Something's wrong at Lisa's home, and Lisa feels powerless every time her parents get angry at her or at each other. When Lisa joins CARL she knows she's found a place where she'll be appreciated.
It's time for the Willow Creek Junior High spring dance. Since it's open to everyone, The Saddle Club will be there, and so will Stevie's boyfriend, Phil Marsten. Unfortunately, Veronica diAngelo will be going to the dance, too. The Saddle Club is determined not to let Veronica ruin their fun. But Veronica has her own plans. She arranges for The Saddle Club to be stuck at Pine Hollow Stables the night of the dance - taking care of her horse, Danny.
Carole Hanson writes a letter to the daughter of a Middle Eastern President inviting her to come riding at Pine Hollow. She hopes she might get a reply with an interesting stamp, instead she gets security guards roaming the grounds looking for spies. When a real spy shows up, it's the Saddle Club who rides to the rescue.