Ep 10. The Horse Breaker

The Horse Breaker is the tenth episode of the third season of Bonanza, a classic western television show that aired from 1959 to 1973. This episode originally aired on November 25, 1961 and was directed by Lewis Allen.

Set in 1860s Nevada, Bonanza follows the wealthy Cartwright family as they navigate life on their ranch, the Ponderosa. Patriarch Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene) is a widower with three grown sons - the responsible Adam (Pernell Roberts), hot-headed Hoss (Dan Blocker), and impetuous youngest son Little Joe (Michael Landon).

In this episode, Little Joe becomes enamored with the beautiful and skilled horse breaker Abby Dalton (played by Abby Dalton). He hires her to break a wild stallion that has been causing trouble. However, Abby is not just a talented horsewoman - she's also a wanted criminal with a history of horse theft and jail time.

As Little Joe spends more time with Abby, he becomes increasingly blinded by his infatuation with her and refuses to believe that she could be capable of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the other Cartwrights become suspicious of Abby's intentions and fear that she may be using Little Joe to carry out another theft.

As tensions rise and the truth about Abby's past is revealed, the Cartwrights must come together to protect their family and their ranch from the dangers lurking in their midst.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to sweeping views of the Nevada landscape, thrilling horseback riding scenes, and exciting action sequences. The interactions between the Cartwrights and Abby provide a captivating glimpse into the complexities of trust and loyalty in the Wild West.

Overall, The Horse Breaker is a gripping episode of Bonanza that showcases the show's strengths as a classic western series. It's filled with both action and heart, and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.