I mostly wanted to watch this movie because of the equestrian angle. But I should have known that it was going to be not well done on that point. Anytime any of the stores are supposedly on a horse and jumping their head isn't in-frame because it's someone else doing it. A horse show of this magnitude would have jumps twice as high. And since jumping shows are timed events, these horses would be Galloping and not a nice little Canter. Oh and last but not least, there is no play-by-play commentary while you're in the ring jumping. It's silent just like golf.

There were two primary reasons for watching 'Taking the Reins'. One was for completest sake, with it being one of the 2021 Hallmark films that have started been reviewed since last December and as part of my Hallmark film complest quest. The other was for Nikki DeLoach, who has impressed me a lot in a lot of things and to me she is one of the best and more consistent Hallmark regulars. The 2021 Hallmark output was an uneven bunch, but there was a lot to like about most of the Fall Harvest films.

For me, 'Taking the Reins' is one of the weakest of the Fall Harvest films and is another one of the films that is not one of the very worst of the year for the Hallmark films but still in the lesser end. Had no issues with the acting, but the writing sides of the film was where the film was nowhere near as good to put it lightly. Very few of the 2021 Hallmark films were too weak and few really were terrible as well, but quite a number of the films from that year could have been done a lot better and that is true for 'Taking the Reins'.

When talking about the best aspects, the top one is the acting. DeLoach does not disappoint, and gives a committed and charismatic performance. She has good chemistry with equally sturdy Scott Porter., who individually gives a very appealing and charismatic performance. The acting in fact here is well above average in my view.

Moreover, the film looks good. Especially in the truly lovely scenery that is accompanied every bit as well by the photography. The music is pleasant enough.

Did feel though that the story felt very formulaic and dragged out, with very little done with old material. There is very little excitement, which is what a film with this subject needs. The script can be very awkward sounding and also could have been tighter and less cheesy. Will agree too about the riding being distractingly bad in a way that takes one out of the film.

Am not one of those who marks a film down immediately if something isn't right as that tends to be really petty and occasionally also bigoted but for a film where riding is at the centre of the film that is actually a bit of a problem. The character writing is not very well fleshed out or interesting, basically typical Hallmark cliches with nothing to make them stand out. The direction is rather routine.

Concluding, pretty lacklustre. 4/10.

I love Nikki DeLoach and Scott Porter together. They are such superb actors who are even better together. Scott Porter is giving Andrew Walker a run for his money and I hope to see him in many more Hallmark movies.