The day that local sheep farmer John West bought a small pony and two donkeys for his children instead of the washing machine he had promised his wife, Mary, he had little idea how his son's life would change forever. For the pony would soon lead Tom to Samantha, a little girl destined to lead her life in a wheelchair, and to the local Pony Club and the famous show jumper Charles Wright-Smith and his pony The Likely Lad.. "One day I shall ride a huge black horse and travel all over the world with a beautiful girl" he told his father who smiled at his son. "I've only bought you a little pony my lad, don't get too carried away and where are you going to find a beautiful girl?" he teased. But Tom was quite sure. "Just wait and see Dad. One day I promise you I shall be on top of the world."