Although his mother says he'll never be able do anything but work with his back, Buddy Roberts wants to be a cowboy. From the time he's four-years old, he herds his father's cows and calves on foot even in winter. Neighbor rancher Caleb Hyman is impressed with Buddy. He wonders why the child works hard while his older brother, Jake, is doted on and spoiled. But, Caleb can see the man that Buddy will become, encourages him, and teaches him to rope...