Twelve cowboys from all over the United States move onto a cattle ranch, where fast friendships are formed and battle lines quickly drawn. Trace Adkins puts the cowboys to the test in a team challenge that will determine who stays and who goes home.

The remaining 10 cowboys show off their skills in a timed calf-roping challenge. Later, a team challenge reveals that some of the contestants lack the experience needed to compete at this level. One cowboy's antics lead to an angry confrontation.

With only eight cowboys left, the pressure is on. In an attempt to win immunity from elimination, one cowboy takes the bull by the horns and pays the price. Meanwhile, two enemies finally bury the hatchet and Trace tells two more cowboys to go home.

A female contestant continues to impress the remaining cowboys. After a medley race of cowboy skills, the contestants must assemble a herd of cattle that weighs a specific amount and load it into a trailer. Later, two more cowboys are sent packing.

Trace Adkins challenges the four remaining contestants to demonstrate their mastery of essential cowboy skills. Two cowboys make rookie mistakes that may cost them the herd, while another falls short for the first time.

In a final showdown, the last three contestants are out to prove who is the top all-around cowboy. In the arena, they show off their horsemanship skills, then drive a herd across challenging obstacles.