Nishko is a chief's son in the Great Plains, before Europeans arrive. During his rite of passage, he's determined to tame a painted pony. He approaches manhood while his peaceful clan is set upon by a nearby tribe willing to break a treaty. He must also contend with the kidnapping of three young women from his village, his pony's illness behind enemy lines, his mother's coma after a rattlesnake bite, the medicine man's urging that he sacrifice what he loves best, the attack of a cougar and of wolves, and his own injury while alone in the woods. His kindness, bravery, and quick thinking serve him well, but rescue come from an unexpected source.

Die Geschichte eines 15jährigen Häuptlingssohns, der nach dem Überfall eines feindlichen Indianerstammes, bei dem ein Krieger getötet, drei Frauen verschleppt und sein Pferd gestohlen wurde, ins Feindesland zieht, um das Unrecht zu rächen. Zwischen ihm und dem Pferd entwickelt sich eine bemerkenswerte Freundschaft. Eine abenteuerliche Geschichte um Loyalität und die Initiation eines jungen Kriegers.

A pesar de que todos los miembros de su tribu se niegan, un muchacho indio se empeña en cuidar y criar a un potro salvaje. La relación entre el joven y el animal se estrechará cada vez más.