The annual cross country race is coming up and some of John Boy's college friends are busy preparing themselves for it, but he is disappointed because his friend is entering a thoroughbred horse. John Boy had intended entering Blue his mule, and had started training him. All of the Walton family are very excited at the thought of him entering and the children begin enthusiastically to prepare Blue for the race. Grandpa, having once won the race, also gives John Boy some valuable tips. The family get very upset with John Boy though, when they feel that he is taking the whole thing too seriously and he begins to start complaining about the preparation they have all been doing. John Boy finally realises that his father is right in what he says and begins to relax again. At the race John Boy,