Black Beauty

adv. causing suffering and pain

The young groom brutally jerked the reins, not understanding that pain makes a frightened horse more difficult, not less.

adj. showing sympathy and concern for others.

Squire Gordon was compassionate toward every horse in his stable, checking each one personally before retiring.

v. to make or become worse; to make or become less in value or quality

Under Skinner's ownership Beauty began to deteriorate visibly, his once-glossy coat growing rough and his eyes losing their light.

adj. 1 causing worry or anxiety; 2 bad; unfortunate; v. cause mental pain to

It was deeply distressing to Beauty when Ginger was brought in broken and trembling from the bearing rein.

adj. feeling or showing thanks for something.

Beauty felt deeply grateful whenever a groom spoke quietly and moved slowly, treating him as a feeling creature.

adj. showing no mercy or pity towards others.

The merciless whip fell again and again, long after any sensible driver would have seen the horse was spent.

adj. not cared for or given attention.

The horses at Skinner's yard were neglected and hollow-cheeked, their coats dull from poor feed and hard usage.

adj. obeying or willing to obey; complying with or submissive to authority

Beauty stood obediently at the mounting block, though he trembled at the unfamiliar smell of the new rider.

v. to put too heavy or great a load in or on.

The poor cab horse was grotesquely overloaded, his thin legs trembling under a burden no beast should carry.

v. to recover or regain health or strength after an illness or injury.

Given pasture and rest, Beauty began to recuperate slowly, his strength returning with each week of gentle treatment.

adj. able to be trusted or depended on.

A reliable horse like Beauty was worth more than any flashy animal that shied at every passing shadow.

adv. showing firm determination or purpose

John Manly resolutely refused to use the bearing rein, declaring no fashion was worth destroying a good horse's neck.

adj. full of vigor courage or enthusiasm.

Beauty was spirited but never vicious, responding to a kind hand with more willingness than spurs ever produced.

adv. with resolute determination

Ginger steadfastly refused the bearing rein, throwing her head against it until her neck ran with sweat.

adv. in a gentle and caring way.

Joe Green tended the exhausted horse tenderly through the night, never leaving his side until the fever broke.