Parker Smith and Joe Dan Peters are fourteen-year-old cowboys and best friends. They are out of school for the summer and looking forward to many cowboy adventures in the New Mexico ranch country that is their home. Parker's summer begins with the birth of a colt by one of his family's mares which his father gives him to break and train. In addition, Parker and his friend spend their time doing what ranch kids do, anything from branding calves to doctoring sick cattle, and fixing fences. But they also find time to visit their favorite swimming hole, search for Indian relics, and take horseback trips to visit friends. The highlight of the summer is the 4th of July rodeo where they compete and enjoy the festivities of their town's annual cowboy reunion. They end their summer helping gather mother cows and calves out of the mountain high country where they have been pastured for the past several months. The roundup is held over the Labor Day weekend and not only signals the end of summer, but their return to school as well. Stephen Zimmer's book is an authentic portrayal of contemporary ranch life in New Mexico where horses are still an integral part of working ranches.