She is the first to teach Laurie how to catch a horse.

Hand flat. Let her see your palm.

His eyes are full of wonder when the mare steps forward and nuzzles his palm. He listens to Jo's directions, slipping the halter over the mare's head and snapping on the lead shank. The mare - a stout quarter horse - follows him out of the paddock.

Three days later, Jo returns to her room to find a leatherbound copy of The Black Stallion under her pillow.

On a fine day in June, Jo and her professor are given a holiday.