Morven is desperately afraid of two things: the mad old man who wanders the neighbourhood and Social Services who has the power to tear his family apart. When he realizes that the old man is merely a pitiful victim of teenaged bullies, he does his best to help him in practical ways while continuing his struggle to keep his family together, despite the fact that Morven is only eight and his mother is abusive. Neither Morven nor the old man see the world as it is. But eventually, the struggle is too much for Morven. He is forced to face reality. Almost. The pretty horses remain a symbol of hope.