Podcast Summary: Circle Round – “The Stone Horse”

Host: Rebecca Scheer (WBUR)
Recorded Live: Pace Center, Parker, Colorado, Oct 5, 2025
Episode Date: October 14, 2025

Overview

“The Stone Horse” is an enchanting live episode from WBUR's Circle Round, adapting a Chinese folktale that explores themes of perseverance, injustice, love, and the power of kindness. Through engaging storytelling, music, and memorable characters, the episode not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons about persistence and standing up to unfairness. The story features Ruby and her sculptor father as they face the wrath of a selfish town officer, the magic of a stone horse, and the enduring strength of family and friendship.

Key Themes & Purpose

• Perseverance and Persistence: The episode opens with an old Chinese proverb, “If you work hard enough at it, you can grind even an iron rod down to a needle,” framing the story as one about achieving the seemingly impossible through effort and determination.
• Justice vs Injustice: The confrontation with the corrupt town officer highlights standing up to unfairness and finding creative ways to overcome obstacles.
• The Magic of Kindness and Love: Ruby’s tears bring the stone horse to life, underscoring how acts of love and compassion can make the impossible possible.
• Friendship and Growth: The concluding activity invites children to reflect on what they bring to friendships, and how they can grow as friends.

Main Story Breakdown & Notable Moments

1. Introduction to the Sculptor and Ruby (03:09-04:03)

• The sculptor is renowned for lifelike animal statues; Ruby, his devoted daughter, loves helping him.
• Notable quote: “What would I do without you, Ruby?” – Sculptor (04:01)

2. The Town Officer’s Demanding Request (04:10-06:40)

• A self-important new town officer commissions an elaborate statue of himself on horseback, giving only two weeks for completion under threat of eviction.
• The officer repeatedly clarifies:
  • “Make the body sleek and muscular, powerful and strong.”
  • The sculptor: “The horse’s?”
  • Officer: “No, mine.” (05:21)
• The ultimatum: “Have it ready in two weeks, or I’ll have you thrown out of town.” – Town Officer (05:39)

3. Perseverance and the Statue’s Completion (06:55-08:15)

• Ruby joins her father, spending every spare moment working:
  • “We will finish the officer statue together.” – Ruby (07:24)
• The statue is finished – but only the horse is truly magnificent, much to the officer’s dissatisfaction.

4. The Officer’s Outrage and the Sculptor’s Banishment (08:22-10:05)

• Upon seeing the finished statue, the officer explodes in anger:
  • “What is this garbage?... Compared with that glorious steed, I look pathetic.” – Officer (08:29)
• The officer destroys the statue’s rider, keeps the horse, and banishes the sculptor despite the work being done on time:
  • “So yes, I am throwing you out of town, buddy.” – Officer (09:27)

5. Ruby’s Grief and the Miracle (10:05-12:24)

• Ruby’s loneliness and grief are palpable. Her tears, shed on the stone horse, magically bring it to life:
  • “Though I’m much more of a masterpiece now that that silly rider is gone.” – Stone Horse (11:22)
  • “You seem pretty weirded out. I’m assuming you didn’t expect me to spring to life after being touched by your tears.” – Stone Horse (11:52)
• Horse offers hope: “I know how to bring your father back.” (12:02)

6. The Daring Rescue (15:01-16:25)

• Ruby mounts the now-living horse, and they soar over the countryside, finding her father in exile.
• “Okay, Father, long story short, my tears made the horse come to life. And now we’ve come to bring you home. So hop on.” – Ruby (16:18)

7. The Officer’s Greed and the Stone Horse’s Sacrifice (16:57-19:16)

• The officer discovers the sculptor has returned and schemes to obtain the magical horse for his own profit.
  • “Bring it to me or I’ll throw your father out of town. Again. And he’ll never come back.” – Officer (18:06)
• The horse reassures Ruby:
  • “I promise he will never bother you or your father again.” – Stone Horse (18:51)
• Emotional farewell between Ruby and the horse:
  • “Neither am I, kiddo. But I’ll never forget you or your father. Ever.” – Stone Horse (19:10)

8. The Officer’s Comeuppance (19:22-21:00)

• The greedy officer climbs onto the horse for his reward, but the horse turns back to lifeless stone midair:
  • “A ride you’ll never forget. As you wish.” – Stone Horse (19:55)
• Both plummet into the lake; the officer is humiliated and leaves town forever.

9. Lasting Magic: Years Later (21:00-22:46)

• After the sculptor’s peaceful passing, Ruby’s tears fall into the lake and once more awaken the stone horse.
  • “Hey there kiddo... You look like you could use a pick me up. So what do you say we go on a little adventure?” – Stone Horse (22:07, 22:17)
• The message of enduring friendship and love is brought full circle.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• “If you work hard enough at it, you can grind even an iron rod down to a needle.” – Narrator [01:38]
• “Have it ready in two weeks, or I’ll have you thrown out of town.” – Town Officer [05:39]
• “We will finish the officer statue together.” – Ruby [07:24]
• “Though I’m much more of a masterpiece now that that silly rider is gone.” – Stone Horse [11:22]
• “I know how to bring your father back.” – Stone Horse [12:02]
• “Bring it to me or I’ll throw your father out of town. Again. And he’ll never come back.” – Town Officer [18:06]
• “A ride you’ll never forget. As you wish.” – Stone Horse [19:55]
• “Hey there kiddo... You look like you could use a pick me up. So what do you say we go on a little adventure?” – Stone Horse [22:07, 22:17]

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Opening proverb & introduction | 01:38–02:44 | | The officer’s demand/ultimatum | 04:10–06:40 | | Creation and unveiling of the statue | 06:55–08:15 | | Officer’s outrage and sculptor’s exile | 08:22–10:05 | | Ruby’s tears/miracle animation | 10:05–12:24 | | The magic rescue mission | 15:01–16:25 | | Officer’s greed and horse’s plan | 16:57–19:16 | | Officer’s downfall | 19:22–21:00 | | Epilogue: years later, magic returns | 21:00–22:46 | | Reflection Activity (Friendship Hands) | 22:46–24:55 |

Post-Story Reflection & Activity (22:46–24:55)

Rebecca Scheer introduces the “Friendship Hands” activity:

• Trace both hands on paper.
• In the left, write five strengths as a friend.
• In the right, write five areas for growth as a friend.
• Display and use as a reminder to build on strengths and improve on weaknesses.

Style and Tone

The episode is warm, whimsical, and accessible for children and grown-ups alike. Characters use friendly, playful banter. The stone horse, in particular, offers comic relief and heart.

Closing Thought

“The Stone Horse” stands out as a tale of determination, the importance of doing what’s right, and the magic that springs from compassion and love. It’s a story that encourages listeners of all ages to persevere, stand up for themselves and their loved ones, and never underestimate the power of a heartfelt teardrop—or a good friend.

For original music, a bonus coloring page, and further activities, visit wbur.org/circleround.