11 February 2014 – “The New Adventures of Black Beauty”, the sequel to the iconic original British children’s TV series “The Adventures of Black Beauty”, is set to return to our screens this spring, courtesy of Horse & Country TV.
H&C TV has acquired the rights to Series 3 and 4 of the popular children’s television drama. The third series first aired in 1990 on ITV, and was an immediate hit among families and young children. Set in New Zealand 20 years after the original, the series revolves around the character of Victoria Denning, a free-spirited young girl whose inherent curiosity and penchant for challenging the status quo is forever getting her into scrapes of one sort or another. As a wild black horse presents himself at the farm where she lives, Vicky’s bond with the namesake of the original Black Beauty is established.
Jonathan Rippon, Head of Programming for H&C TV, said of the acquisition: “Everyone remembers the theme tune from Black Beauty, and now for the first time in 15 years it is back on British television. We’re sure that fans who watched Black Beauty the first time around will be delighted to see the show again, and that it will also gain a firm following among a younger audience not yet familiar with this wonderful cast of characters. Black Beauty also reminds those viewers who aren’t necessarily equestrian fans of the many inspiring stories about our special connection with horses.”
The series’ famous theme tune, “Galloping Home”, is an enduring part of the Black Beauty experience. The catchy melody written by Denis King will be instantly recognisable to Black Beauty fans, including those who may not have seen the show for 20 years or more. As evidence of its cult status among British horse lovers, TV presenter Clare Balding even chose the song as one of her eight BBC Radio 4 ‘Desert Island Discs’ when she appeared on the programme in December 2013.
The return of Black Beauty adds to Horse & Country TV’s reputation for offering UK television viewers an alternative to the often-repeated formulas of talent and reality shows. “The New Adventures of Black Beauty” premieres on Monday 14 April 2014, and will broadcast daily at 11am and 5pm.
Horse & Country TV is available on Sky Channel 280 in the UK and Ireland, and on PC and mobile devices from www.horseandcountry.tv/everywhere.
Horse & Country TV broadcasts in the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Malta, and can be found on the web at www.horseandcountry.tv, www.horseandcountrytv.nl, and www.horseandcountrytv.se. The Channel carries exclusive sports event coverage, news, documentary and personality-led programming to the passionate audience for horse sports and country living. At the UK’s Broadcast Digital Awards H&C won “Best Specialist Channel” in 2011 and was shortlisted in two categories in 2013. Online H&C publishes blogs and commentary provided by a range of experts and personalities, an extensive range of equestrian video, a calendar of events, as well as programme support material for all of the Channel’s featured shows. H&C’s role as a community hub for the horse and countryside loving community is reflected in the Channel’s 500,000+ viewers each month, 115,000+ Facebook fans and 30,000+ followers on Twitter.
Horse & Country TV press enquiries:
Gayle Telford – Revolution Sports + Entertainment
gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk