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What is the Rarey Technique?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The Rarey Technique is a system for handling horses which have become vicious or wild as a result of abuse or poor handling. It uses gentleness and a calm environment to teach the animal that humans are not harmful, and when it was developed in the 19th century by John Solomon Rarey, it attracted a great deal of attention. One version of the Rarey Technique can be seen in the film The Horse Whisperer.

There has been controversy over the best way to train a horse for centuries. In both Ancient Greece and Rome, for example, there was some debate about whether gentleness or brutalizing techniques were the most effective, and the debate continues, although gentleness appears to be winning out. Animal behaviorists have suggested that punishment and brutal techniques are not effective training tools because they teach horses fear more than anything else, while gentle techniques encourage trust and cooperation.

The Rarey Technique is a system for handling horses which have become vicious or wild as a result of abuse or poor handling.
The Rarey Technique is a system for handling horses which have become vicious or wild as a result of abuse or poor handling.

Rarey was an early proponent of gentle training techniques, and by all accounts he was an accomplished trainer. With horses who had not experienced trauma, Rarey advocated a gentle, slow moving technique which focused on building trust between horse and trainer, gradually working up to the moment when the horse was ridden, and always staying calm and respectful. For horses which were difficult to handle, Rarey developed the Rarey Technique.

The first step in the technique involves tying up one of the horse's legs, so that the horse cannot balance on it. As a result, the horse quickly becomes tired, making it easy for the trainer to encourage the horse to lie down. At no point in the Rarey Technique is the horse forced to do something; the goal is to get the horse to relax. Once the horse lies down, the trainer sits on the animal to immobilize it, and then starts handling the horse.

The trainer may run his or her hands all over the body of the horse, for example, while talking in a low, reassuring voice. Some trainers also expose the horse to various objects. Because the horse cannot fight the handler or run away, it tends to slowly calm down; essentially, the Rarey Technique involves hypnotizing the horse. After an extended session of being handled, the horse is gently allowed to rise and it is rewarded; Rarey claimed to be able to calm a horse after one session, although sometimes multiple sessions are needed.

People who practice the Rarey Technique have noted that the horse often forges a strong bond with the trainer, although it can in theory be handled by anyone after it has been gentled. A major advantage of the technique is that it does not require brute strength, so people of all ages and physical conditions can use the Rarey Technique to handle animals. The important thing is to remain confident, projecting a positive, calm, friendly attitude throughout the session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rarey Technique in horse training?

The Rarey Technique is a gentle method of taming and training horses developed by John Solomon Rarey in the 19th century. It emphasizes building trust between the horse and trainer through patience and non-violent methods, such as gentle touching and rubbing to desensitize the horse to human contact, ultimately creating a calm and cooperative animal without the use of force.

How does the Rarey Technique differ from traditional horse training methods?

Traditional horse training methods often involve breaking a horse's spirit through dominance and sometimes harsh discipline. In contrast, the Rarey Technique relies on understanding equine behavior and psychology, using kindness and empathy to gain the horse's trust. This approach avoids fear-based responses and fosters a more harmonious relationship between horse and human.

Can the Rarey Technique be used on all horses, regardless of their temperament?

Yes, the Rarey Technique is versatile and can be adapted to horses of various temperaments, including those with a history of abuse or aggression. Its foundation in trust and respect makes it particularly effective for horses that have developed a fear of humans, as it helps to rebuild their confidence and willingness to cooperate.

Is the Rarey Technique supported by modern animal behaviorists?

Modern animal behaviorists generally support the principles behind the Rarey Technique, as it aligns with contemporary understanding of positive reinforcement and stress-free training. The method's focus on empathy and non-violence is consistent with current animal welfare standards, which advocate for humane and ethical training practices.

How long does it take to train a horse using the Rarey Technique?

The time it takes to train a horse using the Rarey Technique can vary widely depending on the individual horse's personality, past experiences, and the skill of the trainer. However, because it is based on building a deep bond of trust, it may take longer than more forceful methods, with the process potentially spanning weeks to months.

Are there any risks associated with using the Rarey Technique?

While the Rarey Technique is considered safe and humane, there are inherent risks in any horse training method due to the size and power of horses. Trainers must always be cautious and aware of equine body language to prevent misunderstandings. Proper execution of the technique minimizes risks, making it a safer alternative to more coercive methods.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The Rarey Technique is a system for handling horses which have become vicious or wild as a result of abuse or poor handling.
      By: Alexia Khruscheva
      The Rarey Technique is a system for handling horses which have become vicious or wild as a result of abuse or poor handling.