Albert takes Black Beauty for a run against Dr. Gordon's wishes and he forbids Kevin and Albert from riding the horse without permission. The boys have a falling out and Albert heads to the Grainger farm where he presents himself as an experienced trainer. He is tested when he gets on a dangerous stallion.

Ned spends his time playing circus with Jonah instead of doing chores, angering Dr. Gordon. Ned decides to run away when Alf and Wilt, two circus journeymen, ride through but they con him out of Jonah. Ned and the doctor need Black Beauty's help to get the pony back.

Squire Armstrong inherited a religious Indian idol from his grandfather and is outraged when it's stolen. Rana, a visitor to the community, is befriended by Jenny and Ned. He appears to have ties to the missing statue and Squire decides to act on his suspicions.

Ned returns to the Gordons, having escaped from his abduction, but the constable doubts his story. Simey sells Beauty to Waggs but he escapes, attempting to return home. Beauty arrives at the Jones farm and is adopted by the young Rosie, who renames the horse Mike. Kevin, Ned and Jenny keep hoping for Black Beauty's return.

Simey returns, seeking retribution on the Gordons for his time in prison. With his cohort Brit, they trick Ned, taking him and Black Beauty captive. Simey tries to sell Beauty to first Waggs, than at a market giving Ned a chance to escape.

Mr. Duncan, an old acquaintance of Dr. Gordon, asks for a letter of recommendation and is refused. Duncan vows revenge and hypnotizes Jenny to fear Black Beauty. Everyone is mystified until Albert starts to learn the truth.

Dr. Gordon and Black Beauty head to the quarry after a blast goes wrong and men are injured. Lawson is fired by the squire for negligence and in revenge he steals cash and horses, including Beauty. Beauty escapes, alerting Jenny and Kevin, who endanger themselves trying to stop Lawson.

There's been a drought causing a shortage of oats for Black Beauty. Ned works at the squire's stable to earn money for Aunt Amy's present, where he learns Potter is stealing oats and selling them secretly. Ned is not believed and Jenny is shut in a grain bin when they try to expose him. Beauty must come to the rescue.

Charles Armstrong, the squire's nephew, arrives for a visit and soon quarrels with Albert and Ned. The boys are warned away from the sheep, who are about to lamb but one of them chooses not to during a race. Among the consequences is a struggle where Albert and Charles end up at the bottom of mine shaft.

During a storm Squire Armstrong believes he was attacked by Black Beauty and promises if it happens again, Beauty will be destroyed. Jenny, Kevin, and Ned try to keep the horse contained but Beauty has a equine friend she must get to.

While coming home late evening, Jenny and Ned catch glimpses of a mysterious figure in the shadows. Squire Armstrong again warns the Gordon household to stay away from his property but the children persist in investigating. A legend of an ancient treasure plays a part in the puzzle.

Mr. Joskins is selling quack remedies and Dr. Gordon intervenes after they make several of his patients ill. To get revenge Joskins tampers with Beauty's girth strap which injures Kevin while he is riding. Albert intially blames saddle maker Surtees but ultimately discovers the true villain.

After breaking his leg, Dr Gordon has to enlist the assistance of a new young doctor to carry on his duties. However, things do not go well as the new doctor treats Beauty cruelly and refuses to assist an elderly patient.

Ned ignores Dr. Gordon's warning about keeping Jonah the pony away from yew leaves, which could poison him. When Jonah does indeed become sick, Dr. Gordon cannot leave John Danby's ailing wife, so it is up to Jenny, Ned, and Black Beauty to save the pony's life.

Briggs and his family are being evicted from one of the squire's cottages after his wife becomes ill. Dr. Gordon and his family become involved after Black Beauty is used in an escape while Jenny insists the Squire see the conditions his tenants live in.

Ned is caught in a lie by Dr. Gordon and decides to run away, encountering a drifter mistreating a circus pony. After Ned intervenes, the pony adopts him, leading to the man Rundle accusing him of theft. The misunderstandings escalate but are cleared up after Ned becomes a hero rescuing Squire Armstrong's niece.

Ned's behavior creates tension in the Gordon household and when items start disappearing, he is suspected. An older man Simey followed Ned from London and is threatening him to cooperate. It's up to Black Beauty and the children to help Ned.

Jenny returns from school and immediately angers the new neighor Armstrong by spoiling his fox hunt. A scruffy waif called Ned arrives at the Gordon's house and claims to be Amy's nephew. He refuses to follow the simplest of rules and tensions escalate with Armstrong.