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.

Whereas Joey gave courage to Trooper Warren by paying attention and compensating for his faults as a rider, Albert gives courage to Joey because he is an extremely experienced rider; the two work together perfectly.

Sergeant Thunder's sentiments echo those of the Germans, who gave Joey and Topthorn a medal of honor. Though we're not sure if Thunder's horses-as-vets idea quite sank in… when was the last time you honored a horse on Veterans Day? Veterinarians Day, maybe.

Albert has to deal with loss as well. In fact, he and Joey deal with loss in remarkably similar ways, don't you think?

The Powers that Be have abandoned all the horses, including Joey, by letting them be sold as livestock. Thankfully the soldiers step in to break the cycle.