There are just so many things about this movie that make it hard to watch. The main character, Dusty, shows up at her rural Texas school surrounded by ranches and is mocked for wearing cowboy boots? There's an Army base in the town and yet she is scoffed at for trying to raise funds for the troops? Huh? Her 35-40 year old dad (who's still only a 2nd lieutenant?!) somehow has a beard and mustache? When did the army change that rule? Her mom is referred to as lieutenant and yet wears the rank of a major? Dusty suddenly gets classmates to sign up for her equestrian team and even though none of them have ever ridden before suddenly they're all performing? There are 8 girls on horses in the events and yet only 5 of them are ever seen together elsewhere? Her dad is sent away to war without warning (right in the middle of the Sadie Hawkins dance of course) and then gets injured. Lo and behold he is somehow flown all the way back home without any notice from the Army. Then mom's helicopter is shot down and she's lost. A massive rescue operation ensues and then she too, without notice or communication of any kind, appears at home, right at her daughters event (where the only person who's been told what's going on is the announcer), unscathed! (Why was she sent all the way home if she's uninjured?) Wow! So she was found, but they didn't tell anyone, then brought back to the base, but didn't tell anyone, then shipped all the way home (how many hours over how many flights would that be?) and she somehow knows to go the rodeo and not home??? Oh please! I know this is made for kids but even my 11 year old was rolling her eyes at how dumb this all was.

The story had a good premise and a great dedication to our military men and women, but totally dropped the ball. Too many social injustices were attempted to correct and every child had a terrible tragedy in their life. I assumed it was written by a teenager without true biblical guidance and I was glad we had watched it without our children as this movie justified students lying, stealing and breaking and entering as long as they were hurt or slighted by someone else, and without consequences. A troubled teen and one of the few normal teens in the movie started to like one another and the father of the normal child warns him about the girl he is falling for. Of course as on most movies, the father is projected as wrong and the child is right. Actually I though he gave good advice to his child. In the end the troubled children got what they seemed to deserve and even the wrongs they had done had no consequences nor were they sorry for the wrong they had done. Very disappointed in this film.

What a wonderful family movie. I've watched it 3 times, and this is sure to become a classic. Bailee Madison is an established actress, and it shows!. Very impressed. Chloe Lukasiak is fairly new as an actress, and I cannot wait to see what this young talent is in next. I believe this is her second movie, but you'd think she has been acting her whole life. She is a natural!. The two main stars of this film need to do another film together!. They compliment each other as actors. This film is about family, friends, the pain of having a parent fighting for our Country in a foreign land, perseverance, and growing up the best way you can. I guarantee everyone will want to put this movie in their library. It's a keeper!.. beautiful cinematography, and the gorgeous horses, the well written storyline! This is going to keep you wanting more...

While watching this year's Rose Parade on New Year's Day, one of the horse riding groups was mentioned during the narration. Upon the end of the parade, I went online to find the movie that gives the whole story behind the Cowgirl Story. Having Pat Boone as part of the cast was a bonus. I love true stories, especially when it includes young ladies finding a rewarding path in their lives.

Unnatural forced acting, where's the girl who had unbridled talent so full of energy who really played the part? Maybe not her fault I guess, could be poor scripting and poor choice of actors. It was torture, couldn't finish movie. She did come off as trying to be too mature, instead of immersing herself in the part - total flop in my opinion.

Excellent family story with a Christian focus. Pat Boone is a main character. Deals with several issues including struggles of families with members away from home while serving in the military, loss of family member, loss of a loved pet, peer pressure and bullying, forgiveness, integrity, finding faith when life seems very difficult. Some beautiful scenes with horses.

Absolutely a wonderful movie. Bailee Madison is a great actress. Absolutely tugs at your heart strings. 5 Stars. Highly Recommend!

A good clean wholesome movie for children ages 6 to 11 even 12, it's all about things that people do wrong and then repent, nobody likes that word anymore but all it means is you're headed one way you turn around and you go back the other way