got Callum to help dump the waste and collect the horses in an exchange for a place on the Under 18s Riding Team. Mia goes to find her father, and with a horse tag, manages to alert the police to his location. In a 3 month later flash-forward, it shows Becky getting a medal, Jade getting an honorary letter from David Attenborough, and Gaby getting the spot on the team. Mia says thank you to Marcus, and kisses him. Gaby lets Ariel run wild, and it is revealed that Gaby sent the video of Zoe riding to a school in Florida, and they want her to audition. | ||||
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Children's Program | Free Rein | Nominated |
| 2018 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Children's or Family Viewing Series | Free Rein | Won |
| 2018 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Directing for a Children's or Family Viewing Series | Paul Walker | Won |
| 2018 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Children's, Pre-School Children's or Family Viewing Program | Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery | Nominated |
| 2019 | WGGB Awards | Best Children's TV episode | Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery | Won |
| 2019 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Directing for a Children's, Preschool Children's or Family Viewing Program | Free Rein | Nominated |
| 2020 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Children's or Young Adult Program | Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Netflix Sets Tween Series 'Worst Witch,' 'Horse Mystery Project' For 2017". Variety. 31 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "New on Netflix UK: June 2017". The List. 22 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "When Will 'Free Rein' Return? Christmas Special Airing Ahead Of Season 3". International Business Times. 13 November 2018. Archived from the original on 25 November 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
- ^ "Free Rein: Valentine's Day". Netflix. Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "'Free Rein' Season 3 is Coming to Netflix in July 2019". What's on Netflix. 9 June 2019. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
- ^ Louis Strong. "Episode 3: Celine Buckens". Headstrong (Podcast). Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ^ "Free Rein – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
External links
[edit]
Free Rein
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Overview
Premise
Free Rein is a British teen drama series centered on 15-year-old Zoe Phillips, who relocates from Los Angeles to her mother's hometown on a fictional English island for the summer.[1] Upon arriving at her family's stables, Bright Fields, Zoe discovers a mysterious black horse named Raven and forms an immediate, profound bond with him, which becomes the catalyst for her adventures in the equestrian world.[2] This core storyline explores Zoe's transition from city life to rural island existence, where riding Raven helps her navigate new challenges and self-discovery.[4] Throughout the series, recurring motifs emphasize Zoe's personal growth through horse riding, as her experiences with Raven build her confidence, resilience, and equestrian skills amid various trials.[2] Family secrets, particularly those tied to her late father and her mother's past at Bright Fields, add layers of emotional depth, intertwining with themes of reconciliation and heritage.[1] Friendships and rivalries at the stables, involving peers like her sister Rosie and local riders, further shape Zoe's journey, highlighting camaraderie, competition, and budding romances in a close-knit community.[2] The narrative evolves across three seasons, with Zoe's bond with Raven deepening amid escalating adventures that include equestrian competitions, island mysteries, and interpersonal dramas, all while maintaining focus on her maturation and relationships without resolving all tensions immediately.[2] Season 1 introduces the foundational elements of arrival and discovery, Season 2 intensifies the stakes with greater involvement in stable affairs, and Season 3 culminates in broader explorations of legacy and future aspirations, supplemented by holiday specials that extend the festive yet intriguing tone.[1]Format
