Raintree is a thoroughbred horse-farm. Pete, its owner, left the Ritter family and serious debt, but Jean Ritter is determined to keep it in the family, rather then sell control to the wealthy and well-connected Ken Davis. Her invaluable horse trainer, Pablo Betart, who once has a record too, convinces her to hire a new ranch hand- it's Kris(ten) Furillo, who needs the job to convince the judge to end her detention term for car theft and resisting arrest. Her horse-skills impress everyone, from old Henry and young but extremely astute Todd Ritter to the young men on the ranch, good friends Todd Ritter and Kenny 'Junior' Davis. After their best horse comes only fourth is a high-prized race, Jean doubts whether she can hold out financially
Kris is a girl with a troubled past who gets a second chance when she goes to work at a horse farm. But being an outsider in a high-stakes world isn't easy. Her only friend is a horse named Wildfire. But when he's threatened she makes a decision that will affect both their lives forever.
Kris returns to the Ritter ranch after being released from juvenile detention a second time. Later, Dani gets jealous when Matt pursues Kris, and she tries to get Kris in trouble with the law by tipping off a policeman about an illegal drag race that Kris is involved in.
Kris's mom shows up at the ranch wanting her to come back home. Jean's ring goes missing and Kris accuses her mom of it before she found out that Matt took it. And yet another Ritter develops a crush on Kris.
Veterinary bills and an impending IRS audit worry Jean; Kris gets a waitressing job; Matt falls deeper into the world of gambling.
Kris promises to go on a date with Junior if he will stake a claim on Wildfire in an upcoming race. Matt finds out about Kris and Junior ""dating."" Dani learns that Bobby is married.
After a stampede Kris, Matt, Junior, and Dani head into the mountains to recover their lost horses. Jean's ex-husband shows up at an inconvenient time.
Foul play puts Wildfire in danger and sets Matt & Kris on a hunt for the culprit. Matt's troubles go from bad to worse when a gambling debt makes him part with a prized possession. And Dani gets unexpected support from Junior when she needs it most. In turn, she does something that surprises everyone, even herself.
One of Kris's old friends shows up on the ranch and actually admits that he was the one who was responsible for Kris getting in trouble for the car theft. Matt decides to throw a party at the ranch while his mom is away at a horse show.
When Kris has an opportunity to train with a famous female jockey, she neglects her school and work responsibilities. Matt's gambling problem is discovered by others. Dani renews her search for the truth behind her mother's disappearance.
While recovering from her broken arm, Kris tries to earn a chance at riding Wildfire in a upcoming race. Tina gives Kris prescription painkillers to help cope with the pain of riding with a broken arm. Also, Matt asks Tina if he can escort her to a party and Dani meets with a woman who she thinks may be her mother.
Kris is nervous when Junior invites her to have dinner with his family. Pablo and Kris become annoyed by the TV crew documenting Tina's training. Todd takes a serious tumble from Wildfire. Jean finds out that Matt has been dating Tina.
Tina Sharp leaves the Raintree Farm and rides for the Davis family, and Kris feels betrayed by Junior because their relationship is getting serious. Pablo and Jean finally decide that Kris should be the one to ride Wildfire. Tina dumps Matt, and his gambling becomes a major problem again, Jean then calls his father to talk to Matt. Dani meets the woman, Isabelle, who she thinks is her mother.
