Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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First-graders at Booker T. Washington petted a miniature horse named Little Black as part of a literacy iniative with the Kentucky Horse Park.

First-graders entering the magical world of reading will now have tangible experiences to connect with the story of “Little Black, a Pony.”

The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Park brought a 12-year-old miniature horse named Little Black and a small quarter horse named Big Red to Booker T. Washington Academy. There, the children petted a real horse, tried on a cowboy hat and wrote their name in their very own hardback copy of the book.

In addition, athletes shared a little about the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, an Olympic-level competition set for April 28 to May 1. Eventing, sometimes called the triathlon of equestrian sports, combines the disciplines of dressage, cross-country riding and show jumping.

Allison Springer said her own dream was born in first grade when she saw eventing on television.

“As a little girl, I loved riding and felt that connection and loved my sport,” she said. “I also read all the Black Stallion books as a child growing up.”

The literacy foundation helps children discover the joys of reading and the excitement of learning through the wonders of live horses and author Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books. Mollie Jameson, who directs the program at the horse park, helped hand out copies of “Little Black, a Pony” at Booker T. Washington Academy.

“Some kids are so horse crazy, they sit down and read the book right away,” she said, while others who have been hesitant readers all year will open up to the book’s namesake.

A month from now, students will visit the horse park to read to Little Black and learn the basics of grooming and leading a horse. Afterward, they each will receive a second book, “Little Black Goes to the Circus.”

“It resonates with them. Little Black is a hero. He has a hard time and has to come back. He doesn’t look like a hero, but he is,” Jameson said.

Teachers plan to use this opportunity for far more than reading lessons. For instance, in science the kids might study the life cycle of a horse. In social studies, they will learn more about the Rolex Three-Day Event and the Kentucky Derby, both of which are ingrained in the fabric of the Commonwealth. In math, they can tie in racetrack distances and how fast the horses run. Little Black could also inspire students’ artwork and journal entries.

First-grade teachers Laura Crance and Beth Milby are excited about the upcoming field trip, too, especially since city kids have limited exposure to horses.  

“They’re so tactile and energetic – anything with movement and touching, they’re going to grasp it more,” Crance said.

Milby, who also noted the impact of youngsters’ having their very own book to take home, will definitely relate the story to their hands-on activities at the park.

“They’ll remember how important it is to connect real life to books,” she said.

Booker T. Washington Academy isn’t the only elementary school to take advantage of this program, which is in its second year. First-graders from Harrison, Julius Marks, Liberty, Rosa Parks and Russell Cave also are participating this spring.

In addition to the literacy foundation and the horse park, sponsors include the Little Foundation, UK Healthcare Children’s Hospital, Kentucky Bank and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.

They also offer a similar program for fourth-graders, and nearly every school in Fayette County is on board. The older kids each receive “The Black Stallion” book, and each classroom gets a copy of the movie. Their follow-up at the horse park is May 11, when they will enjoy a live performance of “The Black Stallion” in the Alltech Arena.

“We love our children and we love our horses in Kentucky,” Jameson said. “When we pair our need for literacy with our need to keep our horse industry thriving, it’s a perfect match.”