Wyoming ranchers Rob and Nell McLaughlin somewhat reluctantly decide to give their 10-year-old son, Ken, a chance to raise a horse and learn about responsibility.

He chooses a one-year-old chestnut mustang filly and names her Flicka, which ranch hand Gus informs him is a Swedish word for "girl".

They accept a $500 offer from a neighboring rancher for the young filly's mother, Rocket, who had been clocked running at 35 miles per hour (56 km/h), but the mare is accidentally killed while being transported.

[4] In 1943 the New York newspaper PM was pleased: "Seldom has Hollywood treated any part of the American scene with more warmth and charm and faithfulness than in My Friend Flicka.

The film was also released in its original full frame and aspect ratio and contained three trailers: Bushwhacked, Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog, and Lucas along with a choice of English or Spanish audio and subtitles.