Jean decides to deal with the financial troubles of the ranch by selling her engagement ring. Barb, Kris's mother, unexpectedly shows up and the Ritter's extend an invitation for her to stay. Todd Ritter develops a crush on Kris and Dani becomes involved with Bobby. Jean discovers her ring is missing, and Kris blames her mother who has relapsed into substance abuse. Kris pushes her mother to leave, only to later realize that Matt took the ring. Junior helps Kris find Barb at the bus station, and confesses that he understands Kris's pain as his mother left years ago as well. Kris and Barb share a special moment before deciding that Kris should stay with her new family while Barb moves on with her own life.

When Wildfire loses a big race, the Raintree team discovers that he has ingested cattle feed, which is potentially lethal for horses. Matt and Kris think it is most likely Carlos, a former Raintree employee. They later discover it is Ricky, Carlos' son, who is giving Wildfire the harmful feed. Matt is in debt from gambling, and he must sell his motorcycle (which his dad had given him) to make good. Meanwhile, Junior supports Dani when she goes to the hospital for a health issue and she later repays the kindness by reinforcing to Kris that Junior is actually a good guy. Kris and Junior re-kindle their romantic feelings for one another.

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.

After barely losing the Sandpiper, due to a dirty trick by Tina, Kris and Wildfire attract attention in the media and from a sports agent. Dani has a hard time coming to terms with the truth about her mother and Junior's departure. Meanwhile, Matt and Kris search for Junior.

Kris must decide between staying at Raintree or traveling to Europe to further her career; Baby Wildfire must be sold.

After learning that Wildfire is sterile, Kris wants to get him back on the track but Jean and Pablo question whether or not she is pushing him too hard.