CARRIAGE HORSES: No Voice and No choice 01/03/2012
Elizabeth Forel, president of The Coalition to Ban Horse Drawn Carriages is leading the fight to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry in NYC. Read her post below to find out how you can help get these sweet horses off the streets...  photo by Elizabeth Forel Guest post by Elizabeth Forel If you live in New York City, most likely your exposure to horses is to the “famous” NYC carriage horse.They are famed more for being a contrived icon, reflecting past times when people did not think so much about how the animal felt but rather how they felt as they fantasized they were one of the wealthy riding in a horse-drawn carriage -- maybe riding on a snowy night. How lovely and romantic … but not for the horse. Times are different now, and there is no need for horses to pull people around, especially in one of the busiest cities on the planet. Many people are much more aware of animal cruelty and suffering nowadays and do not want to be a part of it. Carriage horses never have a nice day. They do not have the option of saying yes or no.Pulling tourists is their job - a job that was forced on them. As prey animals they are conditioned to protect themselves against potential threats - real or perceived - and to react quickly. That is why we often hear of horses spooking and bolting into traffic to get away from their source of fear, which can be a loud noise or even a rustling leaf. They are massive in size and strength, and as they gallop down a congested street they can cause injury and death to themselves and others.  Horses don't belong on loud, busy city streets. (photo by Donny Moss) Working tightly restrained between the shafts of the carriage and wearing blinders, horses are denied their most basic instincts, even the ability to scratch an itch. By law, they may work nine hours a day, seven days a week. They are supposed to get a 15- minute break every two hours but this law is not enforced. During the holiday season, the horses are worked till they drop from exhaustion as one did on December 4th on 59th St. This was the fourth in a series of incidents that began on October 23rd with the death of Charlie Horse who collapsed and died on West 54th Street (pictured below right). Charlie's death was followed a week later by a horse who spooked and bolted onto Central Park South, running scared through traffic until he finally crashed his carriage on Seventh Avenue. On November 4th, a horse named Luke collapsed on West 60th Street. This slew of recent incidents has brought needed attention to the cruelty in the carriage-horse industry, and more support for a ban.  Charlie collapsed and died on West 54th Street (photo by Matthew Miller) Horses forced to pull carriages have a rough, miserable life. After pulling heavy carriages for hours on end in all weather extremes the horses go back to their stables on the far west side of Manhattan-- there are four stables. Their stalls are generally on the 2nd floor, accessed by a very steep ramp. The minimum stall size by law is only 60 sq. ft. which is less than half of what experts recommend, which is 144 sq. ft for standardbreds and 196 sq. ft. for the larger draft breeds. This is barely enough room to lay down. For these poor horses, there is no pasture to graze in the grass.The next day, they are pulled out of the stables and put on the job again -- wearing blinders and heavy tack, between the shafts of their carriages. This is truly a miserable existence. There are many alternatives to riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park in NYC. Depending on the season, consider walking through the beautiful park, renting a bike, having a picnic, renting a boat at the Boathouse, or going ice skating on Wollman Rink (or just watching the skaters). If you want an interesting, fun ride around the park and city, consider taking a pedicab ride.This is an open rickshaw type vehicle, pedal driven by the driver.The people who drive these vehicles choose to do this work unlike the carriage horses. So choose an activity that you and your family can be proud of, one that doesn't involve animal cruelty. There are two animal sanctuaries, both about two to three hours outside of New York City, that are a must see. If you have kids, take them, they will love it! Many rescued horses live out there lives in peace, comfort and are treated with love and respect at the sanctuaries. 