• 03 My Breaking In Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter, Black Beauty introduces his early experiences of being "broken in," a term he explains for the benefit of readers unfamiliar with horse training. It involves acclimating a horse to wear a bridle, saddle, and eventually, to bear the weight of humans and pull carts or carriages obediently and quietly. His master, intending to prevent fear or injury, undertakes the task personally, beginning with introducing Black Beauty to a bit and bridle, an experience the horse finds uncomfortable and…
    • 04 Birtwick Park Cover
      by LovelyMay At Birtwick Park, under the care of Squire Gordon, Black Beauty begins a new chapter in his life. He leaves his first home with a gentle farewell from his master, entering a world that contrasts with his origins through its grandeur and orderly structure. Birtwick Park, nestled by the village of Birtwick, is a haven of large old trees, smooth roads, and a series of lodges leading to the squire's stately house and its gardens. The stables, a domain of comfort and companionship for horses, becomes Black…
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      05 A Fair Start

      05 A Fair Start Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 5 of "Black Beauty," titled "A Fair Start," introduces John Manly, the coachman, who lives near the stables with his wife and child. The morning after Beauty's arrival, John gives him a thorough grooming, which pleases the Squire, the owner of Beauty. The Squire instructs John to test Beauty's paces by taking him on a specific route around the estate. John carefully fits Beauty with a comfortable bridle and saddle, and the two set out, starting slow before moving to a trot and then a canter. They…
    • Chapter

      06 Liberty

      06 Liberty Cover
      by LovelyMay In the sixth chapter of "Black Beauty" titled "Liberty," the narrative unfolds from the perspective of Black Beauty, who reflects on his contentment and living conditions in his new home. Despite the comfort, good food, and caring handlers he has, Black Beauty yearns for freedom, reminiscing about the days when he could roam freely in the fields, expressing his energy and spirit without restraint. This contrast between his past liberty and current confined life, where his movements are restricted by straps…
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      07 Ginger

      07 Ginger Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 7 of "Black Beauty," titled "Ginger," the narrative delves into the backstory of Ginger, a horse with a tumultuous past, through a conversation between Ginger and Black Beauty. Ginger opens up about her early separation from her mother, her upbringing among indifferent colts, and the neglect from the man responsible for their care, contrasting it with Black Beauty’s gentler experiences. She recounts the trauma of being broken in—a process devoid of kindness and full of force, which instilled…
    • 08 Ginger’s Story Continued Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter "Ginger's Story Continued" from the novel "Black Beauty," Ginger shares her distressing experiences at her first place of residence with Beauty. After her initial training, Ginger was sold to match another chestnut horse by a dealer, which led to her being purchased by a fashionable gentleman. This new environment introduced her to the torturous use of a tight check-rein, aimed at enhancing her appearance by forcing her to hold her head high for extended periods. This unnatural posture…
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      09 Merry legs

      09 Merry legs Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 9 of "Black Beauty," Merrylegs, a small, gentle, and wise pony, provides insight into his interactions with the young children of Mr. Blomefield, the vicar, and their families. The children, comprising Miss Jessie, Flora, two boys older than them, and several younger ones, would often visit, spending hours riding Merrylegs around the orchard and home paddock. One particular afternoon, after an extended period of play, James, presumably a stable hand, noticed Merrylegs' exhausted state upon his…
    • 10 A Talk in the Orchard Cover
      by LovelyMay 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…
    • 11 Plain Speaking Cover
      by LovelyMay At Birtwick, the sense of pride and happiness within Black Beauty only grew with time, owing largely to the respect and love the master and mistress commanded among all living beings, not just humans. Their kindness extended to animals of all sorts, ensuring no creature suffered under their watch. Notably, their influence inspired a culture of compassion, leading to a significant reduction in the use of check-reins on cart horses within their community, a cause the mistress actively advocated against…
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      12 A Stormy Day

      12 A Stormy Day Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 12, "A Stormy Day," of "Black Beauty," a journey taken by the narrator, an elegant horse named Black Beauty, along with his master and John, the coachman, becomes an adventure marked by the forces of nature. Setting out on a business trip in autumn, the party enjoys the crispness of the season despite recent rains that have left the landscape soaked and the river swollen. The lightness of the dog-cart and the high spirits of the travelers are soon challenged by the elements. As they cross the…
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