Free Rein is presented as a live-action family drama series, blending equestrian action with coming-of-age themes tailored for a tween and teen audience.[6][7] Standard episodes typically run between 25 and 33 minutes, allowing for concise storytelling that fits streaming viewing habits, while holiday specials extend to approximately 60 minutes for more immersive holiday narratives.[8] The visual style emphasizes vibrant outdoor settings on a fictional English island, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and dynamic horse-riding sequences that highlight the physical and emotional bonds between characters and their animals.[4] This approach creates an engaging, adventure-filled aesthetic, with equestrian action sequences filmed in the British countryside to capture authentic riding experiences and natural beauty.[6] The production prioritizes a bright, accessible look suitable for young viewers, focusing on horse-centric visuals that underscore themes of freedom and connection without relying on heavy special effects.[9] Narratively, the series balances episodic adventures with serialized elements, featuring seasonal arcs that develop ongoing character relationships and mysteries, often resolved through cliffhangers at episode ends to build suspense across installments.[10] This structure allows for progressive storytelling, where events like family secrets or horse-related challenges from one season influence subsequent developments, while holiday specials function as semi-standalone extensions that tie into the broader continuity.[11] Such a format encourages binge-watching among its target demographic, fostering emotional investment in the protagonists' growth and interpersonal dynamics.[10]Production
Development
Free Rein was created and written by Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery, both alumni of the soap opera Hollyoaks, who drew inspiration from their experiences to craft a narrative centered on a young girl's bonding with a mysterious horse named Raven.[2][12] The series was produced by Lime Pictures, a Liverpool-based company known for youth-oriented programming, with executive producers Rebecca Hodgson, Kate Little, and Claire Poyser overseeing the project.[2][13] In 2016, Netflix commissioned Free Rein as its first original UK children's series, ordering a 10-episode first season aimed at a global audience in over 190 countries.[2] The commissioning emphasized international appeal, with an American lead character to broaden accessibility beyond the UK market.[12] Success led to renewals for two additional seasons and two specials, expanding the series to 30 episodes plus holiday installments.[2] The writing process prioritized themes of empowerment through coming-of-age challenges, the strength of friendship, and the joys and trials of equestrian life, all set against the backdrop of the British countryside to evoke a sense of adventure and resilience.[2] Lutas and McCleery focused on relatable tween experiences, incorporating elements of horse riding and personal growth to inspire young viewers while avoiding overly didactic messaging.[3]Filming
The filming of Free Rein took place primarily in the United Kingdom, with a focus on rural and coastal landscapes to evoke the series' fictional island setting. Key locations included Newborough Forest on the island of Anglesey in North Wales, where expansive beach and woodland scenes were captured to represent the island's wild terrains.[14] Additional principal shooting occurred in Cheshire, including at Cholmondeley Castle, which served as the stand-in for the Bright Fields stables and surrounding equestrian facilities.[2] Scenes requiring coastal or pier elements were filmed in Beaumaris on Anglesey, while other interiors and exteriors utilized sites in Shropshire, such as Ellesmere, and various North Welsh towns for authenticity in the equestrian-focused narrative.[15][16][17] Production timelines aligned closely with the series' release schedule on Netflix. The first season was filmed throughout 2016, with significant shooting in October of that year in locations like Ellesmere, Shropshire, ahead of its June 2017 premiere.[18] Filming for the second season commenced in late 2017 in Cheshire and North Wales, wrapping in time for the July 2018 release.[13] The third season and the Christmas special (The 12 Neighs of Christmas) were shot in 2018, followed by the Valentine's Day special in early 2019, emphasizing real equestrian environments with horses sourced from local trainers to maintain visual realism.[2][19] Filming presented logistical challenges inherent to outdoor equestrian productions, particularly in coordinating sequences with live horses. Lead actress Jaylen Barron, who portrayed Zoe, underwent intensive riding lessons prior to principal photography, as she had no prior experience, highlighting the need for cast training to safely execute dynamic riding scenes.[20] Weather conditions in the UK's variable climate often disrupted schedules for exterior shots in Anglesey and Cheshire, requiring flexible contingency planning for rain or wind-affected beach and forest sequences. Animal welfare was prioritized through collaboration with professional horse handlers, ensuring all riding and stunt work adhered to industry standards for equine care during extended shoots.[2]Cast and characters
