“The Black Stallion”
By Walter Farley.
Random House, New York, 1941, 275 pages, Grades 5-7.
Horse stories are very popular in children’s literature. There is something comforting about the relationship children build with horses. The plots of these novels usually involve conquering physical difficulties and growing emotionally.
Walter Farley is a master writer of horse stories. “The Black Stallion” is his most highly acclaimed novel, but sequels in this series are also popular. In “The Black Stallion,” we see a young boy, Alec Ramsay, fighting for survival after a shipwreck. A black stallion saves him from drowning and together, they stagger to a desolate island. A series of adventures follow this terrifying event—adventures that test the character of Alec, and the black stallion.
Alec is returning to New York after a visit to an uncle in India. Travelling on a ship named The Drake, he watches a wild black horse being loaded into a stable on board. The horse is wild and thrashes madly at those attempting to handle him. Finally, they secure him in a stable and the ship leaves. It travels for several weeks and encounters a violent storm off the coast of Portugal.
The fierce waves break The Drake in half, and everyone is thrown in the water. Everyone drowns except Alec and the stallion named Black. They swim to shore and survive hunger and thirst. During this time, they build a binding relationship. A ship discovers them, and after a series of difficulties, they arrive in New York.
Black is a wild horse and ill-suited to civilization. Alec finds an owner of an old farm and takes Black there. Black is a large, powerful horse and will only allow Alec to ride him. Henry, the owner of the farm, is an old jockey. He knows that Black can be a championship racer if properly trained. He works with Alec to improve his riding and shows the boy how to manage Black.
The stallion’s speed is so immense that Henry believes he is the fastest horse in the United States. But he can’t be raced, since there are no papers describing his lineage. A newspaper writer, Jim Neville, develops a plan to have Black race the two fastest horses in the country. It is a risky plan. What happens?
Does Alec ride Black against the two greatest race horses in the country? What is Jim Neville’s plan, anyway? How does Henry help Alec find strength in himself and confidence in his riding? How does this story end so gloriously? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley.
Walter Farley’s (1915-1989) deep love for horses created a number of outstanding books. “The Black Stallion” is a classic horse story that will keep readers enthralled. Alec bravely endures suffering and grows in maturity through the process. Black learns trust through the kindness of the boy. The story moves at a fast pace and is very satisfying.
“The Black Stallion” demonstrates how courage, bravery and charity build character. The story simply can’t be beat. I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding novel.
