South Columbus in Groveport in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John S. Rarey and Cruiser
Rarey's horsemanship attracted people worldwide who brought their unruly horses to him for training. Throughout his life he refined his humane ‘Rarey Method’ of training horses and gained national and international recognition.
His greatest success was training Cruiser (1852-75), the vicious English stallion owned by the Earl of Dorchester. Cruiser was noted for speed, but his foul temper made it impossible to race him. Cruiser would go into fits of rage - kicking and screaming in his stall - if anyone came near.
While in England in 1857, Rarey accepted a challenge to apply his training methods to Cruiser. Rarey calmly walked alone into Cruiser's stall and, to the surprise of onlookers, emerged three hours later riding Cruiser.
Rarey soon took possession of Cruiser and the pair traveled the world gaining fame and fortune as Rarey demonstrated his techniques.
In 1862, Rarey built a mansion at 751 Main Street in Groveport along with a stable and paddock for Cruiser.
The story of Rarey and Cruiser is a source of inspiration to the residents of Groveport and Madison Township. Groveport Madison Schools adopted Cruiser as a mascot in the early 20th century (along with the school colors of red and black to reflect Cruiser's fiery spirit and dark coat) because of Rarey's and Cruiser's example that combining intelligence, kindness, power and discipline brings success. Likewise, a likeness of Cruiser is featured in the seal for the Village of Groveport that is displayed above.
Erected 2004 by Village of Groveport.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 39° 51.16′ N, 82° 52.187′ W. Marker is in Groveport, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in South Columbus. Marker is at entrance to the Groveport Recreation Center building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7370 Groveport Road, Groveport OH 43125, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ohio and Erie Canal Lock 22 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ohio and Erie Canal in Groveport / Scioto Valley Interurban (approx. half a mile away); Groveport World War II Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); John Rarey and "Cruiser" (approx. 0.7 miles away); Historic Groveport (approx. 0.7 miles away); Groveport Log House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Groveport United Methodist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Groveport Veterans' Park (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groveport.
Also see . . . Groveport Recreation/Senior Center. The marker and statuary are outside the center. (Submitted on October 20, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,195 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on November 25, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.