The story revolves around a young native boy named Babtoo who as a child suffered a devastating injury. The wound never properly heals and becomes a major disability. This is an issue as he comes of age in the Watinkee Tribe. He stumbles upon a horse and together they overcome obstacles and challenges to save his tribe from certain demise. He comes to realize the disability has not made him any less of a warrior than even the bravest member of his tribe. Through his honesty loyalty and courage the tribe hails him a hero for his great deeds. The Watinkee people also come to realize an important lesson: everybody has strengths often unseen.