Horseback Riding Returns to Central Park After Nearly 20 Years
A start-up is set to reintroduce horseback riding to Central Park, marking its first presence in nearly two decades. This move comes amid growing opposition from activists advocating for the ban of horse-drawn carriages in urban settings due to concerns about animal welfare.
Miller’s Horse Company has hinted at its intentions through social media, but supporters worry that this could lead to more mistreatment of horses in Manhattan. One concerned individual expressed their disdain online, urging, “Keep horses out of Manhattan.”
Another user commented on the appropriateness of horses in cities, stating, “This isn’t about horses being ‘bad in the city.’ It’s about cities being the wrong place for horses.” They added a cautionary note: “Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.”
While Miller’s Horse Company did not provide specific details to the media about how they will ensure the safety and welfare of the horses, they emphasized that “horse welfare is our top priority” on social media.
This initiative is in partnership with Manhattan Saddlery, the city’s only harness store, previously known as Miller Harness Company. This will be the first time that regular guided tours have been available in Central Park since the Claremont Equestrian Academy closed its doors in 2007 after serving the public for 115 years.
Since that closure, horse riders have generally only accessed reining trails.
Miller’s Horse Company shared on Instagram, “Central Park, from the saddle. Almost there.” Although Manhattan Saddlery has largely remained tight-lipped about the project, there are hints online suggesting that they may start accepting reservations by mid-March.
The horses will be transported from a private barn located outside the city, where they are regularly cared for and have time for turnout. It’s not clear which stable within New York City will provide the horses, though one horse named Beauty from City Island Stables was tested recently.
The commute for the horses to Central Park is expected to take around 30 minutes, with the company stating they will use an AirRide van for transport, rather than standard trucks or trailers.
Guided rides will be limited to three participants at a time: two riders and one horseman accompanying them.
It’s important to note that this company is not licensed by the City Parks Department. In New York City, riding horses are subject to different regulations than carriage horses. Riding horses typically work fewer hours — eight daily, with breaks — compared to the nine-hour workday for carriage horses, who receive only 15 minutes of rest every two hours. Riders, on the other hand, enjoy a 15-minute break after each hour of activity.
Working conditions are also more favorable for riding horses, as work will be halted if temperatures exceed 90 degrees or drop below 18 degrees.
Miller’s Horse Company has committed to giving the horses two full days off each week and ensuring daily grooming, along with routine veterinary and dental care.
On social media, the company highlighted, “Behind the scenes, we limit each horse’s exercise, carefully rotate them, and adjust our plans based on footing, weather, and each horse’s mood that day. If a horse needs rest, they get it.” They concluded with, “This is what responsible riding and equestrianism in an urban environment requires. And that is the standard we must live up to.”
