Walter Farley’s lifelong passion for horses ignited in his boyhood, stirred by the enchantment of a black horse toy. This affection gallops through the pages of his novel, The Black Stallion, which mirrors elements of Farley's own life. Like the intrepid young hero Alec Ramsay, Farley spent his youth horseback riding through Flushing, New York, and was a frequent visitor to the storied Belmont racetrack, where Alec and the stallion trained in his tale. Farley's formative years were enriched by time spent with an uncle immersed in the world of horse shows and racing. The characters that populate The Black Stallion surely echo the vivid personalities Farley encountered during these adventures. Alec's awe of the stallion mirrors Farley's own boyish wonder upon visiting the legendary Man O' War's stable, a memory etched during a summer journey with his father to Kentucky.

Yet, young Farley's dreams of owning a horse or traveling like Alec remained out of reach. Instead, he poured his aspirations into the creation of The Black Stallion, a novel whose success opened the gates to his childhood dreams. Over his prolific career, Farley penned more than thirty books, most weaving tales of equine adventures. The Black Stallion was just the beginning of a celebrated series that captured the imaginations of readers across the globe. The saga sold millions of copies, spawning translations in over twenty languages and adaptations into films directed by Francis Ford Coppola, where Farley played an active role as consultant and promoter.

The genesis of The Black Stallion can be traced to stories sketched by young Farley in Syracuse, New York, his birthplace on June 26, 1915. His family moved to the bustling environs of New York City during his teenage years. Farley’s love for horses, sports, and storytelling flourished as he nurtured the novel’s drafts at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, where he was also a track team member. His journey continued at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, where he further honed his craft.

Farley's career meandered briefly through an advertising agency before he delved into academia at Columbia University. Under the guidance of a professor, he polished his manuscript, which Random House published in 1941 to widespread acclaim. Shortly afterward, Farley joined the United States Army, contributing as a reporter for the military journal, Yank, throughout World War II. In 1945, the same year he wed Rosemary Lutz, The Black Stallion Returns hit the shelves. Post-World War II, upon his discharge in 1946, Farley dedicated himself to full-time writing, expanding "The Black Stallion" series and introducing a new saga featuring a fiery island stallion. The inaugural book of The Island Stallion series appeared in 1948.

The Farleys first settled on a serene Pennsylvania farm before making their home in the heart of Florida’s horse country with their four children. Farley traveled extensively, owned horses, and mingled with the vibrant community of sports reporters, trainers, jockeys, and racing aficionados who inspired his writing. Beyond novels, he crafted engaging, accessible books that fueled his advocacy for children's literacy. Walter and Rosemary Farley played pivotal roles in establishing the public library in Venice, Florida, where, months before his passing on October 16, 1989, a Literary Landmark was dedicated in his honor. Farley’s life stands as testament to the wisdom he shared with the young: by merging one's talents and passions, it is possible to build a career filled with delightful pursuits, such as writing about the horses he adored.