Sewell wrote Black Beauty to expose the widespread mistreatment of horses.

She depicts horses that receive good care as well as those who are abused.

The contrasts in the horses' personalities are sometimes startling.

Three forms of cruelty come to light: deliberate cruelty, cruelty in the name of fashion, and cruelty committed in ignorance. On several occasions, innocent bystanders intercede on behalf of an abused horse, illustrating the idea that preventing cruelty to animals is everyone's responsibility. Sewell is particularly appalled at the common practice of using a device called a bearing rein (or checkrein) to prevent the horse from lowering his head.

Black Beauty's main equine companions are Ginger and Merrylegs.

Ginger is a high-tempered horse whose training and temperament contrast sharply with Black Beauty's. She is badtempered largely because of the mistreatment she suffered when young, while Black Beauty is good-tempered largely...