Joey may be a horse, but he was drafted as much as any human. In fact, wouldn't you say a horse is drafted to do everything he has to do? He has no choice or say in the matter, really.

Have you ever looked a pug square in the face and thought, "Hmm, he's a curmudgeon just like me"? Well, humans and animals often become friends because they see themselves in each other. Friedrich strongly identifies with Topthorn; both are the strong silent type, being forced to a job that they don't really want to do.

Even when facing death, the soldiers find a way to maintain their spirits. The soldiers and the horses feed off the courage of one another to build morale.