Smoky the Cowhorse facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Smoky the Cowhorse

Author	Will James
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Children's novel
Publisher	Charles Scribner’s Sons
Publication date	1926
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)

Smoky the Cowhorse is a famous book written by Will James. It won the important Newbery Medal in 1927, which is a big award for children's books. The story is about the life of a special horse named Smoky in the American West.

Smoky's Amazing Story

This book tells the life story of a horse named Smoky. He is born in the wild lands of the western United States. The story happens after 1910, a time when the old Wild West was changing. Cars were starting to appear, and the cowboy way of life was slowly fading.

Smoky's Early Life and Training

Smoky is born free in the wild. But soon, a kind cowboy named Clint captures him. Clint begins to train Smoky. He quickly sees that Smoky is very smart and has a strong spirit. Clint chooses Smoky to be his own personal horse.

Under Clint's careful training, Smoky becomes an amazing cow horse. He learns to work with cattle better than any other horse around. Soon, everyone knows Smoky as the best cow horse in the area. He and Clint become a great team.

A Difficult Time for Smoky

One day, Smoky is stolen by a horse thief. The thief tries to ride Smoky, but Smoky is loyal only to Clint. He refuses to let the thief ride him. Because of this, the thief beats Smoky many times. This cruel treatment makes Smoky hate humans.

Filled with anger, Smoky fights back against the thief, who is no longer a threat. After this, local authorities capture Smoky. Because of his violent and aggressive behavior, he is used as a bucking bronco at rodeos.

The Rodeo Star "The Cougar"

At the rodeo, Smoky gets a new name: "The Cougar." He becomes the most famous rodeo horse in the Southwest. People travel from far away just to try and ride him. No one can stay on his back.

Years of performing at the rodeo are very hard on Smoky. His body gets tired, and his spirit becomes weak. He is no longer the strong, lively horse he once was. The rodeo life takes a big toll on him.

Smoky's Return to Clint

Since Smoky can no longer perform at the rodeo, he is renamed "Cloudy." He is sold and used as a regular riding horse. Later, he is sold again to a very cruel man. This man starves Smoky and treats him badly.

During this difficult time, Clint finally finds Smoky again. Clint is in town for business when he sees the horse. He recognizes Smoky, even though Smoky looks very different. Clint has Smoky's cruel owner arrested for mistreating the horse.

Clint then takes Smoky home with him. At first, Clint is sad to see how bad Smoky's condition is. But Clint takes great care of Smoky. Slowly, Smoky starts to get better. In the end, Smoky fully recovers his health and his happy personality. He is finally back with the person who truly cares for him.

Smoky on the Big Screen

The story of Smoky the Cowhorse has been made into a movie three times. The films are all called Smoky. They were released in 1933, 1946, and 1966. The author, Will James, even appeared in the 1933 movie as the narrator.

More About the Book

Will James was surprised when his book won the Newbery Medal. He had written Smoky the Cowhorse for adults, not for children. In 1928, a special edition of the book was released with many pictures.

Will James based the character of Smoky on his own first horse, also named Smoky. This horse was born near Val Marie, Saskatchewan, in Canada. Will James lived there for three years and learned how to be a cowboy before moving to the United States.

In the 1982 movie Tex, the main character, Tex McCormick, says that Smoky the Cowhorse is his favorite book.