Shy Joni loves her family's Vermont sheep farm and her strong-willed horse, Archie. When ebullient Chess moves nearby, Joni is drawn to her big personality. However, Chess's opinions on animal rights, global warming, and responsible farming soon have Joni both questioning and defending her family's farm. But when Chess steals miniature horses from their neighbor to "rescue" them, Joni is challenged to find the courage to stand up to Chess. In this complex tale of bridging differences and finding your own voice, two friends nearly break their friendship before they can begin to rebuild it.