A huge New York City tourist attraction, especially this time of year, are the horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. A romantic fairy-tale setting, an exciting view of the city – however the horse-drawn tour may draw you in, most people don’t consider what the horses do or where they go after the ride. The answer is usually to stand right back in line with the rest of the horses and wait for another couple or family to take a tour. As an equestrian since age 10, I can never help but notice the cruelty in this tradition. It is hard to notice malnutrition or abuse in a horse if you are not familiar with the animal. However, if you ever see a police office on horseback, stop to notice the sheen in the horse’s coat, the roundness of the horse’s belly and the animal’s overall behavior. Often, police horses can’t stand still — they sidestep with energy and excitement. Compare that to a Central Park horse and you will immediately notice the difference. A rough, dirty coat is often an indicator that the horse isn’t getting enough food, vitamins or water. Visible ribs and a lazy behavior can often indicate malnutrition, fatigue and sickness. Standing and walking on pavement is unnatural to horses and bad for their joints. Ideally, their legs should be wrapped to avoid what is known as “stocking up,” when fluid stocks itself at the bottom of the horse’s leg. While viewing Central Park by horse carriage is a beautiful way to enjoy the spring or winter scenery, huge steps need to be taken to ensure that these horses are being taken care of. On Wednesday, the City Council passed a bill that increased fare for horse-drawn carriage rides and improves some of the conditions for the horses. Mayor Bloomberg is expected to sign the legislation raising the fare from $34 for the first half hour to $50 for the first 20 minutes. This is the first increase the horses and drivers have seen in 20 years. The bill requires the horse stalls be large enough for the horses to turn around and lie down, and it requires five weeks time off per year at a stable with a paddock or pasture for turnout. It also limits the age of the horse to five through 26 and bans horses south of 34th Street from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Some of these requirements are less than standard for animal rights, and the conditions until now should never have been allowed in the first place. But the bill is a step in the right direction and hopefully a precursor to more rights for Central Park horses. — Courtney Centeno, account executive