Horse

Jarret is the main protagonist in Horse. Jarret was born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1837, to an enslaved mother and the renowned horse trainer Harry. Jarret’s mother died when he was five years old. Harry, who had purchased his own emancipation but could not afford his son’s, implored his employer, Dr. Elisha Warfield, to purchase Jarret’s enslavement so that he might care for him. Jarret grew up surrounded by horses and demonstrated a kinship and aptitude for interpreting their behaviors early on. Jarret represents the theme of Legacy, Heritage, and Inheritance; under his father’s tutelage, Jarret quickly distinguishes himself as a talented horseman worthy of carrying Harry’s legacy.

Though Jarret was not based on a singular real person, his experiences reflect those of young, enslaved horsemen like him, representing the theme of Characteristics of Racism in Various Historical Periods. Jarret’s early experiences differ significantly from those of the majority of his peers, as he is treated well and permitted freedoms many do not have. Harry later expresses regret, as he believes ensuring Jarret’s protection left Jarret ill-prepared for the dangerous, exploitative realities of their world; indeed, it is only when Jarret sees the daily experiences of other enslaved people that he realizes the true extent of harm people can enact upon each other.