Fifteen year old Charley is left on his own after his father is killed in a brawl. He develops a kinship with a horse, Lean on Pete, at a nearby track where he takes work. When the horse is in danger Charley steals a truck and trailer and takes him on a journey which turns into a quest for Charley's aunt, the only person he knows will take him in. A disturbing take on the traditional road trip.