The history of horse-drawn carriages is almost as old as New York City itself. The Dutch first brought horses to our shores in 1625 to carry heavy loads and operate sawmills. The British imported them for racing. And New Yorkers regularly saddled up for journeys around town until the 1910s, when cars and trucks diminished our dependence on these majestic animals.
These days, however, their presence in Central Park remains more iconic than essential, a feature of nostalgia in place of utility. Though this practice once belonged out of necessity, horse-drawn carriages simply no longer work for our city, as they are both dangerous and increasingly incompatible with the conditions of a modern, heavily-used urban green space like Central Park.
A series of incidents raised several concerns, such as horses posing a danger to Central Park visitors, collapsing on our streets, and the ethics of this industry overall. Last month, a horse ran out with no person at the reins, causing three horse carriage passengers to jump out of the speeding buggy. Earlier this year, a pair of runaway carriage horses broke a driver’s wrist and injured others after they bolted. In the past few years, the images of Ryder and Lady, two horses who collapsed on our streets and later died, further raised the alarm.
So our administration took action. We convened stakeholders on the issue, from animal welfare advocates to representatives for the drivers themselves, to determine a solution that works for everyone. For the health of the horses and for the protection of New Yorkers — riders, passengers, and pedestrians alike — we signed an executive order to prepare for the end of the horse-drawn carriage industry in our city. Now, we need the City Council to step up, do their job, and work with us to pass Ryder’s Law.
As I often say, we live in a city of 8.5 million people, with more than 35 million opinions. But on horse carriages in Central Park, we have clearly come to a consensus: polling has found that more than 70% of New Yorkers agree that it’s time to end the horse carriage industry in our city. The Central Park Conservancy has also called for banning them from Central Park, which is the only place they are permitted to operate now.
Even all of the major mayoral candidates are on the same side of this issue, with all three endorsing our position. In a race where each solution is contested, they support mine; where every proposal divides our politicians, this policy unites them. That’s because the dangers of the carriages have been documented, and the safety of New Yorkers cannot be compromised. Our administration has always been about real, meaningful action, and banning this archaic, unsafe practice is just common sense.
Still, I want to be clear: we will not abandon those still in the carriage driver industry who are honest New Yorkers working hard to make a living. That’s why we will find new employment opportunities for our current carriage drivers, create a new process for the voluntary return of licenses, and explore potential new options, including, among other options, electric carriages.
Protecting animal welfare and public safety shouldn’t be political, but the Transport Workers Union Local 100 leadership is attempting to weaponize this sacrifice. The TWU has claimed that our executive order “betrays” working-class New Yorkers, alleging that this was conducted on behalf of moneyed influences. But these allegations, made without a shred of evidence, couldn’t be further from the truth. They blindly ignore our commitment to supporting carriage drivers through the transition, including identifying employment opportunities for their future.
What’s more, we heard from many working-class New Yorkers, community advocates, and public safety leaders, who all voiced their support for a ban on horse-drawn carriages given the clear risks to safety, order, and the welfare of these horses. It’s not a complex conspiracy; New Yorkers agree that these carriages are dangerous, and we are acting on this agreement.
Our proposal is not about eliminating tradition — it’s about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today. New Yorkers care deeply about animals, about fairness, and about doing what’s right. Our administration hears all those concerns loud and clear, and we’re taking action to get comprehensive reform across the finish line.
The first horse-drawn carriage circled our streets 400 years ago. For the sake of our animal friends and Central Park visitors alike, let’s hope they take their last trot on our streets soon.
Adams is mayor of New York.
