Black Beauty

John takes Ginger and Black Beauty to their new home, Earlshall Park. They meet their new coachman, Mr. York, and Mr. York asks John to describe the temperament of the horses to him. John explains that Black Beauty is very sweet-tempered and easy-going, but that Ginger is more sensitive and temperamental; he also specifies that neither horse has ever worn a bearing-rein. Mr. York explains that the horses will have to become accustomed to the bearing-rein, since their mistress has strong feelings about the appearance of her coach and horses: “She will have style” (78).

Beauty and Ginger settle into their new home, and begin to pull the carriage in which the Earl’s wife rides. She complains about the appearance of the horses, stating that “they are not fit to be seen” (79), and demands that their heads be pulled higher. York begins to pull the heads of Beauty and Ginger higher, and Beauty finds this experience painful and annoying. Ginger is also unhappy, but points out that things could get much worse, and that she will stay quiet for the time being.