10 A Talk in the Orchard

In Chapter 10 of “Black Beauty,” we delve into the conversations among the horses: Black Beauty, Ginger, Sir Oliver, Merrylegs, and Justice. The chapter starts with Black Beauty and Ginger reflecting on their breed and the pleasure they find in carrying their riders during riding parties. They discuss the comfort a light hand on the reins brings to a horse, emphasizing the sensitivity of a horse’s mouth and how gentle guidance is much preferred to harsh handling.

The narrative then shifts to a poignant conversation in the orchard, where Sir Oliver reveals the cruel practice that led to his short tail. He explains it was not an accident but a deliberate, painful act of fashion that also made it impossible for him to swat flies away, highlighting the lifelong impact of human vanity on animals. This revelation stirs a bitter sentiment in Black Beauty towards humans and leads to a broader critique of human practices that disfigure and torment animals for the sake of fashion, such as docking dogs’ tails and cropping their ears.

The chapter then weaves into a discourse on the use of blinkers on horses, with varying opinions among the horses. Justice explains that blinkers are meant to prevent horses from shying, but also notes that they are mainly used because of fashion, pointing out that horses do not need them to focus and might actually benefit from a full range of vision, especially at night. This is illustrated through the recounting of accidents that could have been avoided if horses were not partly blinded by blinkers.

Throughout the chapter, the narrative is a profound exploration of the relationship between humans and animals, particularly focusing on the unnecessary and often harmful practices imposed on animals for human vanity. It questions the rationale behind such practices, highlighting the intelligence and capabilities of animals if left unhampered by human intervention. The conversations bring to light the importance of kindness, understanding, and the natural harmony that should exist between humans and the animals under their care.