Customer Reviews

The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt: (Reissue)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read all of the original Walter Farley "Black Stallion" books, and would have to say that this is one of the best of the sequels (although, since The Black are mentioned only in passing as Bonfire's sire, I don't know if it could strictly be labeled a "sequel"). One of the very few young adult novels I have found that writes about harness racing in an exciting fashion. Reading this book makes me long for the 'good old days' of country fairs where everyone knew everyone else. Walter Farley was gifted not only in bringing the excitement of horse racing and his love of horses in general to life, but in this book the human characters -- Jimmy, Tom, Uncle Wilmer and the others -- are drawn in such a way where the reader can easily visualize them in his or her mind. I couldn't imagine any horse loving person NOT enjoying this book (as well as the follow up "The Black Stallion's Sulky Colt" which I believe is currently out of print, but worth looking for if not only to continue Bonfire's story).

I didn't even know harness racing existed before I read this one. Farley does one of his best jobs; making the races breathless and exciting and Tom's dreams and hopes endearing. A classic Farley tale. Read it.

"The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt" is the story of the Black's second son, Bonfire, and the road he takes to become a harness racing champion. Like "The Island Stallion," it is a relief compared the later books of the Black Stallion series. If you don't know anything about harness racing, this book is full of information. You can't walk away without having learned something. Good book with a host of new endearing characters.

A new twist on the series that still ties in to the racing theme. But this horse is used for harness racing at the trot instead of racing galloping. Although the characters are completely new, the plot is fun and it goes with the idea all of the previous books had with training and racing and one big race.
I loved this book.

Tom has to take care of the Queen, a retired racing mare who has been bred to the Black, a few days before she is suppose to foal. He stays at his Aunt Emma and Uncle Wilmer's farm. He soon has difficulties with his uncle and this causes problems with the colt. The colt comes unexpectedly and his aunt and uncle are very surprised and this makes his uncle reconsider some of the things he thought he knew. He pays more attention to Tom's methods and soon he and Tom are getting along well. Then the fair comes and Jimmy and George send Tom a letter saying that they'll be there and race Symbol. This is the start of a very long and lasting problem with Jimmy and also gets Tom more experience and ideas on racing.

This is a great book! The plot is wonderful and it is very easy to follow. If you have read any of Walter Farley's other books and have liked them well then this one will probaly be your next favorite book! It doesn't matter if you are a girl or boy, young or old, as long as you love horses and racing then you will love this book!

Jimmy Creech was old and tired. He had been harness racing at county fairs for over fifty years which was overcrowded with newcomers who raced at "night raceaways" and wasn't making much money anymore. Jimmy's only hope to keep on making money lay between the Blood Bay Colt and his yound driver and apprentice, Tom Messenger.

*If you like horses, than this is a great book to read!

As a kid I loved this book. It's not about the Black, it's not about Satan, it's not about Flame. It's about what seems to be an unexciting form of racing: sulky racing. It's about characters we haven't met before in this series, including Tom Messenger and a colt named Bonfire. The story gripped me from the start, and I learned So Much about harness racing that all my friends came to me with questions about it. I learned so much about harness racing that I went to state fairs just to watch the horses race while pulling sulkies. This is an exciting story and introduces readers to a whole new world of horses and racing.

I sure wish I could remember how I felt when I first read this as a child. And now, even as an adult, I can still enjoy it. When Henry was young, it was his young friend Jimmy Creech who loaned him money to buy a racehorse, and Henry's career took off. Now, as old men, it is Henry who helps his old friend Jimmy by letting him breed his mare The Queen to the Black at no charge. When the time was nearing for the Queen to give birth, Jimmy almost sold her, but because of his young assistant, Tom Messenger, he changed his mind and sent the Queen to stay at Tom's Aunt and Uncle's farm. Those who have read the book know of the ups and downs of judging when the foal is to be born, how to gentle the colt, and teach him manners. Tom grows much closer to his Uncle and Aunt and, when the time comes for him and the colt to return to Pennsylvania, he is sorry to leave. Back at the stables though is the colt's introduction to harness racing, and a name, Bonfire. So much information on harness racing to learn, you don't miss Henry, Alec or the Black, but get wrapped up in the relationship between Jimmy, his partner George, Tom and Bonfire. A great book by a great author, and I would certainly recommend it wholeheartedly even to those who have read it many times before.

I enjoyed THE BLACK STALLION books as a youngster. Now as an oldster, I am reliving them and enjoying them.

This book is GREAT! I especaily LOVE the picture of Bonfire on the front.An exciting story of a young boy and also a very spirited young colt.This is a great story and I reccommend you to read it.