After being left behind there by his mother ten-year-old Randy Davis now lives at the ranch where his dad Jake works as a ranch hand. Fitting in and winning the love of his father a rough and stern man is turning out to be a struggle. Ranch life is very different from his former life in Crane Texas. Each day brings new challenges and trials. For example Smitty the alcoholic fence rider of the ranch attacks Juanita the ranch cook but is caught by Randy causing more strife at the ranch. Hank the ranch foreman finds a rescue horse and a puppy for Randy at the sale auction in San Angelo. Meanwhile the capture of a wild rodeo bull while Hank and Marty are away at the auction tries Jake's skills and patience and almost takes his life as he struggles to bring him in. While Randy learns quickly what it means to be a cowboy he and his dad discover a mutual respect and love for each other through the trials and hardships of ranch life.