Phil Marston isn't just Stevie Lake's boyfriend. He's a fellow rider and Phil knows how to push all Stevie's buttons. When he issues a riding challenge that she can't turn down, Stevie starts training Belle intensely. In fact, her workouts threaten to make even good-natured Belle balk at going into the ring.
Mrs. Reg, the manager of Pine Hollow Stables, thinks Stevie and Belle need a break, so she brings The Saddle Club to Assateague Island. She hopes that seeing the wild ponies will remind Stevie of what riding is all about. But it turns out that even Mrs. Reg is in for a surprise!