07/04/2018
MYTH: NYC carriage horses work in all kinds of weather and extreme temperatures without enough water.
FACT: NYC carriage horses work under a strict set of regulations which includes suspension of their work above 89 degrees Fahrenheit, below 19 degrees Fahrenheit, or in harsh blizzards/storms. As an extra (generally deemed unnecessary) precaution their work was even suspended during New York City’s partial solar eclipse. All year round the horses have access to two continuously flowing water troughs in Central Park. Additionally, in the warmer weather they can use the Cherry Hill fountain in the middle of their rides, which was originally put there as a water trough for horses, though few find it necessary most days. Most carriages also keep a bucket under their carriage which can be used to fill with water if their horse is spending a lot of time on the hackline between rides or working outside of the park. Carriage drivers are even allowed to open fire hydrants in circumstances where they cannot access the other troughs to give their horse water during their shift.
The NYPD Mounted Unit takes the temperature in Central Park at a specific height, with a specific thermometer to determine when a suspension will go into effect. At times your cellphone app may not give the same temperature as the one used to determine a suspension. When a suspension goes into effect, carriage drivers receive a textmessage on their phone and another when it is lifted. They are given time to finish any ride they have already started, rest their horse if necessary, and head back to the stable. Of course horses will still be outside when it’s 90 degrees because of this process, and it is no need for alarm. The horses are doing lightweight work at a walk or occasional trot compared to horses galloping over jumps in much warmer temperatures. The heat temperature restrictions in NYC also happen to be the lowest in the country while other cities safely cease operation at 92, 95, and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. There is nothing wrong with this provided the horses are getting enough rest, shade, and water. Back at the stable the horses are also often hosed off to cool down on warm days by their owners, drivers, and stablemen.
In the winter, a similar process temporarily ceasing their work goes into effect when the temperature drops below 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Horses receive a blanket while they are standing on the hackline when temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a rain blanket when it is 55 degrees Fahrenheit in wet weather. While the horses can safely work in light snow and rain, if a heavy blizzard occurs, their suspension may go on for a longer period until roads are deemed safe again. The NYPD Mounted Unit and NY Health Dept that have equine veterinarians are the ones to make the call when these types of suspensions go into effect. No NYC carriage horses have had their health impacted by the weather such as collapsing from heat exhaustion since these regulations have been put into place. There would be no incentive for a driver to withhold water from their horse or continue working them during a suspension since it could lead to the horse being unable to work due to illness, fines for the violations, or loss of their license.
Photo Credits: Christina Hansen, Via https://www.instagram.com/nyccarriages/
