Walter Farley's The Black Stallion captivates readers with its thrilling adventure and deep bond between a boy and his horse. Praised for its engaging prose and vivid imagery, the novel enjoys popularity across age groups. However, some critics find the character development lacking and the plot predictable. Overall, it's a cherished classic for horse enthusiasts and young readers alike.

A reader who would enjoy The Black Stallion by Walter Farley is typically a preteen or early teenager with a passion for adventure, animals, and heartwarming tales of friendship. Fans of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White or Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry will find this book captivating.

The Black Stallion by Walter Farley is about a New York schoolboy, Alec Ramsay, who forms a deep bond with a wild black stallion after they survive a shipwreck together. They end up stranded on an uninhabited island, where they rely on each other for survival. After being rescued, Alec brings the stallion home and, with the help of a neighbor, trains him for a high-stakes race. The novel involves danger, physical injury, and loss of human life.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Exciting / Nostalgic

- Walter Farley began writing The Black Stallion while he was still a high school student and finished it during his time at Columbia University, publishing it in 1941.
- The success of The Black Stallion inspired Farley to write a series of sequels, eventually totaling over 20 books focused on the adventures of the Black and his owner, Alec Ramsay.
- The Black Stallion was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1979, which was directed by Carroll Ballard and produced by Francis Ford Coppola.

**Alexander “Alec” Ramsay**  
A fair-complected, red-headed boy who lives in New York City with his parents, known for his love of horses and adventure. Alec forms a deep bond with a mysterious, untamed black stallion, which becomes central to his life.

**The Black Stallion**  
A stunning and untamed pure black stallion with a perfect racehorse build, larger than typical for an Arabian, known for his fierce and enigmatic nature. The Black shares a unique bond with Alec and allows him to ride and care for him.

**Henry Dailey**  
A retired, knowledgeable jockey who becomes a mentor to Alec, providing support and training for racing. His past glories in racing intersect with Alec and the Black's story, as he shares his skills and connections.

**Napoleon**  
A gentle, 15-year-old draft horse who pulls a cart in New York and is stabled with Henry. He forms an unlikely bond with the Black, offering reassurance and calm amidst the chaotic city life.

Walter Farley

Middle grade

Novel

The Black Stallion

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Black Stallion reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Black Stallion | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Black Stallion and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Black Stallion Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Black Stallion Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Black Stallion Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

The Black Stallion Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

The Black Stallion Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-18

The Black Stallion Chapters 14-18 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Black Stallion Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Black Stallion Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Black Stallion Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Black Stallion Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Black Stallion Essay Topics

The Black Stallion Further Reading & Resources

The Black Stallion

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Black Stallion?

Reading Age

Book Details