New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday signaled an eventual ban on Central Park horse-drawn carriages, issuing an executive order that directs city agencies to crack down on the industry and prepare for a wind-down by the end of 2026. The order, titled Preparing for the cessation of horse-drawn carriages in New York City, expands enforcement across departments and sets a path toward reform that could culminate in a City Council vote on a complete ban. The administration has said the City Council would need to approve any final prohibition, while the executive order seeks to tighten oversight in the interim.
The order directs the NYPD to prioritize enforcement against carriages that illegally solicit fares or drive in traffic and in bicycle lanes, which may be difficult to avoid in Central Park's redesigned loop. The Department of Transportation will study current boarding locations and propose relocation spots to less-frequented areas of the park. The order also directs the creation of a voluntary license return process for drivers and considers new employment opportunities in tourism.
Adams cited past incidents, including the deaths of horses Ryder and Lady, as he framed the issue as one of animal welfare and public safety. City Hall said Ryder's Law, named for the horse who collapsed and died, would ban the carriages but has been stalled in the health committee since last summer; officials said the executive order is designed to add urgency to the legislative push. 'By voicing an opinion, we’re hoping it will give the legislation a push,' a City Hall representative said.
Additionally, the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that maintains the park, recently broke with a neutral stance to oppose horse-drawn carriages on public health and safety grounds following years of neutrality. The move underscores a broader shift in the debate over the future of a longstanding Central Park fixture.
Adams said this is not about erasing a tradition but about honoring it in a way that aligns with who New Yorkers are today. The plan also leaves room for options such as an electric carriage program so visitors can enjoy Central Park without horses or a horse stable inside the park.
As the City Council must approve a complete ban, Ryder's Law has been in the health committee since last summer. The executive order reframes the issue and adds administrative pressure to act.
City Hall said it would explore new employment opportunities in tourism and offer a voluntary license return process for drivers, and study relocation of boarding sites to support future tourism. The administration notes the goal is to balance public health and safety with economic realities and the cultural significance of Central Park’s carriage trade.
Observers say the move marks a shift in how the city approaches a long-running tourism fixture and animal-welfare concerns, potentially reshaping the park’s iconic landscape for years to come.
