The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
"The Black Stallion" by Walter Farley is a classic children’s novel that tells the story of a teenage boy named Alec Ramsay and his extraordinary bond with a wild stallion known as the Black. The narrative begins with Alec encountering the Black while returning to New York from a visit to his uncle in India. After a shipwreck, the two find themselves stranded on a desert island, where they develop a deep trust and companionship, culminating in thrilling moments of adventure and self-discovery. Upon their return to New York, Alec faces numerous challenges as he trains the Black to compete in races, showcasing his bravery and determination.
The book explores themes of self-reliance, courage, and the profound connection between humans and animals, appealing particularly to young readers seeking adventure. Farley’s portrayal of Alec’s parents is minimal, emphasizing the significance of Alec’s journey toward maturity through his dedication to the stallion. This coming-of-age story resonates with the archetypal relationship seen in historical tales, such as Alexander the Great and Bucephalus, reinforcing the narrative's focus on personal growth and commitment. Farley's work not only spawned a successful series of sequels but also remains a beloved piece of young adult literature, cherished for its excitement and heartfelt themes.
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The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
First published: 1941
Type of work: Adventure tale
Themes: Animals, coming-of-age, and sports
Time of work: The 1930’s
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: Flushing, New York
Principal Characters:
Alexander (Alec) Ramsay , a teenage boy, who, with a great black stallion, survives a shipwreckHenry Dailey , a former jockey and trainer, who helps Alec train the stallionBelle Ramsay , Alec’s mother, who is frightened of the horseWilliam (Bill) Ramsay , Alec’s father, a horse lover who, nevertheless, fears for his son’s safety
The Story
The Black Stallion is an initiation story in which the protagonist, through courage and determination and motivated by love, overcomes a succession of obstacles that would prevent his keeping, and finally racing, the Black. Alec Ramsay, a teenage boy returning by ship to New York from a two-month visit with his uncle, a missionary in India, sees the Black for the first time as the stallion is being brought aboard the ship at an Arabian port. The Black, in his struggles against the men who are forcing him up the ship’s ramp, kills a man.
When the ship goes down in a storm at sea, the Black saves Alec (who has tied himself to a rope attached to the horse’s halter) by swimming to a small desert island, an island where the two learn to trust each other. Alec resourcefully tests seaweed as food for the two of them, subsequently gathering enough to feed them. Alec’s learning to ride the Black is one of the most exciting scenes in any animal story. Riding the Black serves no practical purpose on the island, but Alec is irresistibly drawn to the adventure despite the danger. Their rescue from the island, with Alec swimming under the stallion to strap a belly band on the horse, nearly costs Alec his life.
Upon returning to New York, Alec’s father and mother are introduced into the narrative. Their roles—the stereotypic, slightly plump, loving mother and the tall, thin, reserved father—are minimal. Despite his parents’ desire to protect Alec, he returns to the safety of the New York suburbs to pursue a challenge that has changed but not diminished. The middle-of-the-night practice runs at the Belmont track first cost Alec some skin on his hands and finally leave him clinging, unconscious, to the Black. The practice runs show the Black to be faster than any of the thoroughbreds. A newspaperman gets involved with the story, and the Black is given a match race against the two fastest thoroughbreds.
Alec gets permission from his father to enter the race, once again traveling with the Black, whose wild nature again threatens to prevent Alec’s handling him in public. Yet a miraculous race and a walk to the winner’s circle end the book, with both of Alec’s parents there to witness the victory.
Context
The Black Stallion is Walter Farley’s best-known book. Its success led Farley to write thirteen additional books about the Black, beginning with the The Black Stallion Returns (1945) and ending with The Black Stallion and the Girl (1971). In all of his Black Stallion books, Farley maintains his focus on adventure and the bond between man and animal.
The themes of ingenuity and love for a horse in The Black Stallion appeal to many young readers. The book explores an important part of growing up: self-reliance. The parents in this book are incidental figures; Alec accepts their love and their care but spends his time and energy on his own interests—an important part of self-actualization. Alec moves to maturity not out of selfishness but as a result of his love for and dedication to the Black.
The Black Stallion appeals to young readers because it satisfies a powerful need for adventure. Alec succeeds because he is brave and because he truly loves the Black. Also reminiscent of the story of Alexander the Great, Alec earns the admiration of his father, a powerful reward that is a bonus to Alec, rather than something he appears to need. Farley’s book contrasts to Mary O’Hara’s My Friend Flicka (1941), in which the boy’s love for and success with his mare, Flicka, compensate for his father’s disapproval. My Friend Flicka, young adult fiction published the same year as The Black Stallion, includes a full range of family relationships and focuses more on the psychology of the boy’s bond with his horse.
What could be construed as a lack of depth in Farley’s portrayal of the Ramsay family dynamic is in fact a strength in the narrative. Farley’s minimizing of familial relationships encourages the reader to focus on Alec’s accomplishment, Alec’s coming-of-age. The archetypal relationship between Alexander the Great and his stallion Bucephalus serves as a backdrop for Farley’s cleanly drawn lines of risk and commitment, two important features of maturation.