The horse-drawn carriages are one of the most iconic aspects of Central Park, dating back as far as the 19th century. Lately, however, this hot commodity faces threats from the Central Park Conservancy as it calls for a ban of all carriage horses in the park. The Conservancy has publicly supported Ryder’s Law, a pending City Council bill that would prevent horse carriages from operating in the city. 

The nonprofit group that manages Central Park has formally asked New York City officials to support its cause. They pointed to safety issues for both the animals and pedestrians, as well as the cleanliness of the environment and the behavior of horse handlers. 

While the concept of the bill may be shocking to some, it is a well-thought-out plan that prioritizes the safety of individuals in the park and the safety of the horses themselves.

Conservancy President and CEO Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith wrote to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams voicing these concerns. The letter came a week after a horse collapsed and tragically died on 11th Avenue. Ryder’s Law was named after a carriage horse that collapsed in 2022. 

Although Ryder’s handler was not found guilty of animal abuse, the incident raises questions about the health and safety of the horses. There should be no reason that these horses are subjected to such conditions in which they collapse. 

The letter also cites two incidents where horses escaped from their handlers and ran loose around the park and roadway before they were caught.  

Horses are incredibly powerful animals that require an incredible amount of attention, respect and safety precautions. It’s highly recommended to use a helmet when riding or dealing with horses for safety reasons. This is not to discredit the beauty of horses, but they have been recognized as reckless animals and should be handled with care.

Horses are not made for city life. These animals need an incredible amount of space, training, time and attention to fully thrive, but the hustle and bustle of the city cannot provide that comfort for them. 

“Simply put, this practice is no longer compatible with the realities of modern heavily used and shared public space,” Smith said in a statement.

Manure is left behind daily on the drives and countries to pose a sanitation and public health concern,” Smith said. On a traditional horse ranch, manure is cleaned and the horses are provided with clean bedding daily. They are given adequate amounts of food, clean water, exercise and are groomed for their comfort. 

Smith also mentioned the cost of repaving a four-mile stretch that has constant wear and tear from the heavy carriages and  the scuffing from horses’ steel horseshoes. 

While the infrastructure of the city is important, the conditions of the horses’ hooves must be taken into consideration for their safety. 

Ultimately, the issue with horses in New York City has reached a tipping point where lawmakers must step in now and decide the next steps. The decision should be to uphold the ban, which would hopefully place them into an area where they can enjoy a more peaceful life.