Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson), a proud young boy, decides to become his own man after the passing of his father. When Craig accepts a job with horse rancher Harrison (Kirk Douglas), the more seasoned cowboys treat him cruelly. However, Craig wins Jessica (Sigrid Thornton), the rancher's daughter, over when he helps her break a difficult colt and eventually saves her life. When he is wrongfully held responsible for the death of a pricey horse, Craig strives to clear his name and establish his worthiness of Jessica's hand.