What do you think?
Rate this book
Saddle Club #6
Dude Ranch
The founders of The Saddle Club -- Stevie Lake, Carole Hanson, and Lisa Atwood -- gear up for the adventure of their lives when their friend Kate Devine invites them to her family's dude ranch. They will have a whole week of cowboy-style riding, plus the fun of making Kate a club member.
But when they arrive, the girls soon realize there's more to the West than Hollywood shootout and colorful costumes. To show a cowhand that they're not just "dumb dudes," they pitch in with chores and help on a cattle roundup, where Stevie has a run-in with a dangerous rattlesnake. Another sour note for Her birthday is coming up, and no one seems to care. Little does she know that her Saddle Club buddies have a top-secret surprise in the works for her!
But when they arrive, the girls soon realize there's more to the West than Hollywood shootout and colorful costumes. To show a cowhand that they're not just "dumb dudes," they pitch in with chores and help on a cattle roundup, where Stevie has a run-in with a dangerous rattlesnake. Another sour note for Her birthday is coming up, and no one seems to care. Little does she know that her Saddle Club buddies have a top-secret surprise in the works for her!
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
15 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Bryant
387 books201 followersAmerican author of children's books. She is best known for creating the intermediate horse book series The Saddle Club, which was published from October 1988 until April 2001. The Saddle Club chronicled the adventures of thirteen-year-old Lisa Atwood and twelve-year-olds Stephanie "Stevie" Lake and Carole Hanson. The series was static in time; the girls never aged in 101 books, 7 special editions, and 3 Inside Stories.
Bonnie Bryant also wrote two spin-off series: Pony Tails, aimed at beginning readers, and Pine Hollow, aimed at teenage readers. The 16 Pony Tails books followed the lives of eight-year-olds May Grover, Corey Takamura, and Jasmine James. Pine Hollow featured Carole, Lisa, Stevie, and their new friends in a series set four years after The Saddle Club. Unlike The Saddle Club, Pine Hollow conformed to a realistic timeline. The 17 books took place over the span of less than a year. Later a television show called The Saddle Club, based on the books, was filmed in Australia.
Bonnie Bryant wrote at least 38 The Saddle Club books and 2 Pine Hollow books herself; after that they were taken over by a team of ghostwriters, a common practice in long-running children's book series. Ghostwriters for the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow books included Caitlin Macy (sometimes credited as Caitlin C. Macy), Catherine Hapka, Sallie Bissell, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Helen Geraghty, Tina deVaron, Cat Johnston, Minna Jung, and Sheila Prescott-Vessey.
Bonnie Bryant is also the author of many novelizations of movies, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Karate Kid, and Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, written under her married name, B.B. Hiller. She also collaborated in the ghostwriting of The Baby-sitters Club Super Special #14: BSC in the USA, published under the name of its creator, Ann M. Martin.
Bonnie Bryant was born and raised in New York City. She met her husband, Neil W. Hiller, in college, where they both worked on the campus newspaper. They had two sons, Emmons Hiller and Andrew Hiller. Neil Hiller died in 1989. Many of Bonnie's books are dedicated to him.
***from wikipedia.org
Bonnie Bryant also wrote two spin-off series: Pony Tails, aimed at beginning readers, and Pine Hollow, aimed at teenage readers. The 16 Pony Tails books followed the lives of eight-year-olds May Grover, Corey Takamura, and Jasmine James. Pine Hollow featured Carole, Lisa, Stevie, and their new friends in a series set four years after The Saddle Club. Unlike The Saddle Club, Pine Hollow conformed to a realistic timeline. The 17 books took place over the span of less than a year. Later a television show called The Saddle Club, based on the books, was filmed in Australia.
Bonnie Bryant wrote at least 38 The Saddle Club books and 2 Pine Hollow books herself; after that they were taken over by a team of ghostwriters, a common practice in long-running children's book series. Ghostwriters for the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow books included Caitlin Macy (sometimes credited as Caitlin C. Macy), Catherine Hapka, Sallie Bissell, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Helen Geraghty, Tina deVaron, Cat Johnston, Minna Jung, and Sheila Prescott-Vessey.
Bonnie Bryant is also the author of many novelizations of movies, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Karate Kid, and Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, written under her married name, B.B. Hiller. She also collaborated in the ghostwriting of The Baby-sitters Club Super Special #14: BSC in the USA, published under the name of its creator, Ann M. Martin.
Bonnie Bryant was born and raised in New York City. She met her husband, Neil W. Hiller, in college, where they both worked on the campus newspaper. They had two sons, Emmons Hiller and Andrew Hiller. Neil Hiller died in 1989. Many of Bonnie's books are dedicated to him.
