Though he is incredibly weakened, Topthorn survives. The horses no longer have to walk through the terrible mud, and the spring brings more sun and healing for the remaining members of the team. The soldiers’ spirits lift, the horses are treated better, and their “newfound health and the optimism of the singing, whistling soldiers [brings them] to a fresh sense of exhilaration” (95). However, “there [are] to be no battles for [them] that summer” (95), and the soldiers and horses can rest for a bit. For the first time since they began fighting in the war, Joey and Topthorn grow fat from idle grazing.

During this time, the two horses are put under the care of a “kind old soldier who had been so good to [them] all winter. Everyone called him Crazy Old Friedrich” (95). Friedrich is often found talking or laughing to himself and frequently given tasks others don’t want to do. His perceived eccentric nature ostracizes him from the other soldiers, so having the company of Joey and Topthorn is a much welcome change for him.

The feeling of companionship is mutual, as Friedrich takes special care of the horses.