The boy who rode on slightly before him sat a horse not only as if he'd been born to it which he was but as if were he begot by malice or mischance into some queer land where horses never were he would have found them anyway. Would have known that there was something missing for the world to be right or he right in it and would have set forth to wander wherever it was needed for as long as it took until he came upon one and he would have known that that was what he sought and it would have been.
The passage describes a boy who rides a horse with innate skill and connection, suggesting an intrinsic bond between the boy and his mount. It implies that the boy's relationship with horses is so deep that even in a world without them, he would instinctively recognize their absence and venture out to find one, as if searching for a vital part of himself. This highlights a profound sense of purpose and belonging that transcends mere physical ability.
The imagery evokes a romantic notion of exploration and destiny, where the boy's journey symbolizes a quest for identity and fulfillment. The connection to horses represents not just a physical ride but an emotional and spiritual alignment with nature, suggesting that finding one's true calling is an essential part of life's journey. McCarthy's writing reflects a timeless truth about human longing and the search for meaningful connections in a vast world.
