Jinny has a full summer holiday programme planned out with Shantih, and almost better still, someone to share it with. Sue and her pony Pippen have come to camp near them. At last, a pony friend who sees things in the same way as Jinny, and who can help her with the firebrand Shantih.

Then Jinny's father tells her that they're having two children from Stopton, Marlene and her brother Bill, to stay.

Jinny is horrified, and even more so when she finds out Marlene longs beyond all else to ride Shantih. Jinny, furiously possessive, is determined this will not happen.

Gradually Jinny learns to appreciate Marlene for who she is, and to understand that Marlene has her own loves for whom she will do anything, just like Jinny.