Indian Paint (1965)

Nishko is a chiefs son in the Great Plains before Europeans arrive During his rite of passage hes determined to tame a painted pony He approaches manhood while his peaceful clan is set upon by a nearby tribe willing to break a treaty He must also contend with the kidnapping of three young women from his village his ponys illness behind enemy lines his mothers coma after a rattlesnake bite the medicine mans urging that he sacrifice what he loves best the attack of a cougar and of wolves and his own injury while alone in the woods His kindness bravery and quick thinking serve him well but rescue come from an unexpected source