Willie MacLean's father and brother were born to be coal miners. But Willie is different. He enjoys school, loves horses, and would rather be anywhere else than in a coal mine. When his brother John is hurt in an accident, Willie is reluctantly forced to step into his shoes. He finds comfort in an unlikely friendship with a mining pony named Gem. Together they show that perseverance pays and that miracles can happen even in the darkness of a coal mine. This made-for-television drama, set in 19th-century Nova Scotia, tells the story of one close-knit family's day-to-day struggles--and one very special horse. Viewers of all ages can enjoy this touching movie's heartwarming tale and the valuable lessons that go with it.