Join our homeschool book club adventure inspired by The Black Stallion! From a harness-racing track visit and museum tour in Goshen, NY, to fun crafts, cookies, and lively discussion questions, discover ideas for hosting your own kids’ book club!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
A Homeschool Book Club Adventure with The Black Stallion
One of the joys of homeschooling is weaving together literature, real-life experiences, and community. For our most recent kids’ book club, we gathered to discuss the beloved classic The Black Stallion by Walter Farley—and turned it into a FULL day of learning, adventure, and fun at the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, New York.
Morning at the Track
Our day began bright and early with a visit to a harness-racing track, where the children had the rare opportunity to watch horses practice. There’s something awe-inspiring about watching powerful, sleek horses in motion—it immediately connected our young readers to the excitement they had felt while reading about Alec and the Black Stallion’s adventures.
Meeting a Real Harness Racer
Next, we were introduced to Mr. Pellegrino, who shared about his stunning horse from France. The children loved hearing his firsthand stories, seeing the horse up close, and learning about the care, training, and partnership that go into racing. It was an unforgettable way to bring the world of horses to life.
“The Black was looking out on the open sea… Alec could not turn his eyes away; he could not believe such a perfect creature existed…” –Farley
Touring the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, NY
Located in the heart of Goshen, the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame is a hidden gem for families and homeschoolers. The museum offers an interactive journey into the history of harness racing, with exhibits that appeal to both children and adults. Our group enjoyed:
- Guided tours that shared fascinating history and stories.
- Hands-on crafts that kept little hands busy and engaged.
- Interactive simulations, including a chance to experience what it feels like to be in a harness race—always a favorite!
If you’re planning a homeschool field trip in New York, this museum is a fantastic stop to combine history, sports, and hands-on fun.
Sweet Ending: Horse-Themed Cookies
To end our time together, we enjoyed some of our favorite homemade cookies my girls and I made shaped like horses, boots, and horseshoes. Sharing snacks together gave us time to reflect on the story and our adventures at the museum.
About The Black Stallion
First published in 1941, The Black Stallion tells the thrilling story of Alec Ramsay, a young boy who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a deserted island with a wild, untamed horse. Over time, Alec and the Black form a powerful bond of trust and friendship. When they are finally rescued, Alec dreams of racing the Black Stallion and proving his strength and speed to the world.
The novel has captivated readers for generations with its themes of courage, resilience, and the unique bond between humans and animals.
Discussion Questions for Kids
If you’re planning your own book club, here are a few questions to spark meaningful conversation:
- How did Alec and the Black learn to trust each other on the island?
- What does the Black Stallion symbolize to you—freedom, power, friendship, or something else?
- How does Alec’s relationship with the Black change once they return home?
- What challenges did Alec face, and how did he overcome them?
- If you had the chance to train a wild animal, what would you do differently from Alec?
Hosting Your Own Black Stallion Book Club
Want to recreate this experience with your homeschool group or family? Here are some fun ideas:
- Field Trip Connection: Visit a local horse farm, racetrack, or equestrian center. Meeting horses in person deepens kids’ connection to the story.
- Themed Snacks: Serve horse-shaped cookies, “carrot sticks for the Black,” or apple slices.
- Craft Ideas: Make paper horse puppets, design a racing banner, or create horse bookmarks.
- Role Play: Act out favorite scenes from the book or pretend to “train” the Black using stuffed animals.
- Writing Prompt: Ask kids to imagine what happens to Alec and the Black after the story ends.
Fun Kids Craft Ideas for The Black Stallion:
Here are some cute ideas I’ve “rounded up“!
This Wooden Horse Painting Craft Kit would be perfect for a group!
These Make A Horse Face Sticker Sheets would be great to occupy the little ones!
These Wooden Horse Wind Chime Kits are an easy craft for a younger crew.
Resin Horse Painting Craft Kit would be good for a smaller group of kids, or individual families.
Wooden Horse Shoe Cutouts for Painting
Wooden Horse Cutout Ornaments for Decorating/Painting
Unfinished Wooden Horseshoes for Painting and Decorating
Horse Favors for Black Stallion Book Club
Here are some fun things you could give to the kids at your meetup:
Horse Temporary Tattoos; Horse Stickers; Horse Pencils; Horse Cupcake Toppers; Horse Scrunchies for Girls; Burlap Horse Party Favor Bags
Final Thoughts
Our day at the Harness Racing Museum paired beautifully with The Black Stallion, reminding us how literature can come alive when we connect it to hands-on experiences. Whether you’re planning a homeschool outing or a simple afternoon book club, blending story with adventure makes reading unforgettable! To see a bunch of other past book clubs, click HERE!
Check out our Most Charming Horse Party!
Leave a Reply