Little Britches: Making the Ultimate Trek

Lia Martinez
Essay 2
September 29, 2019


    Risking your own safety to ensure the wellbeing of another is a sign of great love and loyalty. Ralph, a nine year old boy living on the flatlands of Colorado, chose to do just that. He faced the difficult decision of knowingly placing himself in a position of great peril on behalf of was his beloved horse, Bill, who was dying. Ralph is strong-minded, young, and determined to do what is right regardless of the risks. Traversing the dangers of the secluded mountain to gather medicine from the wise Native American, Two Dog, demonstrates his love and loyalty to his cherished horse and his family. 

    Ralph should trek up the mountain to seek help from Two Dog for three reasons: he can prove his maturity to his family, he would have to live with the regret of not trying to save his horse, and it is the quickest solution available to him.
    The first reason Ralph should go to Two Dog for help is because this could be his chance to prove his maturity to his family. Although he is a young boy, he has big dreams of becoming a cowboy and yearns to venture on his own sooner than his parents would like. As a considerate child he struggles between his desires of being obedient to his parents and the feeling of wanting to assert his independence. Traveling to the mountains alone will demonstrate that he is indeed a responsible boy who can be trusted, one that does not need to cause his parents any worry. Lastly, if his mission is successful he will exemplify manliness, proving his maturity to his family.              

The second reason Ralph should go to Two Dog for help is because he would have to live with the constant regret of not having tried to save his beloved horse. The regret of having the power to do something but deciding not to, and having to live with the consequences of that chosen action, is one of the greatest burdens anyone can hold. Ralph was the one who named his cherished horse, he loves and values his companionship, so the thought of losing him is unbearable. The regret goes beyond Ralph’s emotions as his family would suffer as well. As a family horse, Bill helps work the farm which yields income that would be difficult to replace. Ultimately Ralph would regret not trying to save his horse when it is within his power to do so. 

The final reason Ralph should go to Two Dog for help is because, although risky because of his age and inexperience, it is indeed the quickest solution. Ralph understands and respects that his father cannot take a day off of work for this task. He must work for the wellbeing of the family and taking the time to make the trek up the mountain is not feasible. If Ralph quickly goes up, gets the treatment, and comes back under the radar there is no harm done, and maybe some reward in the process. Since Ralph cannot wait for his father to find time to take off of work, the quickest solution is for him to undertake the task himself.    

Ralph should go to Two Dog for help for three reasons: he can prove his maturity to his family, he would have to live with the regret of not trying to save his horse, and it is the quickest solution.
    This matters to Ralphs family because his decision will affect the mentality, income, and emotional health of his family.