Jennifer Saunders Back in the Saddle

Like so many other pony-loving little girls, Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous, French and Saunders fame, daydreamed about riding in the Olympics, despite, she admits now, being nervous of jumping and living in fear of infringing some Pony Club rule or the other!

In 'Back in the Saddle' we follow Jennifer indulge her obsession with horses and rekindle her childhood passion for riding. 40 years out of the saddle and following a trip down memory lane and an inspiring interview with Claire Balding, enthusiasm overtakes Jennifer and she once again takes up the reins to rekindle her equestrian love affair and for some insane reason decides to take part in the Grass Roots Challenge at Badminton Horse Trials.

Jennifer delves into all things horsey and acquaints herself with her new ride Jack, as the reality of what she has let herself in for dawns. She receives some much needed help from the great and the good of eventing and showjumping 'Piggy' French, Tim Stockdale and Lauren Shannon, who are all on hand-holding duty to give Jennifer the confidence and reassurance she needs to face the tannoy, judges and crowds. She even has the opportunity to compare notes with ex-Olympian Princess Anne at Gatcombe, as she watches daughter Zara Phillips battle for a place on the British Olympic team.

As her jumping destiny approaches, can she overcome her fears and jump 20 fences in front of the huge Badminton crowd to top her incredible journey. She may need to be dragged kicking and screaming to her saddle, but does she have what it takes to join the riding elite?

There's a lot of laughter and grimacing along the way in this two part series that encompasses class, comedy and a compelling insight into the real Jennifer Saunders.

PAL format, region 2 Europe
Approx run time 92 mins.