Miller described how the Indians captured wild horses in several captions: “On the first intimation that a drove of these beautiful animals is in sight, preparations are made for their capture. The Indians provide themselves with Lassos of firmly twisted bull-hide, one end of which is secured to their horses, or to their persons, the slack of the rope is coiled in their hands, and the other end is made into a running noose.
“As they approach the drove, the scene becomes intensely exciting; the Indians now riding in a perfectly reckless manner, their figures swaying to and fro with the motion of their steeds, display a rude natural grace.” (Bell, 1973, p. 34)
“On reaching the herd, each one selects his victim. They throw the Lasso at him with unerring dexterity, catching the animal by the neck or leg, as the opportunity presents itself. The horses are trained by long practice to brace themselves backward, as soon as the rope is thrown, in order to resist the strain.”
In this more finished and precise watercolor, Miller provides more detail but sacrifices some of the spontaneity that he achieved in earlier paintings. (CR #442A and #443)
Ron Tyler
