One day, Vicki Jordan rides a mare that seems to have the ability to jump but has had no proper training. Vicki convinces Skylark's owner that it is wrong to let a mare with such possibilities "rust out".
So Vicki takes over the education of Skylark, and in exchange for doing barn chores for one year will become her owner.
During this time, due to Vicki's hard work, the mare becomes a top-rate jumper. Vicki rides Skylark to victory in the small local shows, but when they move into the big time the girl makes a disturbing discover about herself and her horse.
The situation is further complicated when the United States Equestrian Team shows an interest in Skylark.
The story of the training of a jumper will interest readers of Vicki and the Black Horse as well as new Vicki fans.