1) Equine Advocates in Chatham, NY has about 80 equines, which include some adorable donkeys, a couple of grumpy Llamas, pygmy goats and a host of horses rescued from all kinds of horrible situations. Some worked in the Premarin industry where their urine was used to make hormone drugs for women. Others came directly from the kill auctions, break downs from the racetrack. These animals now get to live out their lives in a natural, safe environment allowing them to socialize with each other, something so necessary for herd animals as horses are. 2) Catskill Animal Sanctuary is the other heaven on earth in Saugerties, NY. They have several horses at Catskill, but you can also meet pigs, goats, sheep, chickens -- and you can do a farm tour with president, Kathy Stevens. They also host many fun events throughout the year so check the calendar! Check with both organizations first before going there since they close during certain seasons. But it is absolutely worth the trip. Kids will love it and they get it.They are introduced to animals in a natural environment and the respect and understanding comes naturally. It is hard to learn respect for animals when one sees them in bondage in such cruel conditions. They appear like automatons with little expression or spirit. They are commodities used to make money. Most of the driver/owners consider the horses beasts of burden with no needs or desires of their own. To them, they are just “work horses” - a means to an end. But in a natural supportive environment, these horses will blossom...as evidenced by the picture below.  Bobby rolling when he first got off the trailer (photo by Jim Craner) Did you know that horses are vegetarians … actually vegans? Technically, they are considered herbivores, consuming grass, fruits, vegetables, oats, grains and barley. Yes, equines are very cool. Prey animals by nature, horses are gentle, sensitive beings. Carrots and apples are like candy to them. Many even like peppermints and beets although heir steady day- to-day diet consists of grains and hay. But they never, ever eat other animals. It is just not in their peaceful nature. This along with their size and strength is why the horse is the most abused domestic animal. Since 2006, The Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages has been campaigning to shut down the inhumane and unsafe carriage horse trade in New York City. It has been a long hard struggle but it is getting more and more attention and support. Other major cities including London, Beijing and Toronto, to name a few, do not allow the commercial carriage trade. In Oxford, England, the local Council recently voted to deny the carriage business the right to work Please visit us online at the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and sign our petition to support legislation that is in the State legislature. Also check out Donny Moss's documentary, Blinders for a behind-the-scenes look into the horse-drawn carriage industry. Let’s all stand up for these horses. They deserve it. Elizabeth Forel is a longtime animal advocate and president of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages. CommentsDonna Farris 01/04/2012 4:03pm
please stop this cruelty 01/05/2012 11:12am
What cruelty? There is no cruelty. Cruelty has a legal definition, it is a crime. If you have proof that a crime has occurred, I suggest you post it, or retract your defamatory statement. Jan 01/05/2012 8:10pm
You are missing the point. There are many things that have been "legal" which we all know were ethically and morally wrong and not okay to do. It was legal for a woman to be the property of a man, it was legal to hang African Americans, the list goes on. I think what Elizabeth is suggesting is to take a look at what is being done to these innocent beings, who should have just as much a right to a happy, peaceful and abuse-free life as we do. You can choose to either be a part of the problem or part of the solution. I choose to be part of the solution. I agree with banning this abusive, cruel industry. Thank you Elizabeth for your loving & tireless efforts. Jane 01/04/2012 11:41pm
Forel does not know what she is talking about. These horses are well-regulated, have mandated vacation time and are in good weight and condition. For actual information on NYC carriage horses rather than the misinformation by Forel and others, visit Carriage Horse Facts on Facebook. By the way - Forel does not allow any dissenting opinions on her site. She is a fool. Mary 01/04/2012 11:55pm
Thank you for this excellent post. This industry is out of control, and just because those in the industry say otherwise doesn't make it so. The comment about dissenting opinion misses the point: this is neither a debate nor a matter of opinion. It is a matter of humanity, safety, and morality. Horses do not belong in the middle of a crowded metropolis. TheBarnRules 01/05/2012 10:08am
I've known plenty of horses that will eat meat/fish if given the chance (ie, you leave it within reach) and lots of horse supplements have fish in them. Jan 01/05/2012 9:01pm
It's amazing to me how some people can justify & rationalize any bad behavior, and choose to get angry at the ones trying to help... why? To avoid taking responsibility themselves and maybe do something selfless for a change? What a sad statement about our culture. At least there are still some very good people out there with a conscience. The rest of you better hope you don't come back in your next life as a horse under the Bloomberg administration. :P Tess 01/05/2012 10:20pm
