On an isolated range in the American West, a young horse named Smoky is born and raised. Allowed to run free for the first few years of his life, he’s later captured and tamed by a cowboy named Clint. Clint sees something special in Smoky, and quickly falls in love with the intelligent, wild young horse. As the years pass, Smoky must overcome many challenges ranging from mountain lions and winter storms to horse thieves and the greatest challenge the wilderness faces: modern society.

Winner of the 1927 Newbery Medal, Smoky the Cowhorse is Will James’s most famous book. Upon winning the award, James expressed surprise, because he had intended the book for adults.