# Loyalty and Betrayal in Smoky the Cowhorse

> Theme guide for Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James.

Smoky's unwavering loyalty to Clint contrasts sharply with the betrayal and cruelty he suffers from other humans, such as thieves and abusive handlers.

## Where it surfaces

- [Where the Trails Fork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters/iii-where-the-trails-fork): Smoky forms a loyal partnership with the big buckskin, fighting together against the chestnut stud and supporting each other.
- [Smoky Shows His Feelings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters/vii-smoky-shows-his-feelings): Smoky's fierce protection of Clint against Jeff Nicks demonstrates unwavering loyalty, while Clint's decision to quit bronc-breaking to keep Smoky shows his reciprocal commitment.
- [IX: Fights for Rights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters/ix-fights-for-rights): Clint's loyalty to Smoky leads him to defy Old Tom and risk his job, while Old Tom's claim is seen as a betrayal of cowboy code.
- [Amongst the Missing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters/x-amongst-the-missing): 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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/themes/loyalty_and_betrayal
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/themes