I: My Early Home
Narrator and young colt, called Darkie by his master.
The Hunt
The young colt narrator who witnesses the hunt and is astonished by the events.
My Breaking In
The narrator, a young horse being broken in; describes his physical appearance and the training process.
Birtwick Park
Arrives at Birtwick Park and is placed in a loose box; he introduces himself to the other horses and resolves to live at peace.
A Fair Start
The narrator, a black horse, is introduced to his new home and given his name.
Liberty
Narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his desire for liberty and his appreciation for John Manly's gentle handling.
Ginger
Listener to Ginger's story, offering contrast with his own kind upbringing.
Ginger's Story Continued
Listens to Ginger's story and offers a sympathetic perspective, learning about her hardships.
Merrylegs
Listens to Merrylegs' story and questions his actions, representing a concerned but trusting friend.
A Talk in the Orchard
Narrates the conversation, asks about blinkers, and reflects on the cruelty of tail docking.
Plain Speaking
Narrator and observer of the events, proud of his home at Birtwick.
A Stormy Day
Demonstrates keen instinct by refusing to cross the unsafe bridge, ultimately saving the party.
The Devil's Trade Mark
Witnesses the boy's cruelty to the pony and accompanies John Manly.
James Howard
Narrator; driven by James during practice sessions.
The Old Hostler
Narrator and subject of the hostler's praise for being well-bred, well-mannered, and well-cared-for.
The Fire
Narrates the fire; is led out safely by James Howard.
John Manly’s Talk
Black Beauty narrates the journey home and the stable events, including Joe's training and James's departure.
Going for the Doctor
Narrates the chapter; gallops to fetch the doctor and falls ill afterward.
XIX: Only Ignorance
Narrator, gravely ill and recovering, overhears the conversation between John and Tom.
Joe Green
Ridden by Joe to deliver a note and later to fetch Mr. Clay; shares Joe's anger at the abuse.
The Parting
Narrates the chapter; is sold to the Earl of W⸺ along with Ginger.
Earlshall
Narrates the chapter; experiences the gradual tightening of the checkrein and begins to dread harness time.
A Strike for Liberty
Suffers under the tight checkrein and is injured by Ginger's kick; continues carriage work with a new partner.
XXIV: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse
Ridden by Blantyre in pursuit of the runaway Lizzie; praised for his intelligence and speed.
XXV: Reuben Smith
Narrator and sufferer of the fall; endures pain from a lost shoe and injured knees.
XXVI: How It Ended
Suffers severe cuts to knees and hoof after falling with Reuben Smith; limps home in great pain and undergoes painful treatment.
Ruined and Going Downhill
Recovering from knee injuries, reunited with Ginger, then sold and transported by train to a livery stable.
XXVIII: A Job Horse and His Drivers
Narrates his experiences as a job horse, enduring different styles of bad driving.
Cockneys
Narrator and observer of the harsh treatment of horses by ignorant drivers; recounts his own experiences and those of Rory and Peggy.
A Thief
Narrator and horse suffering from underfeeding due to theft of his oats by the groom.
A Humbug
Narrates the chapter; suffers from neglect and thrush due to poor stable conditions.
A Horse Fair
Narrates the chapter; is sold at the horse fair to a new owner.
An Old War Horse
Listens to Captain's story and asks questions about the fighting and the fate of wounded horses.
Jerry Barker
Narrates the chapter, describing his new master Jerry Barker and their partnership in London.
The Sunday Cab
Beauty is Jerry's horse, referred to as 'Jack' in the chapter, and benefits from the Sunday rest.
The Golden Rule
Selected for the Sunday journey to Dinah Brown's mother; enjoys grazing and rolling in a meadow, a rare treat after leaving Earlshall.
Dolly and a Real Gentleman
Narrates the chapter; describes the harsh winter conditions and the kindness of a gentleman who pats him.
Seedy Sam
Narrator and observer of the cab stand conversation.
XL: Poor Ginger
Narrator who recognizes Ginger and sympathizes with her suffering.
The Butcher
Narrates the chapter, observing the suffering and occasional kindness toward horses in London.
A Friend in Need
Narrates the day's events, appreciates Jerry's kindness and the good feed of oats.
Old Captain and His Successor
Narrator and observer of Captain's accident and Hotspur's arrival.
Jerry's New Year
Narrates the chapter; endures cold and late work, and is sold after Jerry's illness.
Jakes and the Lady
Narrator and protagonist; suffers from overloading, checkrein, and poor stable conditions; receives kindness from a lady.
Hard Times
Narrates his suffering under Skinner, collapses from exhaustion, and is later sold.
Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie
Sold at a fair to Farmer Thoroughgood; slowly recovers health under Willie's care.
My Last Home
The narrator and protagonist, now in his final home, recognized by Joe Green and given a peaceful life.
