For those of you who don’t know the magnificent true story of Beautiful Jim Key, it is a glorious tale of a horse who rose to fame through teaching with kindness, a method mostly foreign to people in the late 19^th century. Jim Key and his owner/trainer, self-taught vet and former slave Dr. William Key, were a testament of the bond between horse and human, eventually becoming ambassadors to the world on behalf of the Humane Society.

At the age of eight Jim knew his ABC's, days of the week and the flags of the world, could spell, make correct change on a cash register and do math with numbers up to 30. Jim famously won a spelling bee by besting a student with the word "physics." Known as the “Marvel of the Twentieth Century” Jim and Dr. Key were seen by over ten million Americans. Fans collected countless souvenirs and danced the “Beautiful Jim Key” two-step.

Until recently their story was lost but do yourself a huge favor and read the newly-published book “Beautiful Jim Key” by Mim Eichler Rivas which is now the basis of an accompanying documentary and feature motion picture. Those of us who are fortunate to spend our lives with horses know their extraordinary power to love and trust and teach us; to elevate us to the better angels of our nature.

Jim was foaled in 1889, so sickly that Dr. Key didn’t expect him to live. When Jim's dam died after he was born, he refused to be separated from the Doc, forcing Dr. Key to take the colt from the barn into his home. Thus began Jim’s education. In 1897, Dr. Key and Jim made their debut at the Nashville World’s Fair where President McKinley extolled “Beautiful Jim Key is certainly the most astonishing and entertaining exhibition I have ever witnessed. It is indeed a grand object lesson of what kindness and patience will accomplish.”

Soon Beautiful Jim Key was a household name and the embodiment of the humane movement. They raised money and awareness for countless animal welfare groups, pioneered the creed “Be Kind to Animals” and the concept of humane education. 2 million children joined the Jim Key Band of Mercy and signed the Jim Key pledge, "I promise always to be kind to animals and other sentient beings."

Beautiful Jim Key and Dr. William Key retired after their record breaking 1906 season. Three years later, Doc passed away at age 76. Beautiful Jim Key followed in 1912. With a simple message of kindness, Beautiful Jim Key and Dr. William Key managed to change the world.

Go hug your horses. They are truly miraculous.