The open plains watered by the Sweetwater River supported vast herds of buffalo in Miller’s day. In the scene recounted here, Indians are pursuing two herds, one in the foreground and another in the distance beneath the famous landmark known as Split Rock (what Miller referred to as “the cut rocks”). (Ross, 57)
Miller presented this hunting scene in order to portray the excitement of the chase. He also wanted specifically to distinguish between skilled and unskilled horses, and how fundamental to success was the former. “An Indian on a well-trained horse has separated a Buffalo from the herd and is about to have a shot at him…. In the immediate foreground is a horse unaccustomed to the chase, frightened at the unwieldy brute’s noise and confusion about him.” (Ross, 57)
