Chapter 33: A London Cab Horse begins a new chapter in Black Beauty’s life, bringing a wave of comfort and stability through the hands of his new owner, Jerry Barker. Jerry, a cabman by trade, lives with his wife Polly and their two children, Harry and Dolly. Their home is not grand, but it is full of warmth. From the first morning, Black Beauty feels the difference—Polly greets him with gentleness, and Dolly offers a carrot with a shy smile. Young Harry, already familiar with stable work, praises Beauty’s condition and helps with grooming. When Jerry decides to name him “Jack,” after a horse he once cherished, it becomes a symbolic gesture of fresh beginnings. Polly agrees, noting that the name carries a good reputation and that Jack must live up to it. For the first time in a long while, Beauty feels valued, not just used.

Jerry’s approach to horse care is marked by patience and thoughtfulness. Unlike previous owners who rushed and whipped, he takes the time to ensure the harness fits comfortably and that no part rubs or chafes. On their first drive together, he walks Beauty gently through the busy London streets, allowing him to adjust at his own pace. He speaks softly, using his voice more than the reins to guide. This approach doesn’t just reduce stress—it builds trust. Jerry’s other horse, Captain, moves alongside with the calm assurance of experience. The two horses soon find a rhythm, working well as a team. Polly watches them leave with quiet pride, hopeful that this new partnership will succeed. Every action in this household, from the brushing of coats to the mending of straps, reflects care—not just function. This is a home where kindness is part of the routine, not the exception.

As days pass, Black Beauty begins to understand the routine and expectations of cab work in London. The city buzzes with noise—street vendors shout, wheels rattle over stone, and crowds swell at every corner. Yet even in this chaos, Jerry remains calm. He never lashes out or pulls roughly, even when traffic is slow or passengers are rude. He handles both horses and people with dignity. This influence extends to Harry, who learns by example and imitates his father’s tone and manner. Beauty finds the streets challenging but manageable, especially with Captain’s steady presence nearby. Whenever a fare finishes, Jerry checks the horses before anything else, loosening straps or offering water if needed. His actions speak volumes, showing that good work comes from care—not cruelty.

Jerry’s professionalism stands out to others at the cab rank. He doesn’t boast or argue, but his cab is always clean, his horses healthy, and his fares satisfied. He avoids gossip and unnecessary shortcuts, focusing on doing his job right. Though some mock his attention to detail, others quietly admire it. Polly occasionally brings meals to the stand, with Dolly in tow, and their presence brings a bit of home to the street. Even the gruffest cabmen soften when Dolly offers a sweet or when Polly shares a warm cup of tea. This sense of balance—between hard work and family warmth—creates a life that’s rich in ways money can’t measure. For Black Beauty, it is the beginning of healing, both physically and emotionally. Under Jerry’s care, he learns that not all people are harsh and that kindness can be consistent, not conditional.

Captain, the older horse, becomes a quiet mentor to Beauty. Though he doesn’t speak much, his calm demeanor teaches through action. Captain’s experience in war and city life gives him a depth that others respect. Beauty observes how Captain conserves his strength, moves with economy, and responds to Jerry’s cues with precision. The two horses soon work together as if they had always been a team. Jerry trusts them, and in turn, they give him their best. It’s not about speed but about steadiness. And in a city as demanding as London, that steady rhythm becomes their greatest strength. Each day ends not with exhaustion, but with quiet satisfaction and a pat on the neck.

This chapter marks more than just a change in ownership—it is a shift in philosophy. Here, work is paired with respect, discipline with affection. Jerry Barker is not just a cabman—he is a man of principle who believes that kindness can live even in the busiest corners of the world. For Black Beauty, it’s not just another stable; it’s a place of dignity. And in that setting, his spirit begins to mend.