The only reward for these men is that they don't have to fight anymore. They gain nothing from being at war, except for life-long injuries and trauma. There is no cause to celebrate.

Well, we take back what we said about men respecting their duty. Not all men do. Lucky for Joey and the gang, the soldiers are ready to stand up for them, carrying horses who once carried them.

Don't worry, Albert can also form familial bonds with people (not just horses). It's unsurprising that David and Albert became so close; they're both only children without actual brothers or sisters of their own.