Schleich Horse Club - Hannah's Guest Horses with Ruby the Dog Review

Over the past year or so my girls, who never had any real hobbies before, have gained a real interest for horses. It started when we visited their friend's yard and ever since then they spend most Sundays up there helping to clean, groom etc in exchange for riding lessons. They've become that obsessed that they spend their pocket money buying bits for the horses including snacks and grooming tools.

This meant that it came as no surprise to me that they would take a real shine to any programme, toy etc that had a horse theme surrounding it. So when I was asked if I'd like to review part of the brand new Schleich Horse Club range of play sets, the only answer that I could possibly reply with was yes please.

The specific set that we were kindly sent was Hannah's Guest Horses with Ruby the Dog. This is aimed at children aged 5-12 years old, I have to say I was expecting a bigger box than what arrived so I was wondering what would actually be included inside. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised as it included:

1x Appaloosa mare, 1x Appaloosa foal, 1x Ruby the dog, 1x dog kennel, 4x fence paddocks, 1x entrance gate, 1x foal blanket, 1x stable halter, 1x fruit box, 1x red apple, 1x feeding rack, 1x bucket, 1x tree, 1x bone, 1x stick, 1x dog bowl, 1x dog collar 1 x bird and 1 x set of stickers

My only initial gripe was that each part of the set was individually wrapped in plastic packaging, something I feel wasn't necessary as they could have easily been put into one bag, or even better no bag at all. I believe the kids would have actually got some enjoyment from having to search for certain pieces to put together rather than having to keep asking me for help in opening the individual packages.

Be warned the set does include quite a few smaller parts so I'd suggest keeping away from younger children or at the very least making sure they are well supervised if you choose to let them play with it.

My six and nine year olds spent time putting together it all together. It was a joy seeing them working together on something (without arguing) and it was simple enough that they didn't need me to intervene at all. The instructions were displayed with numbers and pictures, a great way to teach younger ones about sequence and order.

All parts are well made and seem sturdy, there were satisfying click sounds as certain bits were pieced together and can be played with straight out of the box. 

I've spent a lot of time just quietly watching my girls play with this set since they've put it all together. The additional petite accessories made imaginative play more accessible too, an amazing aid in expanding the world they were creating. 

My only criticism of the play set itself is that this particular set doesn't come with any of the humans pictured on the box. Not the biggest problem as my kids used their own dolls with the set but it would have given this set just that extra bit of magic.

This Schleich Horse Club - Hannah's Guest Horses with Ruby the Dog is priced at £29.99 (bargain) and contains exclusive animal figures, it can be found at Smyths Toys along with other Horse Club sets in the range which can be interconnected with each other so children can conjure up an even bigger horse club of their own.