Pippa Funnell: Take the Reins

Did You Know?

• The game was released as Alexandra Ledermann: L'Ecole des Champions in France and Champion Dreams: First to Ride in North America.
• Direct sequels include Pippa Funnell 3: Golden Stirrup Challenge and Pippa Funnell 4: Secrets of the Ranch.
• In Golden Stirrup Challenge, the player attends Jade's new riding school as a character named Flora.

Gameplay

The player begins by choosing a name and selecting a horse from various breeds and colors, none of which affect performance. The story starts with Jade traveling to the Academy. Students travel to the USA and Morocco for training and competitions. The player must take classes each week, preparing for weekend competitions by training in dressage, show-jumping, and cross-country, and caring for the horse at least twice weekly. Maintaining a high social rating through interaction and stylish clothing is also required. Events may override chosen classes, and a voice named Elsys can help. If required activities are not scored high enough, the week repeats.

Activities/Classes

Horse Care involves mucking the stall, picking hoofs, bathing, and grooming; doing this 4-5 times weekly maintains the horse's happiness. Foal Care requires interpreting the foal's three actions, with clues found in library books. Cross-Country is a timed outdoor jumping course with solid obstacles; the player must wait for a green circle before pressing the spacebar (or X on PlayStation 2) to jump, or the horse may refuse, causing faults and possible disqualification. Show-Jumping takes place in an arena with jumps that fall if knocked; a bar turns green to indicate the correct moment to press the spacebar (or X). Dressage requires following a path on the ground with arrow keys while maintaining the correct gait; reading dressage books in the library is recommended for later maneuvers. Walk is a trail ride with no time limits that improves horse happiness and familiarizes the player with areas used in later events. Rest Room raises popularity by talking to other students; the player can speak to two students (or one twice) each session, learning about their personalities and mystery tips.

Characters

Jade, the player character, has short red hair, grey eyes, and freckles, and is friendly and kind with a strong personality. Spike is a male with spikey blonde hair and a rebellious nature, attending the Academy due to his parents. Ginger is a fun-loving female with long blonde hair and fair skin. Esteban is a Spanish male with short black hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin, known for his gentle and classy demeanor. Kiew is an Asian female with long black hair who is highly competitive and dislikes losing. The Director has balding white hair and a mustache and beard, appearing at the start and before competitions. Harry, with short white hair and a mustache and beard, instructs students on horse care.