John Solomon Rarey with the stallion 'Cruiser', observed by onlookers. Wood engraving by J. Swain after J. Leech, 1858.

John Solomon Rarey (b. 1827-1866) was famous for his ability to tame unruly or dangerous horses by humane means. In January 1858 he gave demonstrations of his skill before Queen Victoria and the Royal Family at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. He was set the challenge to tame the most ferocious horse in the country: a former racehorse named Cruiser. Rarey took just three hours to calm the horse in its stable, upon which the owners presented him with Cruiser as a gift. Rarey took the now docile Cruiser back to the United States, where the horse eventually died in 1875. The article accompanying this illustration stated "Our illustration faithfully represents Mr Rarey's performance, and shows the wonderful mastery he has obtained over a horse so long considered unconquerable". In the right background, Queen Victoria watches the proceedings