Horse Badorties, a disoriented hippie navigating 1970s New York City, attempts to organize a benefit concert while struggling with his own chaotic impulses. Horse moves through a world of scavenged junk and drug-induced confusion, driven by a desire to assemble a choir of young girls for a musical performance. He faces constant opposition from his own inability to focus, his lack of resources, and the logistical absurdity of his living arrangements. The narrative is presented through a first-person perspective, utilizing a distinct, stream-of-consciousness vernacular that mirrors the protagonist's fragmented mental state.

Discussion often centers on the unique linguistic style Kotzwinkle employs to capture the frantic energy of the era. Readers frequently highlight the protagonist as a polarizing figure who balances comedic absurdity with a sense of underlying tragedy. Critics often note the effectiveness of the novel in documenting the specific atmosphere of New York City during the early 1970s. The narrative pacing is frequently described as erratic, which aligns with the protagonist's own inability to follow through on his plans. Many readers find the book to be a significant artifact of counterculture literature that avoids romanticizing the period.