More than anything, 14-year-old Winna Beckman wants a horse. When she gets one, riding Babyface will teach her about life, love, and true friendship. 

In the summer of 1957, with the Communist threat, people digging bomb shelters, and Elvis being drafted, the world seems topsy-turvy. But for 14-year-old Winna Beckman, her mother's drinking problem always makes life unpredictable. 

When the family moves to an apple farm on California’s central coast, Winna hopes things will change for the better. She makes a list of goals and aspirations: Get a horse, make at least one friend, don’t flunk ninth grade, and most importantly, keep Mama happy. 

Winna begs her father to buy a horse. Her dream comes true when he buys two horses, Babyface and Snafu, who is expecting a foal. However, Babyface is stubborn, and riding her is a challenge. Determined to become a better horseback rider, Winna decides she needs to learn how to think like a horse. Except, tricky Babyface doesn't make it easy.
Babyface's naughty behavior, trying to make friends, and dealing with family problems, keep Winna off balance. She thinks life can't get more complicated. Then, a handsome boy moves in next door. 

A vintage historical, coming-of-age story, Riding Babyface explores a teenage girl's feelings about falling in love and dealing with her mother's alcoholism.