Red-haired and freckle-faced Alexander Ramsay, known as Alec, begins his relationship with the black stallion on board the ship. Alec pities the stallion and entices the animal with handfuls of sugar, a kind act that no one else attempts. The stallion has proved to be dangerous, likely to kill, and determined to batter down the walls of his stall. Alec persists because he dearly loves horses, and the Black is unlike any he has seen. The novel's thematic center is the relationship that forms between the caring, determined teenager and the unruly stallion. Layered into this relationship are themes of courageous self-reliance and maturation, beauty, nature, education, cooperation, and—on the other hand— competition.

The theme of maturation develops through Alec. Although he displays independent qualities when the novel begins, he becomes stronger as events unfold. Alec is largely defined by his...