Smoky the Cowhorse

Born into the Wild West, Smoky knows nothing but the breath of freedom whipping through his mane as he rides into the wind. And when a cowboy named Clint takes him in as his trusty steed, his deep intelligence and strong spirit renders him the best cow horse in all the land. Everybody wants Smoky. But not just anybody can have him.

Stolen by a horse thief on a dark summer’s night, Smoky’s loyalty to Clint remains unwavering. But what happens when a cow horse refuses to be ridden by a cruel thief? And more importantly, what becomes of a free spirit tossed around from owner to owner? Winner of the 1927 Newberry Medal, and adapted into three films, Will James’ ‘Smoky the Cowhorse’ is ideal for fans of the beloved adventure-animated hit, ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’.



William James (1892-1942) was a Canadian-American artist and writer of the American West. Whilst his artwork featured cowboy and rodeo scenes, his short stories and books equally weaved fascinating depictions of the Wild West, including winner of the 1927 Newberry Medal, ‘Smoky the Cowhorse’. Inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1992, his work remains ideal for Western fans, adults and children alike.