Many casualties of war weren't the result of gas or gunfire. Instead, it could be simple things like sickness due to inadequate shelter or nutrition. Joey and the horses experience the same issues. Remember, Topthorn isn't killed by battle; he's killed from illness and exhaustion.

Even though horses like to work, they don't like being treated as workhorses. There's a fine line between a working horse and a workhorse, and the main difference is respect. Sometimes the soldiers refer to themselves as workhorses, too, because of the dehumanizing working conditions they're suffering through.

Other horses aren't the only ones who look to Joey and Topthorn for support and friendship. Joey and Topthorn provide support—both physical and emotional—to their human friends as well. Can you think of any specific examples?