Mark, an adolescent boy, lives on a ranch in Wyoming. He has a black thoroughbred horse named Nochi. The horse has been in Mark's life from age two years old.
Nochi is a racehorse and is entered in the County Fair. Conflict in the story is usually between Mark and Nochi, and nature. Loyalty and companionship between these two main characters is evident as the story progresses through a period of about one year. Mark is fun loving, yet serious and devoted. Both Mark and Nochi are survivors. Together they overcome many hurdles. Three especially exciting episodes are when Nochi runs away...

Andy Nelson's heart belongs in Wyoming on his family's ranch. He especially loves his thoroughbred racing horses Sapphire and her daughter, Harmony. But he understands that in order to fulfill his dream of helping animals, he must make many sacrifices on the journey to becoming a veterinarian. Leaving the ranch isn't easy for Andy, as he first heads to the University of California-Davis and later North Dakota State University in Fargo to attain his degree. He keeps his sights on his goal and doesn't let partying or starting a relationship get in the way of his schooling. Being away from the...