Black Beauty is the compelling tale of a young thoroughbred that captured the hearts of Victorian England in the early 1800s. It is told by its hero, a remarkable black horse born with one white foot and a white star on his forehead. In his own unique voice, Black Beauty tells the story of his life from the time he was a young colt who grazed the meadow in idyllic country pastures, to his work pulling a cart on the cobble-stoned streets in London, his experiences with both kind and cruel treatment, and the last home where he finally finds love and happiness.
Setting the scene for the story, Black Beauty’s describes his first home with Farmer Grey as a pleasant meadow with a pond of clear water. He tells of when he was young and lived on his mother’s milk, free to run by her side and lie close to her at night. Throughout the book, Black Beauty strives to be a good horse and follow the advice his mother, whose name was Duchess, gave him when he was a very young foal.
“I hope you will grow up gentle and good, and never learn bad ways; do your work with a good will, lift your feet up well when you trot, and never bite or kick even in play."
His first home is with Mr. Gordon and his family, who treat their horses well. He is cared for by a groom named John Manly who never uses a whip, and whose wife gives him the name Black Beauty.
Over the years, Beauty learns to carry riders and pull a carriage. He goes from being treated well to receiving cruel treatment from one of his owners who rides him hard and uses a whip. Along the way, he finds companionship in Merrylegs, a mischievous pony, and Ginger, a rebellious filly.
At one point, Black Beauty and Ginger are sold to Lord Westland at Earl’s Hall in London. Lady Westland is unkind to the horses and makes them wear bearing reins so that they hold their heads high, which was fashionable in London at the time. A tragic event occurs, caused by a drunken groom who cares for Black Beauty; Beauty falls and his legs are badly cut. Though he survives the fall, he can no longer handle long hours and hard work.
After the accident, Black Beauty is sold to a London cab driver, Jerry Baker. When Jerry falls ill, Beauty is eventually reunited with Joe, the young groom who used to look after him in the early days.
One of the saddest moments in the story is when the gallant Black Beauty spots his old friend Ginger, from whom he has long been separated, in a park. They are old horses by now, and they share stories about what has happened in their lives since their parting. Shortly after their conversation, Ginger passes away.
The story ends with Black Beauty once again in a kind and loving home with nothing to fear. He is old and tired, but he has lived a good life.
“My troubles are all over, and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the orchard, standing with my friends, under the apple trees.”
