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Inspired to Read

By John Messer
Contributing Writer
The purpose of the Black Stallion Literacy Program is to inspire and motivate children to learn to read and continue to want to read through the magic of live horses. The project offers two programs for first and fourth graders using the classic children’s books written by the late author Walter Farley. The BSLF was co-founded in 1999 by two childhood friends - Tim Farley, son of the late Walter Farley, world-renowned author of one of the most popular children’s books, “The Black Stallion” and Mark Miller, owner of the Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction in Kissimmee, Florida. Since inception, the BSLF has served nearly 400,000 students in 11 primarily Southern States, with Alabama and Oklahoma slated for participation this year.
The program is offered to first graders who learn about horses and caring for them through real live experiences. An Arabian horse, compliments of Jackie and Dale Goodrich, “delivers” the children their first book to their school where they meet the horse and have the opportunity to interact with it. Later on, the children will receive another book, ‘Little Black Goes To the Circus’ and take a field trip to the horse’s home farm to participate in planned activities on caring for horses. Literacy is emphasized throughout the program with the incorporation of reading and writing activities. The children actually read and write to the horse! Children cherish the two hard cover books, both by Walter Farley, that are theirs to keep forever.
The first book ‘Little Black’, A Pony’, was presented to the excited students today. Beth Young, principal, and the 105 first graders in six classes at IES, (Spartanburg County District One Schools), were the first in South Carolina to participate in this program. The books were delivered in person by an Egyptian Arabian horse, Ombre Rose, who is the half sister of the Young Black Stallion in the IMAX Disney movie. Ombre Rose is owned by Dale and Jackie Goodrich, owners/operators of an Arabian horse farm on Miller Hodge Road in Campobello, who are also the South Carolina Coordinators for BSLF. Ombre Rose is a 12 year-old Arabian mare, and the mother of 4 foals. Students brave enough to do so actually fed Ombre Rose carrots and apples. Owner Dale Goodrich pointed out that the secret to feeding treats to horses is to keep the feeding hand FLAT! He also noted and exhibited a bridle, which he calls “a steering wheel” for a horse. These BSLF programs are normally funded at 50% by the Foundation and 50% by grants, while this particular one is funded 50% by the Foundation and 50% by the Goodriches .A second book, ‘Little Black Goes to the Circus’ will be presented later on prior to a field trip to the Goodrich’s Arabian Horse Farm where they will enjoy seeing the characters in their books come to life, and are encouraged to know the joy of reading. The children will read letters they have written to the horses, and participate in hands-on activities to learn how to care for them. Reading and writing will be integrated into these activities. The magic of horses is the theme.
A fourth grade program promotes the joy of reading while improving comprehension. Children receive a copy of the timeless classic book, ‘The Black Stallion’. The program culminates with a field trip to the Arabian Nights performance. The BSLF would love to see this program offered to SC fourth graders. It is currently limited to larger cities in Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, Nevada, Texas and Maryland. New states may be added but require the enrollment of 2000 students and locating an enclosed venue within an hour’s drive of the schools. The Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC has been considered a possible location.
Beth Young, Principal at IES, reports: “Nothing thrills me more than to see our kids excited, and opening up their books to eagerly read the contents.”

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