Publisher's Synopsis
Kayla Myers lives on Willow Ranch with her friends and family. She loves swimming, art, having fun with friends, and barrel racing. But what she loves most of all is her horse, Dakota. Unfortunately, though, Dakota passes away from old age on the first day of summer vacation. As soon as she finds out, Kayla is heartbroken. She loved her horse, and her horse loved her. Summer drags along slowly, and Kayla desperately wants her horse back.
Near the end of Summer, the families go to Chincoteague Island for Pony Penning Day. Kayla's parents promise to buy her a pony there if she wants one. While there, she sees a beautiful colt and her parents buy him for her. She names him Phoenix, but before they can become great barrel racers and share the bond that Kayla had with Dakota, the two need to gain each other's trust.