This is a wonderful and informative article. It accurately describes the life of a carriage horse in New York City. Very sad and depressing, and I hope that it will help discourage tourists from participating in this cruelty. I have to laugh after reading some of these comments. Well regulated one person says. Yet if they were well regulated these horses wouldn't be in the streets of NYC. I lived there in the city, I drove in the city and there is no way a horse should be in these streets. The air they have to breath each and every day is shortening their lives, and the suffering continues as they try and get around all of the traffic there. So how can someone look at these abuses and not see them? Cassandra 01/12/2012 9:07pm
You just said everything I wanted to say, Elizabeth. Ditto. Cruelty is felt with the heart of enlightened people, not always read in law books. That is why there are organizations like Ban Horse Drawn carriages fighting with all they have for change. God bless everyone involved. Never be discouraged by those who are blind dimitria fay 01/06/2012 11:55am
It's unfortunate that Horse carriage industry employees like Eva Hughes feel the need to place responses here. But this is a truly well written, wonderful, and accurate article about the life of a work horse, specifically a carriage work horse. Another example is out in the movies now called War horse. Horses contribute astronomically to our life as workers. If people can be required by law to to pay them compensation, by recognizing what work conditions are cruel to their life and existence. It is a reflection of our human qualities at their highest level of education, understanding, care and generosity. Supporters of the carriage industry have their livelihoods in mind. It is our responsibility to understand what kind of life it entails for horses that must work in traffic congested cities like NYC. Please, learn more about this, and ask from various sources so you understand the issue. Dig around for your own facts. On the cusp of horse slaughtering being re-introduced into this country, these magnificent, docile, hard working animals, need our voices more then ever. Femke den Haas 01/06/2012 3:07pm
A well written and clear article explaining the unnecessary cruelty of the use of carriage horses in big cities like NYC. Horses indeed are sensitive beings that don't belong to live within loud traffic and pollution! 01/07/2012 8:17am
Thank you, Robyn, for this wonderful, informative website for parents who are raising their children vegan or veg - and for giving me the opportunity to write an article for you. I truly hope that some of the parents (or others) are able to go to Catskill Animal Sanctuary or Equine Advocates to visit with the horses and other animals. It is always such a treat for me when I go. It fills me with hope and good will to see the animals so serene, unstressed and so well treated. 01/08/2012 11:38am
Thank you, Ms. Forel, for an excellent piece on the cruel, outdated horse-drawn carriage industry. It needs to be banned, PERIOD (and with this momentum, it WILL be)! Donna Belmont 01/08/2012 7:13pm
This cruelty must be banned. It breaks my heart to know this cruelty exists. John bloomberg 01/11/2012 9:48pm
Forel, have you been in PÁ Amish Country to see how does those Horses work, cold and hot days from 400am to 800pm ( 16 hours of work ) no water no regulations no people to check on them when they go down Mick 01/14/2012 11:58pm
I can't believe this. I suppose you were one of the supporters to ban the horse slaughter industry. Do you have any idea how many horses are now suffering because they couldn't be sold for slaughter? Old, maimed, crippled. Mrs Marguerite White 02/22/2012 11:31am
I have read the comments with much interest,I hate animals to suffer and as Mick has said about owners having to keep horses healthy and horses and dogs enjoy there work,I can well believe that some probably do enjoy some work but not for so long hours in traffic polluted cities also horses slaughtered for meat is atrocious as with other animals,but Mick raises a point what will happen to these animals do not get me wrong they need to be somewhere and would it be humane to sterilise some horses just like cats and dogs so they will not be to many horses being born..I agree with taking horses off of polluted streets and someone should look at the Amish way of life and the way they treat there horses as well..I would like to think that one day people will not eat no animal so none will be harmed but we would have to have a system where not to many domestic animals are born as with pigs cattle and others,because there is no room for expanding cities for people and animals who need to roam free in there own environment..Good Article and Good work.. Leave a Reply | 
AuthorRobyn Moore is a mom to Charlotte, whom she and her husband, Martin, are raising vegan. Robyn has her master's degree in education, is the organizer of NYC Vegetarian and Vegan Families Meetup, and is a book reviewer for VegBooks. She is an avid traveler who has taught English in Nepal, volunteered helping animals in South Africa, and lived abroad in Switzerland. ArchivesFebruary 2012 CategoriesAll Click to set custom HTML
|
RSS Feed