New York City is poised to end its carriage horse industry as the City Council prepares to vote on legislation known as Romanch’s Law, which would prohibit the use of horses for tourist rides in Central Park. If approved, the nearly 160 carriage horses currently working in the city will be retired by June 2028.
The proposed law aims to provide a “humane disposition” plan for the horses once they are withdrawn from service, though specific details regarding their relocation and care have yet to be finalized. The city administration, alongside City Council Speaker Julie Menin, intends to establish a transition team composed of advocates and experts to oversee the horses’ retirement and placement.
Animal welfare groups supporting the ban emphasize the benefits of retirement sanctuaries for the horses. Allison Bowling, executive director of Red Feather Equine Sanctuary in North Carolina, described such sanctuaries as environments where horses can enjoy freedoms unavailable in their working lives. “Watching them get to express themselves and realize that they are able to make their own decisions and choose their own friends and experience what true safety and security means — it’s really powerful and extremely important,” Bowling said.
Red Feather Equine Sanctuary is part of The Carriage Horse Retirement Coalition, a network of horse rescues preparing to house the retiring horses. According to Bowling, these sanctuaries offer opportunities for horses to spend their days on their own terms, whether through trail walks, pond swimming, play, or simply socializing with other horses. Some retired horses also participate voluntarily in educational programs for at-risk youth or enrichment activities with trainers, but none are compelled to perform work.
In contrast, carriage drivers and industry supporters argue that the horses enjoy their roles and contest claims that the practice is abusive. They have maintained that the horses form bonds with their handlers and are well cared for while working.
The legislation, if passed, would mark a significant shift in New York City’s approach to the longstanding carriage horse trade, reflecting growing concerns about animal welfare in urban environments. The transition period until mid-2028 is intended to allow time for a coordinated phase-out and facilitate the horses’ transfer to retirement facilities across the country, some of which have already extended offers to accept the animals.