Main
Zoe Phillips is the protagonist of Free Rein, portrayed by Jaylen Barron. A 15-year-old girl from Los Angeles, Zoe arrives on the fictional island off the English coast for the summer to stay with her mother's family, where she must adapt to rural life at the Bright Fields stables after her younger sister Rosie briefly goes missing upon arrival. Throughout the series, Zoe forms an immediate and profound bond with the wild horse Raven, embarking on adventures that involve equestrian challenges, island mysteries, and personal growth as she discovers her passion for riding.[1] Pin Hawthorne, played by Freddy Carter across all three seasons, serves as Zoe's primary love interest and a key ally in her equestrian pursuits. As the son of a former stable hand, Pin is a skilled but rebellious rider who works at Bright Fields, often assisting Zoe in training Raven and navigating the stables' dynamics; his character arc explores themes of family legacy and responsibility, particularly after inheriting a dukedom in later seasons.[21][1] Mia MacDonald, portrayed by Céline Buckens, is introduced as Zoe's affluent rival at the stables, hailing from one of the island's prominent families. Initially antagonistic due to competitive tensions over riding and social status, Mia's relationship with Zoe evolves from rivalry to close friendship, highlighting themes of reconciliation and shared passion for horses as they collaborate on stable events and investigations.[1][21] Becky Sidebottom, played by Kerry Ingram, is Zoe's enthusiastic and loyal friend at Bright Fields Stables. As an aspiring rider and animal lover, Becky provides support in competitions and mysteries, often mediating between Zoe and Mia while pursuing her own interests in horses and stable activities.[21][1] Marcus Greenbridge, portrayed by Bruce Herbelin-Earle, is a dependable stable hand and friend to the main group. Involved in horse training and daily operations at Bright Fields, Marcus offers guidance and comic relief, with storylines exploring his personal growth and relationships within the stables across all seasons.[21][1] Raven is the enigmatic black Thoroughbred horse at the heart of the series' narrative, without a human actor but portrayed by a real horse that embodies the wild spirit of the island's equine legends. As Zoe's steadfast companion, Raven's mysterious backstory ties into plotlines involving hidden island secrets and equestrian competitions, symbolizing freedom and loyalty while requiring skilled handling that drives much of the action.[1] Among the supporting main characters are Rosie Phillips, Zoe's spirited younger sister played by Navia Robinson, who accompanies her to the island and gradually embraces stable life through her own adventures; and Jade, depicted by Manpreet Bambra as a loyal friend and groom at Bright Fields who provides practical support.[21][22]Recurring
The recurring cast of Free Rein consists of secondary characters who provide essential support to the central narrative through family ties, stable operations, and interpersonal dynamics at Bright Field Stables. Family and stable staff members include Maggie Steel Phillips, Zoe's mother, portrayed by Natalie Gumede in 10 episodes across the series.[21] Claire Wright, the island's mayor introduced in later seasons, is played by T'Nia Miller in 9 episodes, often engaging with the protagonists on issues affecting the stables and wild horses.[21] Friends and rivals among the recurring ensemble feature Ben Sidebottom, Becky's younger brother and a friend to Zoe's sister Rosie, enacted by Billy Angel in 15 episodes during the first two series.[23] Gaby Grant, a competitive peer with ties to the island's social circle, is brought to life by Charlotte Jordan in 22 episodes from series 2 onward.[21] Seasonal additions like Callum, a later-season rival and romantic interest, are played by Joe Ashman in 20 episodes starting from series 2.[21] These characters evolve through subplots centered on stable management, such as coordinating horse care and events; competitions, where they offer guidance or face off against leads; and mysteries, including investigations into the wild horse herd, all while remaining peripheral to the core teen-horse bonding arcs. Casting for recurring roles highlighted emerging young British performers, such as Jordan and Angel, to pair with international leads and ground the series in an authentic UK equestrian environment.[2]Episodes
