Horse-drawn carriages have been a major Central Park fixture for over 150 years, and it seems that the tradition will continue.
Earlier this year, the longstanding debate over the carriages resurfaced after a horse collapsed and died near its stables during the summer. In response, the Central Park Conservancy publicly called for a ban for the first time, citing concerns about public safety and damage to park infrastructure.
On Friday, November 14th the committee’s vote ultimately prevented Ryder’s Law from advancing to the full City Council.
This outcome was applauded by the Transport Workers Union, which represents the carriage workers, but drew sharp criticism from animal rights advocates and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
The Council’s Committee on Health voted 1–4 to block the bill, which was introduced in 2022 following the collapse and later euthanasia of a horse named Ryder.
Mayor Eric Adams stated on X:
Our historic executive order was lauded by advocates, elected officials, and every candidate for mayor. It’s a shame that the City Council has once again refused to follow the will of our citizens, while simultaneously endangering pedestrians, drivers, and animals alike.
In 2022, a poll commissioned by the Animal Legal Defense Fund found that 71% of New York City voters supported banning horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, citing concerns about animal welfare.
By contrast, a separate poll commissioned by the Transport Workers Union reported that 60% of regular Central Park visitors opposed a ban and believed the carriage tradition should be preserved.
In the wake of the committee’s decision, Mayor Adams has continued to push for reform. In September 2025, he signed Executive Order 56, which directed city agencies to strengthen oversight of the carriage industry and aimed to replace horse-drawn carriages with low-speed, all-electric, zero-emission “horseless carriages.”
The carriages have been a part of Central Park since the late 19th century and later became a popular tourist attraction. Over time, however, concerns have grown over the welfare of the horses, as well as public safety and damage to park infrastructure. The tradition has fueled ongoing debates about whether it should continue or be phased out in favor of modern alternatives.
For now, horse-drawn carriages will continue to operate in Central Park, leaving the debate over their future unresolved.