As of my last update in September 2021, the welfare of horses that pull carriages in New York City’s Central Park has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. Advocates claim that the horses are well-cared for, work reasonable hours, and are examined regularly by veterinarians. They argue that the industry is heavily regulated and that most carriage drivers genuinely care for their animals. On the other hand, animal rights activists have raised concerns about the horses’ living conditions, their exposure to traffic and extreme weather, potential risks of injury, and their general well-being. There have been calls to replace horse-drawn carriages with electric vintage-replica cars or other alternatives. It’s worth noting that there have been incidents and accidents involving carriage horses over the years, which have fueled the debate. If you are considering taking a horse-drawn carriage ride and are concerned about the welfare of the animals, it might be helpful to do some current research and, if possible, visit the stables and speak with the drivers to form your own opinion.