Velveteen Vargas is an eleven-year-old Dominican girl from Brooklyn with a passion for horses. In 'The Mare,' Mary Gaitskill tells a moving tale of Velvet's transformative experiences when she joins a host family in upstate New York as part of the Fresh Air Fund initiative. Ginger, a troubled artist, and her husband, Paul, strive to find meaning in their act of goodwill towards Velvet. Their lives intertwine at the stable where Velvet meets Fugly Girl, a mistreated horse with whom she forms an unlikely bond. Set against the backdrop of stark societal contrasts, this story captures the growth and challenges of Velvet as she straddles her vibrant city roots and the quiet lessons of the countryside. 'The Mare' is a profound exploration of connection, redemption, and the healing power of animals.