Series 1 (2017)
The first season of Free Rein comprises 10 episodes, each approximately 26 minutes in length, and was released globally on Netflix on 23 June 2017, serving as the series' debut as a Netflix original production.[1][2] This launch introduced viewers to protagonist Zoe Phillips and the island setting of Bright Fields stables, establishing key relationships and the mystery of the wild horse Raven.[24] The episodes are:- "Raven" (23 June 2017): Zoe arrives on the island with her sister Rosie and searches for her after she goes missing, leading to an initial encounter with locals and the untamed horse Raven at the stables.[1][25]
- "Close Up" (23 June 2017): Zoe assists in preparing the wild horse Raven for a promotional photo shoot at the stables, while Rosie begins exploring their mother's old childhood diary.[26][24]
- "Spying on Pin" (23 June 2017): Zoe sneaks out for an unauthorized riding lesson and begins investigating suspicious activities by stable hand Pin, eventually catching him in a questionable act.[24]
- "Pony Camp!" (23 June 2017): Zoe tracks Pin's movements to discover the reason behind his thefts from the stables' medical supplies, as rival rider Mia learns that Zoe is prohibited from riding horses.[24]
- "The Sleepover" (23 June 2017): While Rosie attends a sleepover party, Zoe teams up with friends Becky and Jade to hunt for clues about a potential horse thief after discovering an engraved riding crop.[24]
- "Horse Thief Hero" (23 June 2017): Zoe uncovers the backstory behind her mother's ban on her riding, Jade reveals a hidden detail from Raven's past, and Becky demonstrates the superiority of horses over quad bikes to her brother Ben.[24]
- "Emerald" (23 June 2017): Zoe delves deeper into Raven's origins amid growing stable tensions, while Rosie pieces together clues about a figure named "E" connected to a legendary ghost pony and a specific horse.[24]
- "Pony Tales" (23 June 2017): Mia undermines Zoe's preparations for an upcoming barn dance event, and Becky's attempt to trap the rumored ghost pony instead leads to the capture of a suspected horse thief.[27][24]
- "The Next Step" (23 June 2017): Ben aids Rosie in deceiving her father about her activities, as Zoe organizes a mounted search for Raven and faces off against Mia during the operation.[24]
- "Show-down" (23 June 2017): With Raven still missing and the identity of the horse thief unresolved, Zoe pursues leads on the island while competing in a major horse show, revealing long-held family secrets.[28][24]
Series 2 (2018)
The second series of Free Rein comprises 10 episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on July 6, 2018. This season builds on the foundational relationships and stable dynamics established in the first series by intensifying rivalries with competing riding schools, uncovering layers of family histories tied to the island's past, and progressing Zoe's bond with Raven through advanced training challenges. Filming occurred in North Wales, incorporating diverse terrains such as the coastal areas of Anglesey and Newborough Forest to enhance the visual scope of equestrian scenes and outdoor adventures.[29][13] The episodes advance ongoing storylines as follows:- Rivals: Holloway Riding School steals the County Cup recently won by Bright Fields, prompting Zoe and Pin to retrieve it before Mia's press interview, while Rosie navigates fitting in at the stables. This episode escalates inter-school tensions and highlights team loyalty.[29]
- Golden Boy: The group gains new perspective on Pin's background; Marcus shares a secret with Rosie on his final day, and Becky bids farewell to her longtime crush, deepening personal relationships amid preparations for competitions.[29]
- Maid of the Island: A jousting match at the annual tournament spirals out of control as Zoe and Mia compete against Gaby from Holloway, amplifying rivalries during a traditional island event.[29]
- Truth or Dare: During a game, Zoe confronts her growing feelings for Pin, forcing emotional reckonings that propel romantic subplots forward.[29]
