Simile for Jody's Hair
At the beginning of the novel, the narrator states that Jody had "hair like dusty yellow grass." This signifies that Jody had straggly blond hair.
Metaphor and Simile for the Gabilan's Eyes
Before the pony became ill, Gabilan's eyes "had big sparks of red fire in them like oakwood embers." The eyes are first referred to having sparks in them. These sparks are then referred to as being like a specific type of wood's embers. These two comparisons signify the life and happiness in the Red Pony.
Simile for Gabilan's Coat
Since Jody took good care of Gabilan, Gabilan's coat began to "lay as smooth and gleaming as orange-red lacquer." This comparison is made to display the shininess and vividness of the pony's coat.
Simile for Hurt Cowboy
Jody feared that the first time he would be able to ride his pony it would rain because he was afraid that the pony would slip and fall onto him. Jody then thought how "he had seen that happen to men before, had seen how they writhed on the ground like squashed bugs." Jody makes this comparison to signify the harm a horse could cause if the horse fell which helps justify Jody's fear.
Simile for Gabilan's Trembles
After being left out in the rain, Gabilan "trembled in gusts like the wind" while being wiped down. This comparison was made to display how violently Gabilan was shaking.