Black Stallion Literacy Project

In partnership with Junior League of Ocala and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association.  Grant funding provided by the Florida Department of Education.

The Black Stallion Literacy Project introduces children to the joy of reading through the magic of horses and the popular Black Stallion books by Walter Farley.

The goal of the project is to spark imagination and the desire to read in first grade students.

The first grade program is divided into two segments entitled First Touch and Second Touch, which gives each child a hands-on experience with horses. 

 During First Touch, the Marion County Sheriff's Office sends their finest horses to visit first graders at every school, with handlers to assist in the experience.  For some students, this is the first time they have seen a horse up-close.

The Second Touch segment includes a two-day event of 25-30 horses and their trainers gathered at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion to demonstrate the care, feeding and transportation of these animals.  The students also get an opportunity to connect by reading their favorite part of the book to the horses.