- Sweet 16: At Zoe's 16th birthday party, Gaby sows discord between Pin and Marcus, Rosie attempts matchmaking, and Mia collects evidence against Callum's misconduct, intertwining social drama with investigative elements.[29]
- Runaway: Zoe seeks Raven's forgiveness in a secluded area; Becky, Ben, and Rosie discover a hidden artifact, while Mia overhears troubling information, advancing Raven's training and introducing mystery tied to the stables' history.[29]
- Bob: A stable fire reveals an unexpected hero; Gaby confides her traumatic history to Zoe and Pin, and Jade supports Becky in crisis, revealing family secrets and strengthening alliances.[29]
- Gaby: Gaby covertly rides Raven but grapples with guilt after Zoe's compassion; Rosie and Ben explore tunnels for treasure, and Pin plans with his mother, blending rivalry with explorations of heritage.[29]
- Road Trip: After missing the ferry to Nationals, Zoe and Pin travel with family in Grandpa Frank's van; Pin admits his affection for Zoe, and Rosie and Ben identify the smuggler's treasure, heightening stakes for the competition.[29]
- Nationals: At the Nationals, Pin competes independently, Becky helps Jade overcome performance anxiety, Rosie unearths a family secret, and James attempts to undermine Raven, culminating in resolutions to seasonal arcs while setting up future tensions.[29]
Series 3 (2019)
The third and final series of Free Rein comprises 10 episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on July 6, 2019.[1] This season resolves key serialized arcs from prior installments, including escalating romances, equestrian competitions, and island mysteries, while emphasizing themes of friendship, family, and personal growth as characters confront their futures.[30] Wild horses become central to the plot, symbolizing freedom and conflict with local development pressures, culminating in collective triumphs that tie up loose ends for protagonists like Zoe, Pin, and their circle.[31] The episodes build tension through rivalries and discoveries, leading to emotional resolutions: Zoe's bond with Raven solidifies amid decisions about leaving the island, her romance with Pin reaches a heartfelt conclusion, and group efforts expose a horse-poaching scheme, ensuring the sanctuary's legacy. Competitions, such as under-18 tryouts, highlight character development, with Mia overcoming fears to reclaim her passion for riding and Becky evolving beyond her initial insecurities.[32]Episode Summaries
-
Episode 1: Wild Horses
Zoe's cousin Aaron arrives unexpectedly for a visit, coinciding with a stampede of wild horses that disrupts Bright Fields' open day and injures the new mayor's daughter, setting off a chain of events to protect the herd from relocation threats.[31] -
Episode 2: Hunted
Pin leads a search for the aggressive wild horse blamed for the injury, while Mia suffers a fall from Firefly during the pursuit, and Becky revives her Breakfast Club initiative to rally support for the stables.[31] -
Episode 3: Ariel
Zoe and rival Gaby team up to diagnose issues with the wild mare Ariel, as Mia manipulates events to avoid stable duties by getting head groom Susie dismissed, and Marcus seeks a replacement rider for an upcoming event.[31] -
Episode 4: The Tea Party
Aaron organizes a high-society tea party at Pin's family castle to advocate for the wild horses' preservation, but Zoe's ongoing feud with Gaby threatens to derail the persuasive speech aimed at swaying the mayor.[31] -
Episode 5: Foal O'Clock
Ariel goes into labor, delivering a foal named Scout by Aaron; revelations confirm Raven as the father, intensifying Zoe and Gaby's rivalry as they vie for involvement in the herd's care.[31] -
Episode 6: Pony Safari
Pin launches a pony camp program at the stables, prompting Zoe to devise an adventurous pony safari activity that sparks inspiration for her performance in the island's under-18 equestrian tryouts.[31] -
Episode 7: Tryouts
Zoe and Gaby clash directly in the high-stakes tryouts competition, Jade uncovers malfunctions in the wild horses' tracking tags, and Mia tentatively returns to riding after her earlier accident.[31] -
Episode 8: Princess
Zoe, Gaby, and Jade pursue a clue about the horses' troubles, Pin falls seriously ill under mysterious circumstances, and emerging evidence points toward the identity of a lurking horse thief.[31] -
Episode 9: Victory Parade
Amid a celebratory parade, Zoe grapples with whether to remain on the island or return home, while Jade and Becky diagnose the cause of Pin's illness, and Zoe with Gaby stumble into peril while locating the hidden wild herd.[31] -
Episode 10: S.O.S.
