203 Results in the "Children’s Fiction" category


    • Chapter 30: A Thief Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 30: A Thief introduces a shift in Black Beauty’s life as he is purchased by a well-off bachelor living in Bath. Recommended by his doctor to take up riding for his health, the man secures a private stable and employs a groom named Filcher to oversee Beauty’s daily care. At first, everything appears in order—fresh bedding, polished tack, and a generous supply of oats. Beauty feels the benefits immediately: his coat glows, his energy is steady, and he performs well during rides. Yet slowly, a…
    • Chapter 3 My Breaking In Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 3 My Breaking In marks a pivotal point in Black Beauty’s young life, describing the transition from carefree colthood to trained domestic service. This process, known as “breaking in,” is not about force but gradual adaptation, and in Black Beauty’s case, it was handled with patience and kindness by his master. The first steps involve wearing a bit and bridle—strange and initially uncomfortable objects that restricted his natural movements. Despite the awkwardness, he endured the…
    • Chapter 29: Cockneys Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 29: Cockneys paints a vivid picture of how ignorance and speed-focused driving endanger horses every day. Black Beauty observes how some town-bred drivers—often referred to as Cockneys—treat horses not as living beings but as mechanical tools. These drivers are known for pushing horses at a relentless pace, completely disregarding the terrain, traffic, or fatigue the animals may feel. They rarely use the brake going downhill, allowing the carriage to press against the horse’s shoulders. This…
    • Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers reflects a period in Black Beauty’s life where consistency and compassion are replaced by unpredictability. As a job horse, he is rented to a variety of temporary drivers, each with differing levels of skill, patience, and concern. Beauty’s nature is calm and responsive, which makes him a favored choice even for beginners. However, that same gentleness leads to regular misuse. Some drivers pull the reins so tightly that his mouth aches for hours. These men…
    • Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill unfolds a bittersweet transition in Black Beauty’s life, capturing the aftermath of injury and the fading of former glory. After the wounds on his knees began to heal, Beauty was sent to rest in a meadow—lush and quiet, but lonely. Days passed in solitude, the emptiness of the field reminding him of the constant companionship he once knew. Relief arrived when Ginger, also recovering from an accident, was brought to the same pasture. Her gait was slower, and her…
    • Chapter 26: How it Ended Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 26: How it Ended begins with a quiet unease in the stillness of night. Black Beauty, standing alone and wounded, hears the distant but unmistakable rhythm of hooves drawing closer. As the sound nears, he recognizes Ginger’s pace attached to a dog-cart, a glimmer of hope sparking in the darkness. Beauty, though weakened and sore, lets out a soft neigh. To his relief, Ginger responds, followed by the urgent voices of men. They arrive at the scene to find Reuben lying on the ground, cold and…
    • Chapter 25: Reuben Smith Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 25: Reuben Smith opens with the introduction of a man widely respected for his deep understanding of horses and his calm, capable demeanor. Reuben, placed in charge during York’s brief leave, quickly earns the trust of the estate with his blend of hands-on knowledge and a gentle approach. His history includes time spent with a veterinary surgeon, where he picked up valuable insights into equine health. He drives all sorts of teams with skill—whether a four-in-hand or a tandem—and carries…
    • Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse begins during the freshness of spring when Lord W---- and much of his household travel to London, leaving the estate in quieter hands. Black Beauty and Ginger remain behind, tended by the head groom and a few family members who chose to stay. Among them is Lady Anne, a confident and experienced horsewoman who takes particular liking to Black Beauty, calling him “Black Auster.” She often rides him across the countryside with grace and control, earning his…
    • Chapter 22: Earlshall Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 22: Earlshall begins a pivotal shift in my journey as Ginger and I are transported from the calm and kind care of Birtwick to the grandeur and formality of Earlshall Park. The estate is vast, with well-kept grounds, a splendid house, and spacious stables that hint at luxury. Yet despite the surface elegance, it becomes clear that life here will be very different. Mr. York, the head coachman, greets us with a mixture of professionalism and authority. He listens politely to John’s careful…
    • Chapter 21: The Parting Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 21: The Parting begins on a somber note as word spreads through the household that the mistress’s health has declined. Her doctors advise a move to a milder climate, and this decision marks the beginning of a heartfelt farewell for everyone at the estate. For years, the place had been a home filled with warmth, routine, and understanding—not only for the family but also for the horses under their care. The news hits hard. What had been a peaceful and loving environment begins to unravel. The…
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