***from wikipedia.org
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 23, 2020
I've mentioned this before, but I can't review a Saddle Club book in an unbiased way - they were such a central part of my childhood, I was obsessed with them, and I still reread at least one or two of them each year.
On that note, the early books are possibly the strongest, especially in the sense that things followed on from previous books a little more, and they weren't yet stuck in that kind of time loop that eventually took over (I still love those books, it's just the foal Samson, was a fully grown horse in the later books, while the girls themselves had hardly aged a day).
Dude Ranch is the first book where they head out west, to The Bar None, a dude ranch they return to a few times over the course of the series. This is the book where they befriend Christine Lonetree, who becomes a recurring character in the books. Christine is Native American, and the girls' preconceived notions of what it means to be 'a real Indian', are a little awkward to read, though they ultimately learn (mild spoiler) that Christine is your typical horse crazy girl, just like them. At times the plot with Christine educating them about this feels a little dated, but I think the overall lesson still holds up - especially the point that old Hollywood movies are not always historically accurate!
This a fairly emotionally charged entry to the series, and I always tear up a little about midway through, even though I've read it countless times and know what is coming.
If you're not into books about twelve year old girls and their horses, this isn't for you (!), but I've read this at least 30 times and still have not tired of it, so for that I think it's more than earned the five star rating!
🐎
On that note, the early books are possibly the strongest, especially in the sense that things followed on from previous books a little more, and they weren't yet stuck in that kind of time loop that eventually took over (I still love those books, it's just the foal Samson, was a fully grown horse in the later books, while the girls themselves had hardly aged a day).
Dude Ranch is the first book where they head out west, to The Bar None, a dude ranch they return to a few times over the course of the series. This is the book where they befriend Christine Lonetree, who becomes a recurring character in the books. Christine is Native American, and the girls' preconceived notions of what it means to be 'a real Indian', are a little awkward to read, though they ultimately learn (mild spoiler) that Christine is your typical horse crazy girl, just like them. At times the plot with Christine educating them about this feels a little dated, but I think the overall lesson still holds up - especially the point that old Hollywood movies are not always historically accurate!
This a fairly emotionally charged entry to the series, and I always tear up a little about midway through, even though I've read it countless times and know what is coming.
If you're not into books about twelve year old girls and their horses, this isn't for you (!), but I've read this at least 30 times and still have not tired of it, so for that I think it's more than earned the five star rating!
🐎
February 24, 2019
I remembered loving the western-based volumes of this series, but boy, I forgot just how dramatic this one got. That whole rattlesnake scene seemed a little... unnecessary? I don’t know. Whenever the girls face a life or death circumstance, I get taken out of the reading a little bit because, like, they’re twelve. Where are the adults???
Also, the scene with the girls first meet Christine is incredibly cringe-y. I would like to give the book credit for calling out their racist stereotyping, but it also named Christine's horse and a dog Arrow and Tomahawk, respectively, so I’m not sure it really practiced what it preached. But, I guess even having a native character present and especially having the girls assumptions called out like that was pretty impressive for the time period in which this was written. But, wow, it didn’t age super well. You can't have your stereotypes and call them out too.
That said, it’s still a really fun book and the first time we get to leave Pine Hollow, which is a nice change of scenery.
But omg, was it normal for three twelve year old girls to fly across the country without an adult????
Also, the scene with the girls first meet Christine is incredibly cringe-y. I would like to give the book credit for calling out their racist stereotyping, but it also named Christine's horse and a dog Arrow and Tomahawk, respectively, so I’m not sure it really practiced what it preached. But, I guess even having a native character present and especially having the girls assumptions called out like that was pretty impressive for the time period in which this was written. But, wow, it didn’t age super well. You can't have your stereotypes and call them out too.
That said, it’s still a really fun book and the first time we get to leave Pine Hollow, which is a nice change of scenery.
But omg, was it normal for three twelve year old girls to fly across the country without an adult????
September 15, 2014
Listen, I (re)read this series to escape reality, to go to a place where everything is just fine and the worst thing that happens is someone's feelings get temporarily hurt.
October 1, 2024
I originally read most of the first 30 or so Saddle Club books out of order, first in America in the early 1990s, then in England. Somehow, I never was able to get hold of a copy of this book.
Now, back in America, I found that between The Open Library and Books Read Free websites, I can finally read almost the whole series in order. I FINALLY got to read Dude Ranch.
And am kind of not sure if it was worth the wait.
This book is told almost entirely from Stevie's point of view. Usually, the point of view bounces back and forth from each of the main three Saddle Club members. This wasn't a bad idea, considering that Stevie' 13th birthday happens during the Club's trip to Kate's family's dude ranch. And, of course, everyone is planning a surprise party for Stevie.
