33 A London Cab Horse

Jeremiah “Jerry” Barker becomes the new master of Black Beauty, alongside his warm and lively family comprising his wife Polly, their twelve-year-old boy Harry, and their eight-year-old daughter Dolly. The household’s affection and happiness are unlike anything Black Beauty has experienced before. Jerry owns a cab and another horse named Captain, a noble, elderly horse with a distinguished military past, having served in the Crimean War.

On Black Beauty’s first morning, Polly and Dolly warmly welcome him, offering treats and companionship, marking the beginning of a kind relationship. Harry, having assisted Jerry since dawn, praises Black Beauty’s potential. Jerry decides to name Black Beauty “Jack” as an ode to a previous beloved horse, a decision warmly received by Polly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive reputation.

Jerry has a considerate approach to horse care, emphasizing comfort and well-being, especially noticeable when preparing Black Beauty for his first outing in the cab. The chapter portrays a setting of mutual respect and kindness between the family and their horses, characterized by Polly’s admiration for Black Beauty’s appearance and Jerry’s willingness to overlook the horse’s past injuries, giving him the benefit of the doubt regarding the cause. This atmosphere of thoughtful care and familial love sets the stage for Black Beauty’s new life under Jerry’s stewardship, marking a significant and hopeful chapter in his life.