Horse carriage drivers in New York City are voicing concerns over Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to phase out their industry, fearing for their livelihoods and the future of a century-old tradition.
A century-old tradition is at risk in New York City as horse carriage drivers express their concerns over Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent announcement to phase out horse-drawn carriages. Mamdani, alongside City Council Speaker Julie Menin, revealed a plan on Tuesday that would ban carriage operations starting in June 2028. A vote on the bill is expected next week.
The debate surrounding horse-drawn carriages has intensified following the tragic death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died after a fall in June. In response, the bill has been renamed “Romanch’s Law.” Animal rights activists have long criticized the industry, alleging mistreatment of horses and raising public safety concerns. Incidents involving horses collapsing or escaping into traffic have fueled calls for the industry’s termination.
However, industry leaders argue that the horse carriage tradition is being unfairly targeted. Frank Riccobono, owner and manager of NYC Horse Carriage Rides, voiced his frustrations, questioning why other forms of transportation, such as pedicabs, are permitted while his business faces scrutiny. “You have pedicabs flying around, so why are they permitted to have a business?” he asked. “A 168-year-old tradition is being forced to surrender, which is very taboo.” Riccobono emphasized his desire for his investment to endure for generations.
Riccobono, who owns 12 horses and three carriages, described the bond between horse owners and their animals as akin to raising children. “I had horses give birth in front of me,” he said. “I’ve owned their mom and I have their baby, and it’s like taking a child away from me.” While the proposed legislation would not require owners to relinquish their horses, it would prevent them from using the animals for carriage rides in the city.
He characterized the criticism of the industry as “brainwashing,” asserting that his horses enjoy a high quality of life and receive regular veterinary care. “That’s what this bill shows,” he stated. “It shows they’re trying to criminalize us because a horse is working.” Riccobono also highlighted the financial implications of the ban, noting that he invested nearly $400,000 in a medallion, which serves as a license to operate in New York City. “I am going to take a very, very big loss here, and there’s no reimbursement in this bill,” he lamented.
The potential ban extends beyond financial loss for Riccobono; it threatens a family legacy built over generations. He has dedicated over two decades to driving horse-drawn carriages, inspired by his father, who spent 47 years in the business. “I have a father that has medical conditions,” he shared. “I have colleagues that are on dialysis. These people rely on these medallions for income, for retirement. But they’re trying to strip this away from us.” His wife, Natalie, echoed his concerns, stating that without her husband’s income, their family would struggle to maintain their current lifestyle. “By taking away these businesses from us, they are literally taking food off of our table and possibly a shelter from over our heads,” she said.
As the future remains uncertain for carriage drivers, Mamdani and Menin have pledged to assist the city’s approximately 200 carriage drivers in transitioning to new jobs. “I think that we have a civic responsibility to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out to dry,” Mamdani told reporters. “They should not be ones that are simply left as an afterthought of what comes after this.”
Christina Hansen, a veteran horse carriage driver and Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 shop steward, expressed frustration that drivers have yet to hear directly from Mamdani. “The only cruelty in the New York City carriage industry has always been the way that the people in it, the way the carriage drivers and carriage owners and stable owners are treated,” she said.
A spokesperson for Menin stated that she would remain involved in the transition process, emphasizing the need for “meaningful protections for the workers.” She invited TWU and the administration to join a new working group to ensure better economic opportunities for those affected.
While the city anticipates that the horses will be sent to rescues or sanctuaries, Hansen raised concerns about the capacity of these facilities to care for additional horses, given their current struggles with declining donations and resources. “There’s no funding from the city or anything like that to say, we’re going to make sure that the city pays for the horse’s retirement,” she warned.
This is not the first time that horse carriage drivers have faced the threat of losing their industry. Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had pledged to ban horse-drawn carriages after taking office in 2014, advocating for vintage-style electric cars as an alternative. However, those efforts ultimately failed.
Hansen encouraged Mamdani to engage directly with the drivers and their horses to gain a better understanding of their perspective. “He hasn’t and he probably won’t, because he’d get so much blowback on social media or whatever,” she speculated.
Riccobono affirmed that the fight against the proposed ban is far from over. “We’re gonna fight for our rights, number one, we’re gonna fight for our horses, and we’re gonna fight for fairness and justice,” he declared.
As the situation unfolds, the future of New York City’s horse carriage industry hangs in the balance, with drivers advocating for their livelihoods and the preservation of a cherished tradition.
According to Fox News Digital, the outcome of the upcoming vote will be crucial for the future of the industry and its drivers.