This book starts off as a lot of fun, and poking holes into stereoypes like cowboys, what life in the average Western tourist-trap town is like, and Native Americans.
It really should've just stayed like that, and it would've been just fine. Peachy keen, even.
And then the mood suddenly turns when a beloved dog is killed by a rattlesnake.
And, within a few pages of burying the dog, the girls are laughing about something else.
What.
The.
Actual.
Fuck.
How disrespectful and how unlike grieving for a real pet is like. Pets are better than people at being your friends. In real life, those girls should be crying so hard, they vomit. They should take to their bunk beds and not come out until they have to catch the plane back home. This should be the worst vacation of their lives so far.
They should NOT be laughing.
It's not even described as nervous, bitter laughter. Or laughter to cover up the dog-shaped hole inside.
Just laughter ... as the Saddle Club did earlier in the book, when things were hunky-dory.
I know in a sense that this this whole series is a fantasy, because friends like these don't exist in real life, but COME ON.
Carole even has some good advice that the dog's owner needs time before she can even THINK about getting another dog.
And the very next day, the Club gives her a puppy.
That's not how it works, kids.
I've had more suicide attempts over my dead pets than I've had hot baths. And if you're sorry that the attempts failed, you're not the only one. It's having to care for my crippled Mom and two healthy pit bull mixes that keeps me going.
You just can't get over a death like that so quickly. And if you do, something is seriously wrong with you.
I recommend that you read Sam Westcott's review about a Native American naming her horse narrow and dog Tomahawk.
Now, back in America, I found that between The Open Library and Books Read Free websites, I can finally read almost the whole series in order. I FINALLY got to read Dude Ranch.
And am kind of not sure if it was worth the wait.
This book is told almost entirely from Stevie's point of view. Usually, the point of view bounces back and forth from each of the main three Saddle Club members. This wasn't a bad idea, considering that Stevie' 13th birthday happens during the Club's trip to Kate's family's dude ranch. And, of course, everyone is planning a surprise party for Stevie.
This book starts off as a lot of fun, and poking holes into stereoypes like cowboys, what life in the average Western tourist-trap town is like, and Native Americans.
It really should've just stayed like that, and it would've been just fine. Peachy keen, even.
And then the mood suddenly turns when a beloved dog is killed by a rattlesnake.
And, within a few pages of burying the dog, the girls are laughing about something else.
What.
The.
Actual.
Fuck.
How disrespectful and how unlike grieving for a real pet is like. Pets are better than people at being your friends. In real life, those girls should be crying so hard, they vomit. They should take to their bunk beds and not come out until they have to catch the plane back home. This should be the worst vacation of their lives so far.
They should NOT be laughing.
It's not even described as nervous, bitter laughter. Or laughter to cover up the dog-shaped hole inside.
Just laughter ... as the Saddle Club did earlier in the book, when things were hunky-dory.
I know in a sense that this this whole series is a fantasy, because friends like these don't exist in real life, but COME ON.
Carole even has some good advice that the dog's owner needs time before she can even THINK about getting another dog.
And the very next day, the Club gives her a puppy.
That's not how it works, kids.
I've had more suicide attempts over my dead pets than I've had hot baths. And if you're sorry that the attempts failed, you're not the only one. It's having to care for my crippled Mom and two healthy pit bull mixes that keeps me going.
You just can't get over a death like that so quickly. And if you do, something is seriously wrong with you.
I recommend that you read Sam Westcott's review about a Native American naming her horse narrow and dog Tomahawk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2017
Carole, Lisa and Stevie go to the Dude Ranch for a week, with different and interesting things happening every single day. This makes the main plot quite varied, since it's all the new things they're doing and learning. One side plot is Christine, a possible new member to the Saddle Club: Christine is a Native American who Stevie meets through Christine's dog, Tomohawk. The last one I'd count as a side plot is Stevie's upcoming birthday and the preparations up to it.
The main plot is just fascinating. The books that took place at the Dude Ranch were always my favourite and I'm remembering why. The fun, funny, exciting, and just jam-packed with cool Western stuff. The surprise birthday was also both fun and funny. The varying white lies they tell to keep the party a secret from Stevie, along with the silly things they come up with to keep her busy, never fail to make me laugh.
The side plot with Christine was really nice. I think she's a great addition to the roster of characters and I've always loved stories with Native Americans. But I will say that I hate the parts concerning Tomohawk and his death. It's a children's book! No more drama, please! Enough deaths already!
One of my all-time favourite Saddle Club books, definitely worth a read.