Zoe enlists her friends for urgent aid in a crisis, Aaron fulfills his cowboy aspirations during the rescue, and the group unravels the full mystery of the wild horses' vanishing, securing their safety and affirming Bright Fields' future in a series finale focused on unity and closure.[33]
Christmas Special (2018)
The Christmas special, titled Free Rein: The Twelve Neighs of Christmas, premiered on Netflix on December 7, 2018.[34] Directed by Marek Losey and written by Vicki Lutas, Anna McCleery, and Kevin Rundle, the episode runs for approximately 57 minutes.[35] In the special, the story centers on preparations for the annual Mistletoe Ball at Bright Fields stables, where protagonist Zoe Phillips, played by Jaylen Barron, uncovers a family secret after accidentally breaking a cherished ornament.[34] Meanwhile, her friend Gaby, portrayed by Manpreet Bambra, navigates workplace tensions under the strict guidance of her new boss, Mia.[34] The narrative weaves in festive holiday activities among the core group of friends, including horse riding and stable duties, while resolving the central mystery in a heartwarming manner that emphasizes themes of discovery and reconciliation.[35] Set against a wintery backdrop on the fictional island, the episode highlights community spirit through the ball's organization, blending seasonal decorations, light-hearted adventures, and equestrian elements unique to the series' world.[34] This standalone installment loosely connects to the ongoing arcs by featuring returning characters like Zoe's grandfather Frank and her peers, without advancing major plotlines from the regular seasons.[35]Valentine's Day Special (2019)
The Free Rein: Valentine's Day special, released on Netflix on February 1, 2019, runs for approximately 50 minutes and serves as a standalone holiday episode bridging the events of season 2 and season 3.[36][37] It centers on themes of young romance and friendship amid a festive island atmosphere, with the Bright Fields stable community organizing activities tied to the holiday.[11] In the episode, protagonist Zoe Phillips and her friends from the Bright Fields Pony Squad initiate a girls-only horseback adventure to locate the legendary Maid's Stone, guided by an old map from Zoe's grandmother that promises good fortune in love.[37] The quest unfolds as a lighthearted "Galentine's Day" outing, emphasizing female bonds and equestrian challenges on the island trails, but it quickly escalates when the boys, including Zoe's boyfriend Pin, unexpectedly join and turn the search into a competitive race against rival Mia and her group.[11] Rivalry leads to oversights that place the group in peril during a foggy moor crossing, where Zoe's horse Raven plays a pivotal role in averting disaster through its speed and intuition, highlighting the deep trust between riders and their animals.[37][36] Romantic subplots weave through the adventure, focusing on Zoe's evolving relationship with Pin, marked by playful tensions and heartfelt moments that strengthen their connection by the episode's Valentine's Day climax.[11] Other pairings, such as Becky and Alex, emerge with sweet gestures like anonymous cards, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the group's camaraderie or the horse-centric escapades.[38] The special incorporates subtle callbacks to prior holiday unity from the Christmas event, reinforcing the stable's role as a hub for interpersonal growth.[11] Overall, it balances whimsy and mild drama, prioritizing themes of compassion, loyalty, and the joys of horsemanship over intense conflict.[38]Release
Broadcast history
Free Rein premiered on Netflix on June 23, 2017, with its first season of 10 episodes released globally in a single batch.[39] The series, produced as a Netflix original, was made available simultaneously in over 190 countries, marking a standard approach for the platform's international rollout of family-oriented content.[2] Subsequent seasons followed a similar full-batch release model, with season 2 dropping on July 6, 2018, also comprising 10 episodes.[40] Season 3 arrived on July 6, 2019, completing the main series run with another 10 episodes.[41] In addition, two holiday specials were released: Free Rein: The Twelve Neighs of Christmas on December 7, 2018, timed for the festive season, and Free Rein: Valentine's Day on February 1, 2019, aligning with the holiday theme.[34][35] The series has been distributed worldwide exclusively through Netflix, with no major traditional broadcast television agreements reported.[2] Audio dubs are available in multiple languages, including German, Spanish (Latin America), French, and Mandarin, alongside the original English track, to support international accessibility.[1] As of November 2025, all seasons and specials remain streaming on Netflix without interruption.[42]Marketing
