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’s return to the Ritter Ranch is filled with drama. Matt decides to pursue his feelings for Kris. Dani is jealous and becomes intent on getting Kris in trouble, first by tipping off a cop that Kris is participating in an illegal drag race. Dani also spreads rumors at the track about Kris’s past, and Kris punches her. Jean encourages Kris to trust her and to come to the Ritters with any problems. Kris ignores the romantic advances of both Junior and Matt, and instead reestablishes her bond with Wildfire who is distant since her return to the ranch.

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.

Wildfire gets out of control and injures another horse during a practice race. The vet bills and impending IRS audit further alarm Jean about the future of the ranch. Kris feels responsible and gets a waitress job at the local diner. Matt begins to get more involved in gambling and Dani is again disappointed by her father when he cancels their plans. Dani meets up with Bobby at the diner and taunts Kris at work, but Kris sees Bobby pushing Dani and punches him in Dani's defense. The diner owner oversees the altercation and fires Kris on the spot. More bad news comes when Jean informs Kris that they may need to sell Wildfire to say afloat.