The main plot is just fascinating. The books that took place at the Dude Ranch were always my favourite and I'm remembering why. The fun, funny, exciting, and just jam-packed with cool Western stuff. The surprise birthday was also both fun and funny. The varying white lies they tell to keep the party a secret from Stevie, along with the silly things they come up with to keep her busy, never fail to make me laugh.
The side plot with Christine was really nice. I think she's a great addition to the roster of characters and I've always loved stories with Native Americans. But I will say that I hate the parts concerning Tomohawk and his death. It's a children's book! No more drama, please! Enough deaths already!
One of my all-time favourite Saddle Club books, definitely worth a read.
May 19, 2017
Dude Ranch is the sixth book in the Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant. In this novel, Stevie, Carole and Lisa are off on an adventure. They have been invited to visit Kate Devine’s family dude ranch.
Here the girls will put away their English style of riding and embrace western saddles, herding cattle and also roping stock. It’s a trip they’re all looking forward to.
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/dude-ranch-bonn...
Here the girls will put away their English style of riding and embrace western saddles, herding cattle and also roping stock. It’s a trip they’re all looking forward to.
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/dude-ranch-bonn...
May 28, 2015
Ça me fait tellement rire de relire cette série. Les épisodes chez Kate me plaisent définitivement moins, je me souviens que déjà à l'époque je préférais quand les filles restaient au Pin Creux..
July 26, 2018
It is a great book
Definitely 5 stars a wonderful book I love it and horses. I hope to read more saddle club books they are awesome.
Definitely 5 stars a wonderful book I love it and horses. I hope to read more saddle club books they are awesome.
Read
March 6, 2024The girls go to Texas to a dude ranch, they insult a Native American girl, and the one gets a dog killed, but it’s all okay!
December 6, 2023
Interesting change of location with all the action taking place at Kate Devine's Western ranch. I didn't much like the . Other than that weird note, the rest of the book was pretty fun and a good change. I liked that Stevie didn't wind up even though there were some signs pointing that way - that would've been three books in a row and really weird given the age disparity with the other people on the ranch.
September 28, 2020
Think this was my favourite in the series, well other than the sequel to this particular storyline. I have English riding where I grew up so reading about Western riding was just the best. Been fascinated by cutting ever since.
June 24, 2022
This book is amazing! I love horses and riding them, especially western. When english riders, Carole Hanson, Stevie Lake, and Lisa Atwood go on an adventure, they meet new friends, and come across problems, but the saddle club solves them all!
January 22, 2018
Quite good for a kids book. It was even sum what interesting for me.
June 26, 2018
Read the Norwegian edition, out of Nostalgia.
June 4, 2019
Kovbojové a indiáni! Jeden z mých nej dílů téhle série! A nejlepší postavu tohohle dílů vyhrává ubrblaná Stefi :D
Read
January 18, 2021The Native American rep hasn't aged well but it's still more than a lot of authors bother with now.
December 8, 2023
It’s a cool story about three girls who go to a ranch and learn western riding. I thought it was a good read. -Hope
February 2, 2017
I might have cried because of the dog thing. because you know, I'm one of those people who will cry about that anytime. I liked how this book showed a more self absorbed side of Stevie because it is true of preteens to get this way occasionally. not sure I but patents letting three girls fly across the country with two different flight connections and a 2 hour drive on their own. ..I lined the scenes between Christine and the girls because it helped to show harmless prejudice and explained it from both sides.
September 28, 2019
The One Where the Girls Go Western
... and invite two new members to join the Saddle Club
Somewhat disappointing, sadly, and definitely not my favorite Saddle Club book. I'm not a huge fan of the Saddle Club's Western adventures. While I love the characters and Bonnie Bryant's simple, fun, and smart storytelling, this one was just OK for me.
... and invite two new members to join the Saddle Club
Somewhat disappointing, sadly, and definitely not my favorite Saddle Club book. I'm not a huge fan of the Saddle Club's Western adventures. While I love the characters and Bonnie Bryant's simple, fun, and smart storytelling, this one was just OK for me.
May 7, 2016
I think this is the one where there is actually a make-out scene with one of the boy characters. There is nothing hotter than young lust!
Read
August 31, 2008The first book that made me cry. This poor dog gets bitten by a rattlesnake and dies :( Also, there is a teen makeout scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2009
A fabulous book. I learnt more about ranches in this book than in a week of studying(maybe!)
June 7, 2013
Actual rating: 3 1/2 stars
July 19, 2015
I would love to visit the Bar None!
August 4, 2011
A good series for horse crazy young teens. I loved it when I was younger.
March 31, 2014
It was ok
September 26, 2015
saddle club getting bigger. kinda neat
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews