U-see-it is small, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in heart. After a few jaunts on the race track, the little filly captures Al Hoots's eye. He is smitten with her, and he immediately starts scheming up a plan to buy her. Once she is safely under his care, the trainer puts her in the field for a year to grow up. She frisks and bucks and generally has a great time enjoying the sun, grass, and gamboling around. After her year of freedom, Al puts her to work, and she gradually is molded into a strong, competent race horse.

U-see-it has fun on the track, but the career of racing is fleeting for a horse. Soon, Al starts planning for the next generation. He breeds her to a talented stud, and she is soon in foal. When she is ready to give birth, U-see-it does not realize what is going on. Frantically, she bucks around the field in a vain attempt to relieve the pain in her side. After she lies down from sheer exhaustion, a black mass plops to the ground.

Black gold is born. He frolics and plays next to his mother. Will he grow up to be a champion racehorse? Only time will tell.

Black Gold by Marguerite Henry, 1957

I loved reading a book that was written in a simpler time and place.

• Books about horses
• Misty of Chincoteague Foundation