# My Breaking In explained — Black Beauty > Chapter companion for Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. ## What happens Black Beauty describes his physical development and the process of being broken in by his master, who ensures he is not frightened or hurt. He learns to wear a bit, bridle, saddle, and harness, and is gradually accustomed to carrying a rider and pulling a cart. His master also sends him to a neighboring farm to become desensitized to trains. Black Beauty's mother advises him to always do his best and maintain a good name, warning him about the different kinds of men he may encounter. ## Themes in this chapter ### Kindness and Empathy Black Beauty's master uses gentle methods, coaxing, and patience during the breaking-in process, contrasting with cruel practices. ### Freedom vs. Confinement The breaking-in process imposes restrictions on the horse's natural behaviors, such as not being able to jump for joy or lie down when harnessed. ## Character check-ins ### Black Beauty The narrator, a young horse being broken in; describes his physical appearance and the training process. ### Ginger Not directly present in this chapter. ### Merrylegs Not directly present in this chapter. ### John Manly Not directly present in this chapter. ### James Howard Not directly present in this chapter. ### Joe Green Not directly present in this chapter. ### Jeremiah Barker Not directly present in this chapter. ### Polly Barker Not directly present in this chapter. ### Squire Gordon Examines Black Beauty at age four and expresses interest in buying him after he is broken in. ### Mr. York Not directly present in this chapter. ### Lady Anne Not directly present in this chapter. ### Reuben Smith Not directly present in this chapter. ### Harry Barker Not directly present in this chapter. ### Dolly Barker Not directly present in this chapter. ### Sir Oliver Not directly present in this chapter. ### Hotspur Not directly present in this chapter. ### Peggy Not directly present in this chapter. ### Captain Not directly present in this chapter. ### Seedy Sam Not directly present in this chapter. ### Jakes Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Thoroughgood Not directly present in this chapter. ### Willie Thoroughgood Not directly present in this chapter. ### Colonel Blantyre Not directly present in this chapter. ### Lord W⸺ Not directly present in this chapter. ### Alfred Smirk Not directly present in this chapter. ### Max Not directly present in this chapter. ### Bill Starkey Not directly present in this chapter. ### Dick Towler Not directly present in this chapter. ### Thomas Green Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Barry Not directly present in this chapter. ### Nicholas Skinner Not directly present in this chapter. ### Lizzie Not directly present in this chapter. ### Miss Ellen Not directly present in this chapter. ### Miss Jessie Not directly present in this chapter. ### Miss Flora Not directly present in this chapter. ### Dr. White Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mrs. Briggs Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Briggs Not directly present in this chapter. ### Sir Clifford Williams Not directly present in this chapter. ### Lord George Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Grant Not directly present in this chapter. ### Jack Not directly present in this chapter. ### Dinah Brown Not directly present in this chapter. ### Rory Not directly present in this chapter. ### Robert Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Smith Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. B Not directly present in this chapter. ### Old Norman Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Clay Not directly present in this chapter. ### Wright Not directly present in this chapter. ### Mr. Bond Not directly present in this chapter. ### Governor Gray Not directly present in this chapter. ### Braydon Not directly present in this chapter. ### Rob Roy Not directly present in this chapter. ### Justice Not directly present in this chapter. ### Liberty Not directly present in this chapter. ### Martha Mulwash Not directly present in this chapter. ### Ned Not directly present in this chapter. ### Ladybird Not directly present in this chapter. ### Skye Not directly present in this chapter. ### Susan Not directly present in this chapter. ### Larry Not directly present in this chapter. ## Key lines > I was now beginning to grow handsome; my coat had grown fine and soft, and was bright black. I had one white foot and a pretty white star on my forehead. Black Beauty describes his physical appearance as a young horse with a glossy black coat, one white foot, and a white star on his forehead. _Introduction of Black Beauty's distinctive markings._ > My master said he would break me in himself, as he should not like me to be frightened or hurt, and he lost no time about it, for the next day he began. Black Beauty's master decides to personally train him to avoid causing fear or pain, starting the process immediately. _Highlights the master's considerate approach to training._ > Everyone may not know what breaking in is, therefore I will describe it. Black Beauty explains the concept of breaking in for readers unfamiliar with it. _Narrative explanation of horse training._ > He must never start at what he sees, nor speak to other horses, nor bite, nor kick, nor have any will of his own; but always do his master’s will, even though he may be very tired or hungry; but the worst of all is, when his harness is once on, he may neither jump for joy nor lie down for weariness. A trained horse must suppress all natural instincts and desires, obeying the master's commands regardless of physical condition. _Describes the strict demands of breaking in._ > Those who have never had a bit in their mouths cannot think how bad it feels; a great piece of cold hard steel as thick as a man’s finger to be pushed into one’s mouth, between one’s teeth, and over one’s tongue, with the ends coming out at the corner of your mouth, and held fast there by straps over your head, under your throat, round your nose, and under your chin; so that no way in the world can you get rid of the nasty hard thing; it is very bad! Black Beauty vividly describes the discomfort of wearing a bit, emphasizing its intrusive and inescapable nature. _First-person perspective on the unpleasantness of the bit._ > I shall never forget the first train that ran by. I was feeding quietly near the pales which separated the meadow from the railway, when I heard a strange sound at a distance, and before I knew whence it came⁠—with a rush and a clatter, and a puffing out of smoke⁠—a long black train of something flew by, and was gone almost before I could draw my breath. Black Beauty recalls his first encounter with a train, which startled him with its noise and speed. _Describes the frightening experience of seeing a train for the first time._ > She told me the better I behaved the better I should be treated, and that it was wisest always to do my best to please my master, “but,” said she, “there are a great many kinds of men; there are good thoughtful men like our master, that any horse may be proud to serve; and there are bad, cruel men, who never ought to have a horse or dog to call their own. Besides, there are a great many foolish men, vain, ignorant, and careless, who never trouble themselves to think; these spoil more horses than all, just for want of sense; they don’t mean it, but they do it for all that. I hope you will fall into good hands; but a horse never knows who may buy him, or who may drive him; it is all a chance for us; but still I say, do your best wherever it is, and keep up your good name.” Black Beauty's mother advises him to behave well and please his master, warning that there are good, cruel, and foolish men, and that a horse's fate is uncertain, so he should always maintain his good reputation. _Mother's wisdom about human nature and the importance of a good character._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se/chapters/part-i-iii-my-breaking-in - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se/chapters