When Ashleigh returns home, nothing is as it used to be.Ashleigh has landed a dream job at Shady Trails Riding Ranch, a newly opened riding school close to the Shady Creek Riding Club. When the club starts losing members, it becomes clear that the new ranch is tough competition. Becky, whose father runs the Shady Creek Riding Club, is worried. Tension runs high when Becky gives Ashleigh an ultimatum: her new job at the ranch or their friendship. On top of that, there's a new baby at Ashleigh's house, and Ashleigh's parents don't seem to have as much time for her.When the shocking news hits that Becky's sister has sold her horse Cassata, Ashleigh and Becky reunite to find the beautiful Appaloosa mare and bring her home -- whatever the cost. But will it be enough to save their friendship?In this latest adventure, Ashleigh faces her most daunting challenges yet -- a missing horse and a broken friendship.

Kathy Helidoniotis is the author of six books in the Horse Mad series and numerous other books for children. Horse-crazy herself, Helidoniotis divides her time between riding, writing, reading, and teaching.