Smoky the Cowhorse · Chapter
Amongst the Missing explained
Five years pass as Smoky and Clint work together on the range, becoming a legendary team.
What happens
Five years pass as Smoky and Clint work together on the range, becoming a legendary team. Smoky's intelligence and skill are demonstrated when he keeps his saddle after a cinch breaks during roping, and later when he expertly lays a steer. Smoky's reputation spreads across the state, and outside offers to buy him increase from $100 to $400, causing Clint concern.
Themes in this chapter
The Human-Animal Bond
The deep understanding between Clint and Smoky is emphasized: Smoky reads Clint's hand and voice, and Clint knows Smoky's moods, creating a partnership that makes Smoky an exceptional cowhorse.
Cowboy Code and Skill
Smoky's intelligence and work ethic embody the cowboy ideal: he prioritizes the job over instinct, as shown when he keeps his saddle instead of bucking, and his roping and cutting skills are legendary.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Clint's loyalty to Smoky is tested by outside offers to buy the horse, and he feels both anger and fear at the possibility of losing him.
Characters to notice
- Smoky
Now a seasoned cowhorse, Smoky demonstrates remarkable intelligence, speed, and loyalty, understanding Clint's every cue and even choosing to keep his saddle rather than buck when the cinch breaks.
- Clint
Clint has been Smoky's sole rider for five years, and their bond deepens as he reads Smoky's moods and relies on his skill. He becomes peeved and later scared by outside offers to buy Smoky.
- Jeff Nicks
Jeff remains as cow boss, one of the few old hands left, and he marvels at Smoky's abilities, remarking on the horse's unique skill after the broken-saddle incident.
- Old Tom
Old Tom laughs off the early offers for Smoky, having previously tried to appropriate the horse for his own string.
Key passages
“The way Smoky could understand the man who rode him thru and around the big herds had a lot to do in making him the cowhorse he'd turned out to be.”
Smoky's ability to comprehend Clint's intentions while working the herds was key to his development as a top cowhorse.
Highlights the bond and mutual understanding between horse and rider.
“Smoky, instead of trying to get shed of the saddle, showed he was using his brain to the best way of keeping it there. He was a cowhorse and working, and it was no time for foolishness.”
Rather than bucking off the broken saddle, Smoky intelligently worked to keep it in place because he was focused on his job.
Demonstrates Smoky's exceptional work ethic and intelligence.
“There was only one thing that horse didn't do,' Jeff had remarked afterwards—'he didn't give the rope a flip before he set down on it.'”
Jeff noted that Smoky did everything perfectly except for flipping the rope before bracing for the steer's impact.
Shows the high standards and admiration the cowboys had for Smoky.