Black Beauty narrates his life story from birth on a farm to his later years. He describes his carefree youth, training to be a carriage horse, and pleasant years working for Squire Gordon. However, later owners mistreated him through use of painful equipment and dangerous rides. Sold to a stable, he endured poor drivers until bought by kind cab driver Jerry. In retirement, Black Beauty found happiness in his final home.

1. BY: ANNA SEWELL
PREPARED BY: MARIYAH MAHMOOD

2. The story of Black Beauty was
narrated in the first person as an
autobiographical memoir told by a
handsome black horse named Black
Beauty. It began with his carefree
days as a colt on an English farm and
a carriage horse for wealthy people.

3. Beauty’s mother was called Duchess.
He always listens to his mother’s
advice on how to behave as a well-
bred horse. At the age of four,
Black Beauty was ‘broken in’ to the
use of saddle, bridle and carriage
harness. He described how dab the
bit felt as well as getting his first
shoes.

4. Then, he was sent to a neighbour’s
pasture near a railroad to get used
to the sounds he might hear when
out on the road. This was to
prepare him to start work. He was
sold to Squire Gordon at Birtwick
hall which became his pleasant home
for more that three years.

5. There, he met the horses, Merrylegs
and Ginger as well as the stable boys,
James and John. He learnt that
Ginger got her ill-tempered nature
from a hard life with the previous
owners. Merrylegs, a pony, was
trusted playmate of the Gordon’s
and Blomfield’s children.

6. One day, Black Beauty rode very fast
to get a doctor to treat his mistress,
Mrs.Gordon. Life changed when
the Gordons moved. Beauty and
Ginger were sold to Earshall Park.
The mistress at the Earshall insisted
on using the chekreins, which was
very painful for the horses. The new
coachman, Mr.York, couldn’t object.

7. The stable boy at the Ealshall Park,
Reuben Smith, took Beauty on a
dangerous ride. It resulted in
Smith’s death and injured Beauty’s
knees. He was sold to a livery stable
and worked as a job horse. Beauty
was subjected to being hired by
people with poor driving skills and
little knowledge about horses’ care.

8. One day, Beauty was sold at a horse
fair to Jerry, a London cab driver.
The hard life was made bearable by
Jerry’s skilful and kind treatment.
Jerry had a loving family with his
wife and children. They treated
Beauty as part of the family

9. By chance, Beauty saw Ginger one
day. She was mistreated by her
owner and yearned for death.
Shortly after, Beauty happened to
see Ginger’s body being carted away.

10. Three years later, Beauty was no
longer enough to work for Jerry. He
was taken to an auction and was
bought by Farmer Thoroughgood.
He rehabilitated Beauty in his
country meadow.

11. When he was better, they sold him to
two ladies, Ellen and Lavina. Joe
Green was working for them. He
had earlier looked after Beauty. He
recognised Beauty. Under his gentle
treatment, Beauty settled into a
long, happy life in his last home.
- THE END -