by Rutherford George Montgomery
First published 1973
Young ranch hand Tommy finds himself responsible for a magnificent golden stallion when circumstances force him into the rugged mountain wilderness. The horse proves difficult to manage, but Tommy discovers an unlikely ally in a half-wild wolf dog that appears near their camp. As predators threaten and harsh weather closes in, the three must learn to trust each other. The wolf dog's keen senses alert them to dangers Tommy cannot detect, while the stallion's strength becomes crucial for survival. Tommy realizes that taming these wild creatures matters less than earning their respect. Together they navigate treacherous terrain and face hungry predators that hunt in the darkness. The bond between boy, horse, and wolf dog deepens through shared hardship, creating an unbreakable partnership forged in the wilderness.
Genres: fiction, animals, adventure, coming-of-age
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Mountain Wilderness
Period: 20th-Century
210 pages · Hardcover · White Lion Publishers