Follyfoot (1971–1973) was a British children’s/teen drama set on a farm sanctuary for neglected horses, blending pastoral charm with social commentary. Inspired by Monica Dickens’ novel Cobbler’s Dream, the series followed Dora (Gillian Blake), who comes to live with her uncle, the Colonel (Desmond Llewelyn), at Follyfoot Farm. Alongside Steve (Steve Hodson), Slugger (Arthur English), and Ron Stryker (Christian Rodska), Dora helped care for distressed horses while navigating friendship, romance, and moral dilemmas. Though marketed as a horsey kids’ show, it tackled deeper themes of compassion, second chances, and society’s treatment of animals. Its haunting theme song The Lightning Tree by The Settlers became a UK chart hit, and the show’s directors included future luminaries like Stephen Frears and Michael Apted, giving the series a lasting cult appeal.
