A wild and dangerous mountain setting and a daughter who lives, breathes and sleeps horses is a recipe for trouble for ranch owner, Sandy Scott. But Kirstie is undaunted by her mother's warnings. She's at her happiest riding the trails through the tall forests and deep canyons of the Meltwater Range . . .
A mystery horse has appeared on Eagle's Peak. He's the perfect Native American mustang - strong, athletic, wilful...and lost! Kirstie names the beautiful Appaloosa Joe. But her attempts to tempt him down to Half Moon Ranch fail. When two strangers turn up claiming ownership, Kirstie should be relieved; with winter closing in, Joe surely won't survive much longer out on the peak. But somehow she doesn't trust the strangers - and nor, it seems, does Joe...