PETITION TARGET: New York City Council
An exhausted horse used for carriage rides forced to haul tourists during a summer heat wave in New York City collapsed and laid in the hot and noisy roadway for almost an hour without veterinary care.
The horse, named Ryder, fell in Hell’s Kitchen during rush hour in Manhattan and couldn’t stand, despite being reportedly whipped by the driver, who ordered the horse to “Get up! Get up!”, according to news reports.
Horrified onlookers told local news that Ryder was bleeding and appeared malnourished and dehydrated. Authorities who arrived on the scene doused the suffering animal with water in an attempt to lower his body temperature and also administered a shot of adrenaline. When the horse could finally stand, he was taken to a veterinarian for emergency treatment, with news reporting numerous wounds visible following his collapse.
Reports also note that bystanders witnessed the horse in distress and having trouble walking hours before the incident.
A spokesperson for the industry denied allegations of overwork or abuse, attributing the collapse to an underlying neurological disease – but failed to explain why a sick horse was being forced to work in the first place.
Ryder was later euthanized after veterinary exams revealed he was elderly and suffering from “serious medical conditions.”
Over the years, casualties involving horses exploited for carriage rides have included horses who have collapsed and died as well as animals who have been hit by vehicles or run into vehicles on the busy streets.
Most recently, a 15-year-old carriage horse named Lady collapsed and died in Manhattan’s oppressive summer heat.
There’s nothing charming or romantic about horses suffering and dying so tourists can take a turn around a densely populated, modern city.
That’s why we’re urging support for Ryder’s Law—a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City and assist industry workers in finding alternative employment.
Many other cities, including — Key West, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Chicago, Illinois— have already banned horse-drawn carriages. It’s time for NYC to join them, and show the world that it has compassion, as well as class and character.
Sign our petition urging the New York City Council to swiftly and full-heartedly support the proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages and expeditiously shift to more caring, electric carriage rides.
UPDATE (11/14/2025): Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams called for a ban on carriage horses and issued an executive order directing city agencies to fully prepare for a potential City Council ban on the industry while also enhancing oversight and enforcement efforts, according to local news. The Central Park Conservancy also voiced its support for a ban.
However, the bill was unfortunately defeated in committee.
We hope this legislation will be reintroduced in the future, and we will share any updates as they become available. — Lady Freethinker
