Smoky the Cowhorse
Plot
The
story details the life of a horse in the western United States from his birth
to his eventual decline. It takes place after the 1910s, during which the West
dies away and automobiles are introduced. Smoky is born in the wild but is
captured and trained by a cowboy named Clint. Clint is taken by Smoky's
intelligence and spirit, and he uses him as his personal steed. Under his
guidance, Smoky soon becomes known as the best cowhorse around. However, Smoky
is among a number of horses stolen by a horse thief. When Smoky refuses to
allow the thief to ride him, being loyal only to Clint, he is beaten repeatedly
in punishment. Developing an intense hatred for humans from this treatment,
Smoky eventually attacks and kills the thief.
When
Smoky is eventually captured by local authorities, his now violent and
aggressive demeanor prompts his use as a bucking
bronco at a rodeo. Under the moniker of
"The Cougar", he becomes the most famous rodeo attraction in the
South West, and people come from miles away to attempt to ride him. Years of
performing at the rodeo eventually take their toll on his body and spirit, and
he is left a shell of his former self.
As
he is no longer of any use as a rodeo horse, he is renamed "Cloudy"
and used as a riding horse, then later sold to an abusive man who starves him.
During this time, Clint finally reunites with Smoky. While in town on business,
Clint spots and recognizes the horse. After having Smoky's current owner
arrested for his acts of cruelty, Clint reclaims him and takes him home with
him. Although Clint initially despairs at the condition Smoky is in, his
careful treatment of the horse begins to show results. In the end, Smoky has
completely recovered his former health and personality.
Film adaptations
The
novel has been adapted to the screen three times as Smoky, in 1933,
1946,
and 1966.
Will James himself appears in the 1933 film as a narrator.
Other information
Will
James expressed surprise at winning the Newbery Medal for Smoky the Cowhorse,
since the book was published for adults.[2] An illustrated edition of Smoky the Cowhorse was
issued in 1928.
James
loosely based the book on his first horse, Smoky, who was born in the Huff's
cabin, near Val Marie,
Saskatchewan where James learned wrangling and lived for three years
before moving to the United States.
In
the 1982 film Tex,
lead character Tex McCormick refers to Smoky the Cowhorse as his
favorite book.
Thomas
Schelling said the most influential book he
ever read was Smoky the Cowhorse. “He’d say it was the first time he
understood empathy for other human beings"[3]
References
· · Elleman, Barbara
(2007). "The
John Newbery Medal: The First Decade" (PDF). American Library
Association. p. 4.
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