OHA Black Stallion
“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai
Books are magical doorways, serving as passports and portals crafted by talented writers and storytellers. Through the power of words and the boundless imagination of readers, books transport us anywhere in the world or even to imaginary realms. We can journey through time, catch a glimpse of distant futures, explore planets and entire universes, and see the world through the eyes of history's witnesses. Joy, beauty, tragedy, and humor come alive within the pages of a book.
In 2020, the Black Stallion Reading Project embarked on a noble mission: not only to nurture and enhance children's reading skills, but also to ignite their passion for the written word and foster a deeper understanding of its connections to the world around them.
This summer at Herlong Museum, the Ocala Horse Alliance (OHA) celebrated a remarkable milestone—over 10,000 new young readers emerged from the program, now an essential part of the curriculum in all 32 Marion County schools. The event drew over 100 supporters from the educational, equestrian, business, and non-profit realms. Among them, Maria Elena Curty, Vice Principal of Legacy Elementary, shared a heartwarming testament of her grandson, who transformed from a reluctant reader to an enthusiastic book-lover through the program.
The celebration also served as a fundraiser, raising over $15,000 to enrich the project with more books and educational resources.
Ellie Trueman, President of OHA, explained that the program offers students a holistic education in the equestrian industry, encompassing farm management, agriculture, farriers, trainers, and riders.
Provided free of charge to schools by Ocala Horse Alliance, the program presents each student with a copy of The Black Stallion, initiating a three-week study of language arts, reading, math, geography, and practical application. The addition of a Farm Partner who conducts in-classroom visits to discuss the book and answer questions fosters tangible connections between the narrative and the students' own surroundings.
One of the key moments of the program occurs when the Farm Partner brings horses for the students to interact with up close and personal. For many kids who had never experienced such proximity to these beautiful creatures – despite living in Ocala, an equestrian hub—it was a mesmerizing and transformative experience
These interactions with professionals in the equine world bring The Black Stallion to life for the students, exposing them to diverse opportunities within the industry while inspiring them to explore more stories through reading.
Ocala Horse Alliance, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, has plans to resume fundraising for the program in September. Their dedication lies in reaching more students and helping them improve their reading and comprehension skills while also contributing positively to their industry and community.
Through the Black Stallion Reading Project, OHA powerfully demonstrates the impact of books and their potential to transform lives—one child, one teacher, one book, and one pen at a time.
