DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – Imagine meeting a character in a book that you’re reading.

Students in the fourth grade at Dunnellon Elementary School are currently reading books in The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. On Thursday morning, they had a chance to meet a real black stallion, Coltrane, who stands at Conway Arabians in Micanopy.

The Ocala Horse Alliance (OHA), which promotes literacy through its Black Stallion Reading Project in concert with the Marion County Public Schools, arranged for the meeting. Students heard from Lori Conway and Abby Fuller.

Abby Fuller demonstrates the “Monkey Crouch” as Polly Benson looks on as part of the Black Stallion Reading Program at Dunnellon Elementary School. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Award-winning Arabian stallion Coltrane from Conway Arabians paid a visit to Dunnellon Elementary School, May 16, 2024, as part of the Black Stallion Reading Program. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Retired jockey Abby Fuller shows the students riding boots and wears jockey silks during The Black Stallion Reading Program presentation at Dunnellon Elementary School. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Conway is Coltrane’s owner. She is also an accomplished trainer and decorated horsewoman.

Fuller is a former jockey. She shared her experiences as a professional athlete. She opened the young eyes to the fact that women are competing on equal terms with men when they’re a thoroughbred racing jockey.

Together, they imparted their knowledge about horses, but also all-kinds of equine-related career opportunities. It’s a core objective of the OHA because of its significance as an economic driver in Marion County.

“That’s a very important thing for us as an organization,” said Ellie Trueman, OHA president. “They’re the future of our industry. It goes with our mission of promoting and educating. And the kids just love horses. Literacy is something every kid needs to build on.”

Students from Dunnellon Elementary School had an opportunity to learn about the equine industry as part of the Black Stallion Reading Project, a partnership between the Ocala Horse Alliance and Marion County Public Schools. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

However, it was the appearance of a real horse that seemed to capture the imagination of the students. The opportunity to see one up-close provided a unique perspective, adding a different layer to their learning.

“Any time you can bring horses and kids together, it’s a good thing. And, if it’s a book for these kids that don’t have access to animals and horses, it kind of opens their eyes a little bit,” said Conway. “I didn’t come from a farm family or a horse family, and it was books like The Black Stallion that kind of got me involved with the horses and in particular with Arabian horses. I think there’s an open door there and I think there’s a great opportunity to promote and broaden their horizons.”

The students seemed fully engaged and embraced the chance to actively participate. Educators see the benefits.

“I heard one of our students make a connection to the book that they were reading. She was asking a question and she said, ‘Within the book,'” said Karen English, Dunnellon Elementary School principal. “Having this world-famous horse here and the connection to the industry, and about how she (Lori Conway) got involved, gives kids some idea of what they can do living in the Horse Capital of the World.”