Bravo introduces you to the series, and describes what happened during filming.
Dora (Gillian Blake), an only-child, is often alone. Her parents, both diplomats, are always on the move. Before they travel to South America, they decide to send their daughter to an uncle’s farm. At first, Dora is not delighted by this plan. But as she arrives at the farm with her uncle, a Colonel (Desmond Llewelyn), she changes her opinion. She gets to know the cheerful Slugger (Arthur English), the orphaned Steve (Steve Hodson) and the rebellious Ron (Christian Rodska). She sees how lovingly 24 old and unwell horses are looked after there, and is pleased to be part of Follyfoot’s team…
So begins the gripping and exciting series, with three young people and their horses at its heart. But there was also a lot of excitement during the filming, in particular because of the horses. Steve Hodson had the most bad luck. Firstly he rode a black horse called Rockefeller. The two understood each other at once, and became close friends. But the friendship only lasted three episodes. Then, in a difficult scene, Rockefeller broke a front leg. He had to be shot.
Steve howled his head off. It is unusual for people and their horses to like each other immediately. Normally it takes some time, until they get used to each other. That was demonstrated by his second horse, Sirocco. It seemed it didn’t like to see Steve suffering, and threw him against a wall. That was the end of Sirocco’s TV career, and Steve ended up spending several weeks in hospital.
Gillian Blake had more luck. Her stallion Copper became her best friend.
After filming had ended, Gillian and Steve were given their horses by the TV company, and they remain their best memories of Follyfoot-times.
When Follyfoot Farm flickers on the screen again, many of you will also remember the theme tune “Lightning Tree”. A true hit, the song and the series.
Wilma Schönhoff