Black Beauty: Chapter 32 Summary & Analysis

Horse fairs are certainly amusing—if one has nothing to lose. They’re filled with young horses, strings of ponies, and cart horses. Many horses there are like Black Beauty: well-bred horses who have “fallen into the middle class” for some reason. In the background, though, there are always broken horses with swollen knees, visible ribs, and sores on their backs. Many people selling horses lie as they try to make sales.

Black Beauty is tied near several other horses who are still in good condition. Most men reject him because of his knees. Those who are interested inspect his mouth, eyes, and legs, and then watch him trot. Some are rough; others are kind. One man who inspects Black Beauty is particularly kind. He’s small, gentle, and cheery, and he doesn’t smell of alcohol or tobacco. Black Beauty’s seller rejects the man’s 23-pound offer and walks away. A hard-faced man offers the same a bit later—but the kind man returns and purchases Black Beauty for 24 pounds and change. After a quick meal of oats, the man saddles Black Beauty and they ride for London.

The main thoroughfare into London seems to go on forever, but Black Beauty finally reaches the city. His owner, Jerry, greets a man he calls Governor when they pass a cab stand. Then, Jerry turns Black Beauty onto a narrow side street and stops in front of one of the sad-looking houses. When he whistles, a woman, a girl, and a boy run out to meet the new horse. The girl, Dolly, pats Black Beauty’s shoulder—it feels wonderful. Polly, the woman, fetches a bran mash.