03 My Breaking In

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 restrictive, though he gradually acclimates out of trust and affection for his master.

The narrative then details the additional stages of breaking in, including wearing a saddle, which Black Beauty finds less troubling, and the fitting of iron shoes, a novel sensation that he describes as making his feet feel “very stiff and heavy.” The horse takes these changes in stride, motivated by the gentleness and patience of his master.

A significant part of Black Beauty’s training involves acclimatizing him to the sounds and sights of passing trains, an experience designed to desensitize him to potential frights. Initially terrified, Black Beauty, after repeated exposure and observing the indifference of cows and sheep, learns to ignore the trains entirely. This element of his training underscores the theme of adaptability and the importance of careful, considerate training methods.

Throughout the chapter, the horse reflects on the different types of men he might serve – good, cruel, and thoughtless – emphasizing the impact of human behavior on animal welfare. The story emphasizes the idea that the wellbeing of animals like Black Beauty is closely tied to the behavior and attitudes of their human guardians. Black Beauty’s mother’s advice serves as a guiding principle for him, highlighting the moral of serving well under good care and the arbitrary nature of animal ownership, which can lead to varying levels of treatment depending on the owner’s character.