TheBlackStallion is getting a makeover!
We’ve decided to make some changes to the look and feel of the site – adding some new straw in the stall, that’s all. All the info about my Dad’s books and movies will still be here but we’re dropping some of the old entries on the forum and updating the store.
“Black Stallion Gift Shop” is now BLACK STALLION RANCH TRADING POST!!
Since the last book my father wrote was “Black Stallion Legend” which is set in the southwest where he was living with the Hopi Indians, and this is where Pam and I live on Black Stallion Ranch, it is only fitting that we show you some of the beautiful jewelry and other interesting things that you can find at the Trading Post. We will be adding new items every week, sometimes every day, so make sure you check back often. We try to have a broad price range from the littlest cowgirl to that ultra fantastic gift idea for that extra special someone. If your looking for something unique, and don’t see anything you like, be sure to write as there are always more things than we can list.
Please! Take a look and let us know what you think!

Thanks for Reading … and Writing!

your ol’ friend -  tim

On Horsemanship – by Xenophon

The Arabian Art of Taming and Training Wild and Vicious Horses

Thought you’d like to read these free ebooks on your kindle or phone or other device. Some classics that can help with horses – and people, too! Ever notice how good horse trainers are usually good people people? Not always, some just can’t relate to humans, but the great ones I’ve known seem to have an unspoken sense of balance and strength that puts all animals, people included, at ease.
When you have a minute check these books out – something to read on the bus and you might find some tips from words a couple thousand years old. Everything changes – and stays the same, especially people and horses!!!

thanks for reading …and writing!

tim

Horse Tales Literacy Project had a big week! Lots of excitement and fun for everyone (even for the mounted police)!

Here is the article in the local news – Orlando Sentinel;

Many youngsters, particularly boys, who struggle to read find that much of the reading material available is not interesting to them.

Organizers of “Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!” a statewide reading initiative that runs from Jan. 23 to 27, are trying to keep that divide in mind. A kickoff event held at Sadler Elementary in Orange County earlier this month involved a visit by a race car themed with this year’s “Take the Lead and Read” motif.

And on Tuesday, the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Kissimmee will be hosting first-graders from Ivey Lane Elementary School in Orange County to meet the Black Stallion. (They’ll also get to see the ”Take the Lead and Read” race car).

As part of the Horse Tales Literacy Project, students got to meet a horse at their school before they started to read a book about horses. According to Lindsey Von Broembsen with Horse Tales Literacy, a nonprofit that uses horses to encourage reading, the Ivey Lane students have read “Little Black, A Pony” by Walter Farley.

The Arabian Nights visit will precede their introduction to a second book, the sequel, “Little Black Goes to the Circus.”

The students will get to learn about horse care at the Arabian Nights event. They will meet four horses to learn about horseshoes, feed/hay, grooming and tack (saddles and bridles). The students also have the opportunity to read to a horse at each station.

“Letting them see them as real horses connects them to what they are reading and motivates them to read,” Von Broembsen said.

One of my favorite books about literacy, “Reading Don’t Fix No Chevys” by Michael Smith, makes the point that students, particularly boys and struggling readers, will make the effort to read if they connect with a book. Initiatives like this are perfectly aligned to get youngsters interested in reading.

Thanks for reading … and writing!

Tim Farley

Happy New Year!! And to celebrate there is a Black Stallion Reading Challenge – with Prizes!!!

by  gwenythlove;

“I was so obsessed with them that I would ofter pretend I had my own horse and I would ride him everywhere. That’s right…I didn’t have an imaginary friend…I had an imaginary horse!

I decided I would like to recreate those good old days by doing a reread of The Black Stallion series, and I also decided I wanted to spread that joy I felt when I was younger around to as many others as I could….(I’m even trying to get my teenage son to read along!)

Hence, the 2012 Black Stallion Reading Challenge was born!

I don’t expect everyone to be able to get through the entire series, so I have broken the challenge down into levels:

1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-24 (That’s the whole complete original Black Stallion series!)
25-30 (Including the newer Young Black Stallion series by Steven Farley.)

The books should be read between January 1st and December 31st 2012. My goal is to read at least one a month, so I will be posting a wrap-up post at the end of every month and I welcome you to post your updates in the comments and let us know where you stand.

Prizes will be based on levels (amount of books) read. Please be honest!

RandomHouse Canada has graciously agreed to offer up some wonderful prizes including books and RandomHouse swag such as mugs, pens, bookmarks, etc. More details about exactly what prizes are available and how the system works will be added later. My goal is to get at least a bookmark or pen to every person who reads at least one of these fabulous novels in 2012. Right now let’s get everyone signed up! Leave a comment below and let everyone know you are participating!

I have created a Goodreads Group for people interested in participating in the challenge. You don’t have to have a blog, just a Goodreads account! So please join up and answer the poll stating how many of the books you think you are going to read. If you have a blog I would appreciate you using the image and code below to show your support, and make sure to tell all your friends!

Two nice Christmas cards from two very nice artists.
Do you have one to share, too?

Have a Blessed Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!

Tim & Pam Farley
and everyone @ Hopeful Farm :)