Black Beauty

Black Beauty

Chapter 1 In the beginning When I was very young my life was gloriously happy. I galloped with other colts by day and slept by my mother's side at night.

But when I was four years old, a man named Squire Gordon came to talk to my master, the horse breeder. He stroked my black coat and the white star on my forehead. “ Beautiful! " he exclaimed. “ Break him in and I'll buy him! "

Then he touched the white patch on my back. “ It's like a beauty spot, " he said. “ I'll call him Black Beauty. " I shook with fear. I was going to be sold! Would I have to leave my mother? And what was breaking in?

“ You must learn to wear a saddle and bridle, ” my mother explained. Then the groom thrust a cold steel bar into my mouth and held it there, with straps over my head and under my throat. There was no escape. At first the bar frightened me, but with kind words and treats of oats I learned to get used to it.

Just before I was taken to Squire Gordon, my mother spoke to me for the last time. “ Now, Black Beauty, ' she whispered, “ be brave. All young horses must leave their mothers to make their way in the world. Just remember - never bite or rear or kick. And whatever happens, always do your best. ”