How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[…] I never could make out why men are so fond of this sport; they often hurt themselves, often spoil good horses, and tear up the fields, and all for a hare or fox, or a stag, that they could get more easily some other way; but we are only horses, and don't know. (2.12)
One of Beauty's first encounters with the harmful treatment of animals comes in only the second chapter of the book, when he's a young colt. He and his mother witness men riding in a hunt in which a man and his horse are killed. Beauty's mom says she could never figure out the appeal of the sport, when the risk is so great. By showing us this tragedy in the opening chapters, Sewell immediately makes us think about this senseless loss of life and what it says about the relationship between men and horses.
Quote #2
Now if any one wants to break in a young horse well, that is the way. (3.12)
This book can almost be like an instruction manual for how to care for a horse, and Beauty's description of Farmer Grey's kind, gentle break-in is a great example of that. Beauty seems to know that he's telling his story to humans, and wants to make sure that we understand how important it is to treat horses well when they're young.
Quote #3
I grew very fond of him, he was so gentle and kind. He seemed to know just how a horse feels, and when he cleaned me, he knew the tender places and the ticklish places. When he brushed my head, he went as carefully over my eyes as if they were his own, and never stirred up any ill temper. (5.21)
Here's something Beauty wants you to understand: A horse pays attention to how you treat him. John Manly's careful, attentive grooming is much appreciated here. If you were a horse, wouldn't you want to be treated this way? In the relationship between humans and horses, empathy is the key.