Netflix released official trailers for each season of Free Rein on its YouTube channel, emphasizing themes of adventure, friendship, and the protagonist Zoe's bond with the mysterious horse Raven, to generate excitement among young viewers.[43][44][45] These trailers often showcased equestrian scenes, such as riding montages and stable life, to appeal to audiences interested in horses and outdoor exploration. The production team also maintained an official Instagram account (@freerein_netflix) with over 114,000 followers, posting behind-the-scenes content, cast updates, and series highlights to foster fan interaction and build anticipation for new episodes.[46] The series featured tie-in merchandise, including a line of original novels published by Scholastic that expanded on the show's storylines, such as The Steeplechase Secret and Fight to the Finish, allowing fans to delve deeper into Zoe's equestrian adventures at Bright Fields Stables.[47][48] While no official apps or horse toys were produced, the books served as key extensions of the brand, targeting young readers with narratives centered on riding challenges and personal growth. Promotions for Free Rein primarily targeted children aged 8-14, positioning the series as family-friendly entertainment in the kids' drama category on Netflix, with a TV-G rating suitable for pre-teens and teens.[1] The marketing highlighted empowerment themes, portraying Zoe as a strong female role model who gains independence, honesty, and resilience through her relationship with Raven and her involvement in equestrian activities.[6]Reception
Critical response
Free Rein has received generally positive feedback from audiences, particularly families and younger viewers, though professional critic reviews are limited. On IMDb, the series holds a 7.1 out of 10 rating based on over 2,800 user reviews, with many praising its lighthearted, family-friendly tone and engaging portrayal of horse riding and teen drama.[4] Common Sense Media awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting its quality entertainment value for all ages, emphasis on themes like determination, friendship, and positive role models, while noting innocent romance suitable for tweens.[6] Critics who reviewed the series appreciated its appeal to young audiences and inclusive elements. A Primetimer review described Free Rein as a delightful, racially diverse family drama centered on equestrian life in England, filling a niche for wholesome teen stories on Netflix.[49] The scarcity of formal reviews is evident on Rotten Tomatoes, where no Tomatometer score exists due to insufficient critic input, but the audience score stands at 93% based on verified user ratings.[50] Some observers noted the show's formulaic plotting typical of teen dramas, yet commended its vibrant visuals of horses and the British countryside for enhancing viewer immersion.[51] Audience reception underscores a cult following among tweens and families, with high rewatchability attributed to its cheerful, uplifting narratives. In 2018, the BBC reported Free Rein as cult viewing for families worldwide, boosted by its Emmy Awards that signaled broad appeal and production quality.[52] Viewers frequently cite the series' positive messages on perseverance and relationships as reasons for its enduring popularity, though some parents mention mild teen elements like kissing make it best for ages 10 and up.[53] Overall, the show's success lies in its accessible, feel-good escapism rather than groundbreaking storytelling.Awards and nominations
Free Rein received several accolades for its production quality, storytelling, and direction, particularly in children's programming categories. The series earned four wins and 11 nominations across various awards bodies, highlighting its impact in family-oriented television.[5] At the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018, Free Rein secured two victories out of six nominations. It won Outstanding Children's or Family Viewing Series, recognizing the show's overall excellence in engaging young audiences.[54][55] Additionally, Paul Norton Walker received the award for Outstanding Directing in a Children's or Family Viewing Program for his work on the series.[56][3] The other nominations included categories such as writing, casting, and music direction.[5] In 2019, the series was nominated for three Daytime Emmys, including Outstanding Directing for a Children's or Family Viewing Program (Dusan Lazarevic) and Outstanding Writing for a Children's or Young Adult Program (Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery).[5] It also earned a nomination at the 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Writing for a Children's or Young Adult Program category.[5] Across all Daytime Emmy cycles, Free Rein accumulated 11 nominations.[5] The Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards in 2019 recognized the series with a win for Best Children's TV Episode for "Bob" (Episode 207), written by Vicki Lutas and Anna McCleery.[57] At the 2018 Kidscreen Awards, Free Rein won in the Best New Series category for tween/teen programming.[58][5]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Nominee(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Children's or Family Viewing Series | Won | Free Rein |
| 2018 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Directing in a Children's or Family Viewing Program | Won | Paul Norton Walker |
| 2018 | Kidscreen Awards | Best New Series (Tweens/Teens) | Won | Free Rein (Lime Pictures) |
| 2019 | Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards | Best Children's TV Episode | Won | Vicki Lutas, Anna McCleery ("Bob") |
| 2019 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Directing in a Children's or Family Viewing Program | Nominated | Dusan Lazarevic |
| 2019 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Children's or Young Adult Program | Nominated | Vicki Lutas, Anna McCleery |
| 2020 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Children's or Young Adult Program | Nominated | Vicki Lutas, Anna McCleery |