Cruelty and Kindness

The narrative contrasts Clint's patient, gentle training with the brutal treatment Smoky endures as a rodeo outlaw and a livery horse, highlighting the impact of human nature on animals.

The thief's brutal beating of Smoky and constant torment contrasts sharply with Clint's earlier gentle handling, highlighting the theme of cruelty versus kindness.

The contrast between the crowd's cruel disappointment and the rider's gentle words to the 'has been' horse.

Tourists unknowingly mistreat Smoky through overwork, while the stable man shows small kindnesses like currying and feeding.