The horse was killed at some point during this period.

The meat was processed: some eaten fresh, some dried for later consumption.

The hide was used for additional shelter and possibly clothing.

This is standard practice in extreme survival situations, not a desperate improvisation.

It represents the clear-headed assessment of available resources and their best use.

After the horse was exhausted as a resource, the food supply depended on what could be found in the winter landscape: small animals, possibly roots, whatever the Blue Mountain winter provided to someone who knew where to look.

The last days of the journey, as described in the sources, involved the children’s feet bleeding from extended travel in cold and difficult conditions.