I am hard at work finishing my fresh introduction for my new edition of classic children's novel Black Beauty.

That includes interesting facts about the author Anna Sewell, and how her only book Black Beauty made such an impact on horses’ lives after it was first published in 1877. Anna Sewell is officially now my hero!

You can see her portrait illustration here, which I especially commissioned for the book.

Did you know Black Beauty was not originally written as a children’s book?

Anna Sewell meant for it to be read by adults who owned and cared for horses, like grooms, stable workers and carriage drivers.

She wanted to change their perception of horses from mere beasts, like machines which could be used and abused, to view horses as feeling, sensitive creatures, to be treated with respect and kindness.

That’s why she wrote Black Beauty in the style of an autobiography, from the perspective of Beauty the horse, so that his emotions, his struggles, and his highs and lows would come across strongly in the novel.

I am also finalizing my text for the profile of UK charity World Horse Welfare, which will appear in the book. I know the stories of horses and their owners around the world who the charity has helped will make your heart melt.

This is Estrella (Star) from Costa Rica

She is an essential part of her owner Ofelina’s daily life.

Estrella helps Ofelina take her four children to school, get herself to work, and to travel into town to buy food and clothes.

How has World Horse Welfare’s project in Costa Rica helped?

Whilst Ofelina has always been emotionally attached to her horse and has done her very best to look after Estrella, she has never before had a hoof pick.

World Horse Welfare’s project provided Ofelina with a Care Pack containing the simple tools she needs to provide Estrella with essential daily care. By teaching her how to use her new hoof pick, she is now reducing the chance of Estrella becoming lame.

Ofelina values her horse enormously, understanding that she could not provide the quality of life she does for her children – including their education – without Estrella.

She embraced the simple tools she was given that supported her efforts to keep Estrella in good health.

Learn about other horses around the world, like Estrella, who World Horse Welfare is helping in my new introduction to Black Beauty, when it launches later in 2022.

Check back here on my website for updates on the book launch!