Smoky the Cowhorse · Chapter
Smoky Starts Out explained
Smoky begins his work as a cowhorse, learning the ropes of the fall roundup.
What happens
Smoky begins his work as a cowhorse, learning the ropes of the fall roundup. He is promoted to day-herd work and cutting out, showing natural skill and pride. His bond with Clint deepens during quiet herding moments. However, Smoky's fear of ropes and strangers surfaces when he is corralled with the remuda, but Clint's presence calms him.
Themes in this chapter
The Human-Animal Bond
Clint and Smoky's deepening understanding is highlighted during quiet herding moments and when Clint calms Smoky's fear in the corral.
Wildness vs. Domestication
Smoky's natural wildness and fear of ropes contrast with his growing domestication and work as a cowhorse.
Cowboy Code and Skill
Smoky's promotion to day-herd and cutting out demonstrates his developing skill, and Clint's coaching reflects the cowboy code of training and partnership.
Characters to notice
- Smoky
Smoky is promoted to day-herd work and cutting out, showing skill and pride. He becomes fearful in the corral but is calmed by Clint.
- Clint
Clint coaches Smoky through the roundup, switches his work to give him variety, and comforts him when he is frightened in the corral.
- The Cougar
Not directly present, but Smoky's fear of ropes and strangers hints at future encounters with the cougar.
Key passages
“Smoky watched every herd that came in, followed the wagon on its everyday move, and was even getting used to them ropes that sung over his head three or four times a day.”
Smoky observed every incoming herd, accompanied the wagon on its daily journey, and gradually accustomed himself to the ropes that whistled overhead several times each day.
Describes Smoky's adaptation to roundup life.
“There was a mighty satisfied smile on Clint’s face as the steer was shot back in the herd the same way he’d come out, and as for Smoky, there sure was nothing about him that suggested “the end of the trail.””
Clint smiled with deep satisfaction as the steer was driven back into the herd just as it had escaped, and Smoky showed no signs of fatigue or stopping.
Highlights Smoky's successful first cutting out and Clint's pride.
“He rubbed on the slick hide a spell, and that cowboy experienced a mighty great feeling when he noticed as he stayed, that gradually the pony’s heart beats begin to slow down and soon was behaving normal again.”
Clint stroked Smoky's smooth coat for a while, and felt a profound sense of accomplishment as he saw the pony's heartbeat gradually return to normal.
Illustrates the calming effect of Clint's presence on Smoky.