Central Park visitors support horse carriage rides, oppose NYC's ban: poll
Share and Follow

They’re voting neigh on the horse ban.

A recent poll, financed by the industry, reveals that most New Yorkers who frequently visit Central Park oppose a proposed ban on horse carriages, a movement that is gaining traction within the City Council.

The survey, funded by the union representing horse carriage drivers, shows that 57% of the respondents wish to see the carriages continue their operations, while 37% believe they should be stopped.

Conducted by Slingshot Strategies and funded by the Transport Workers Union, the poll queried participants about their stance on the carriages, informing them that such rides have been a Central Park tradition since its inception.

“Some people see them as an iconic tradition, and part of what makes the park such a special place in New York, while providing good jobs,” the poll told respondents before asking their opinion. “Others see horse-drawn carriages as outdated, unsafe, or inhumane.”

The survey, which queried New Yorkers who visit Central Park at least monthly, mentioned Ryder’s Law — a proposed bill named after a horse that collapsed on a Manhattan street three years ago and later died, spurring outrage from animal rights who claimed the horse was abused.

The measure would phase out the horse-carriage industry by June 1, 2026.

Interviewers informed respondents that Mayor Eric Adams recently signed an executive order to prepare the city to phase out the horse carriage industry, saying horse carriages rides are no longer safe or humane.

The survey conductors also reiterated the industry position that the horses are well cared for, with regular veterinary oversight and rest periods, and that the industry supports good paying union jobs.

The statement claimed that banning horse carriages would benefit “real estate developers who want to build luxury apartments where the stables are currently located on the west side of Manhattan.”

“After hearing this information, do you support or oppose continuing horse drawn carriage rides in and around Central Park?” the survey asked.

Fifty four percent of respondents said they support keeping the horse carriages, while 37% are opposed.

Similarly, the interviewers read a statement noting that Central Park was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted in the 1850s with horse carriage rides in mind to escape the daily hustle and bustle in the city while drivers “animate the landscape.”

“Which of the following best describes your view of horse drawn carriages in Central Park today? They are part of a timeless tradition in Central Park which should be preserved. They are outdated and longer belong in the park?,” interviewers asked poll participants.

Sixty percent of park visitors said the horse carriages should be preserved while 30% agreed they are antiquated and should be banned from the park.

Respondents were also asked to agree or disagree with the statement that horse-drawn carriages “add beauty and charm to Central Park” and make it a unique place for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Seventy percent of park goers agreed the horse carriages are a magnet for visitors, while 23% disagreed.

Meanwhile, 66% of respondents agreed that ending horse-drawn carriages would take away part of what makes Central Park unique and iconic, while 29% disagreed.

The respondents were asked again at the end of the survey after hearing more about the issue: “Do you support or oppose banning horse-drawn carriage rides in and around Central Park?”

The verdict: Only 24% supported a ban while 60% opposed with the rest not having an opinion.

“There is resounding public support for keeping the carriage horses in Central Park,” TWU president John Samuelsen said.

“This poll sends a clear message that New Yorkers aren’t buying the politicized anti-horse rhetoric. The carriage horses are part of the soul of Central Park — a living, breathing tradition that brings beauty, history, and heart to this city. People don’t want that erased. They want it protected.”

Slingshot Strategies surveyed 738 New York City residents for TWU residents from Sept.29 – Oct.5. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

But polling done by animal rights groups have claimed the public is on their side in wanting to ban horse carriages, when New Yorkers are told more about alleged abuse of horses.

Some 71% of Big Apple voters supported a ban, a 2022 survey conducted by Voters for Animal Rights and the Animal Legal Defense Fund claimed.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago carjacker gets 10 years in prison for stealing elderly woman's luxury Rolls-Royce: police

Chicago Carjacker Sentenced to 10 Years for High-Profile Rolls-Royce Theft from Elderly Woman

A man found guilty of carjacking a Rolls-Royce from an elderly woman…
ICE Chicago news: Judge considers releasing hundreds arrested in Chicago immigration operation 'Midway Blitz'

Chicago Judge Weighs Release of Hundreds Arrested in ‘Midway Blitz’ Immigration Operation

In Chicago, tensions rise as a federal judge deliberates the possible release…
A cashier scans groceries, including produce, which is covered by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), at a grocery store in Baltimore, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Supreme Court Decision Looms: Will Full SNAP Benefits Make a Comeback?

The future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids one…
Sydney Sweeney's movie flop sparks cruel remark about her body

Sydney Sweeney Faces Harsh Criticism on Body After Film Underperforms

Sydney Sweeney’s recent film, “Christy,” has not performed well at the box…
Idiot tourists narrowly avoid being gored by bison in Yellowstone

Tourists Have Close Encounter with Bison in Yellowstone National Park

In a nerve-wracking incident at Yellowstone National Park, two tourists had a…
Cruise passengers left floating in the sea after catamaran sinks

Catamaran Sinks, Leaving Cruise Passengers Adrift at Sea

A group of cruisegoers found themselves adrift in the Caribbean when their…
JFRD shares tips to keep safe & warm after responding to 5 house fires during cold-snap overnight

Stay Safe and Warm: JFRD Offers Essential Tips Following Surge in House Fires Amid Overnight Cold Snap

As the mercury plummets, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) is…
James Van Der Beek forced to auction off Dawson's Creek keepsakes

James Van Der Beek to Auction Beloved Dawson’s Creek Memorabilia

James Van Der Beek is auctioning a selection of memorabilia from his…