Another is that he was simply contemptuous of the tactical situation and confident in his own ability to handle whatever he encountered.

The decoy warriors executed their role precisely.

They needed to stay close enough to the soldiers to keep the pursuit going, far enough ahead to avoid being caught, and on course toward the ambush site.

This required coordination, nerve, and skill — qualities the accounts of participants from the attacking side confirm.

The terrain beyond Lodge Trail Ridge provided the concealment that the ambush required.

The Warriors had positioned themselves in the grass and rock formations on both sides of the trail, invisible to anyone riding down the slope from the ridge.