The Fight over the Mustangs

This thread follows the conflict over wild horses as Mike’s temporary livelihood clashes with Porfirio’s knowledge of their decline and ownership.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Horse for Sale

A Horse for Sale A surprising offer Porfirio offers Mike a wild horse, which sparks Mike’s hope of finding more on nearby mesas. A new purpose The possibility of mustangs gives the stranded pair a way to earn money.

The Empty Mesa

The Empty Mesa Hope meets evidence Mike and Rafo find only skeletons where Mike expected to see living horses. A failed assumption Mike suspects that the offered horse may have been an isolated stray rather than evidence of a herd.

Sales Begin

Sales Begin A working arrangement Mike captures mustangs and sells them to Jiménez for money. Rafo gains confidence The boy watches, learns, and begins to see himself as a capable horseman.

Porfirio Objects

Porfirio Objects A livelihood threatened Porfirio tells Jiménez that Mike’s wild horses are not properly broken and may cost the buyer money. A larger warning He reveals that the herd is shrinking and the animals have little food.

A Promise to Leave

A Promise to Leave Conflict becomes personal Porfirio objects to the gringo taking more horses and to Mike’s relationship with Marta. A limit accepted Mike says they will leave the next day and take nothing more, although he later turns back toward Janasco.

Soon after Mike and Rafo reach Janasco

The first afternoon searching the plateau

After Mike catches the first wild horse

When Mike sells more mustangs in Janasco

On the day Mike and Rafo plan to depart