Fatherhood, For Beginners

John Marston finds David Geddes speaking with Abe at Pronghorn Ranch about the work that has piled up while several hands are away. Geddes is leaving for town and asks John to assist Mrs. Geddes and his youngest son, Duncan. Abe sets off to look for horses that have gone missing, leaving John to take on the jobs around the ranch.

Duncan struggles with Jeremiah, a Morgan he cannot tame. John settles the horse without much difficulty, and Duncan asks him to explain how to form a bond with one. Before giving the boy a lesson, John rides Jeremiah through Big Valley to burn off the animal's excess energy. He then shows Duncan the basics of handling and bonding with a horse.

Mrs. Geddes calls John to help a mare that is about to foal. He assists with the birth, and she invites him inside for a drink afterward. John declines, explaining that he is married. Mrs. Geddes is disappointed, while John heads back to the ranch house.

At the house, Abigail persuades John to take Jack out riding. Jack borrows Duncan's pony, and father and son follow Little Creek River together. John eventually challenges Jack to race him back to Pronghorn Ranch, and they ride home.