Council of Horses

A young horse questions serving humans, but an older horse explains they benefit each other, calming the young horse.

Once, in a green field, a young, strong horse, full of fire and energy, spoke up to the other horses around him. His eyes sparkled with anger as he complained, “Isn’t it unfair that we horses have to work for humans all the time? Think about it! We pull their fancy carriages, work hard in their fields, and carry heavy loads for them. And who are we doing all this for? A creature with only two legs, who isn’t even very strong! Why should we let them control us and tell us what to do? They say they love freedom—well, we should be free, too! Any horse who wants to be free should stand up now!”

He stopped and looked around. Some of the other horses nodded and stomped their hooves in support.

Then, an old, wise horse stepped forward. He walked slowly and carefully, as he was much older. He had lived a long life and learned many things.

“My young friend,” he began, “when I was young and strong, I worked hard for humans too. Now, in my old age, they take care of me, and I don’t have to work anymore. I’ve seen that humans are smart; they know when to plant seeds and when to harvest crops, and they share the food they grow with us. They give us warm stables to sleep in, soft hay to eat, and oats every day.”

The old horse looked kindly at the young horse and said, “We all have a part to play. Humans and horses help each other. That’s the way of the world. We both have our jobs, and together, we make things work well.”

Hearing this, the young horse thought for a while. Finally, he understood what the old horse was saying. He nodded, calmed down, and decided to join the others, ready to work together with them.

A young horse questioning an older horse about serving humans in the stable

Audio available for B1 version

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Word Finder
  1. Sparkled

    Shined brightly like tiny lights in eyes.
  2. Carriages

    Wagons with wheels that horses pull along.
  3. Complained

    Spoke unhappily about something that feels unfair.
  4. Freedom

    Being able to do what you want freely.
  5. Support

    Helping or agreeing with someone or something important.
  6. Wise

    Knowing a lot because of learning or experience.
  7. Harvest

    Collecting ripe plants or crops from a farm.
  8. Crops

    Plants that people grow for food or other uses.
  9. Stables

    Buildings where horses live, rest, and eat safely.
  10. Part

    A role or job someone has in something bigger.
Understanding Questions
  1. What did the young horse complain about to the other horses?
  2. How did the young horse describe humans in his speech?
  3. What reasons did the old horse give to explain why working for humans is not so bad?
  4. What do humans provide for horses, according to the old horse?
  5. What did the young horse decide to do after listening to the old horse?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the young horse felt so upset about working for humans?
  2. How did the old horse’s experience and wisdom help the young horse see things differently?
  3. Can you think of a time when someone older gave you advice that helped you understand something better?
  4. Why is it important to appreciate how humans and animals can help each other, like the old horse explained?
  5. What does this story teach us about unity and understanding our roles in life?
Fable Quotes

"United, we thrive; divided, we struggle."

"To live in harmony, each must carry their share of the load."

“Understanding our place in the world brings wisdom.”

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