Central Park’s Symbol: The Horse Carriages Are on the Verge of Removal!

In New York, U.S., a horse-drawn carriage tradition dating back approximately 160 years is at a critical juncture. While the removal of the carriages, one of Central Park's most recognized symbols, is being debated, the futures of hundreds of people working in the sector remain uncertain.

ABDPost New York representative Özlem Özgüt Yörekli met with Nurettin Kırbıyık, who has been driving a carriage in Central Park for 22 years and also played a carriage driver in a Woody Allen film, and listened in on the behind-the-scenes discussions and the actual demands of the carriage drivers.

90% probability of fantasy removal

Kırbıyık, who appeared in assessments about the future of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, cited that more than half of New York City Council members signed an initiative supporting the removal of the carriages.

Kırbıyık assesses the 90 percent likelihood of Fayton's removal, but it has not yet been finalized.He emphasized that no decision was found.

According to Kırbıyık, one of the main reasons for the delay in the vote is the lack of agreement yet on how to secure the investments of fayton owners and the future of those working in the sector.

Kırbıyık said that talks are being held between the municipal administration and the union representing the workers, and that the parties expect to find a common solution.

There are Three Different Solutions at the Fayton Owners' Table

Opposing the complete elimination of the sector, Kırbıyık explained that the proposals presented to the municipality aim not only to prevent economic losses but also to improve the living conditions of the animals.

The first proposal foresees modernizing the system by reducing the number of faytons.

Kırbıyık said that reducing the current number from 68 to 30 would create a more controlled working arrangement. He suggested paying fayton owners who wish to quit or retire, and for the remaining businesses he demanded stricter veterinary checks and modern care conditions.

Among the proposals are new stop systems where horses can be safely tied, veterinary services available 24 hours a day, and special vehicles that will transport sick horses.

What Will the Hundred-Thousand-Dollar Investment Be?

Kırbıyık, who said that the complete removal of horse-drawn carriages would cause business owners to suffer serious economic losses, drew attention to the size of investments made in the sector.Kırbıyık, who said that the investment in a single horse-drawn carriage business averages over $500,000, argued that the value of business rights could exceed one million dollars.

He stated that, therefore, if the municipality decides to eliminate horse-drawn carriages, they want business owners to receive appropriate compensation.

Kırbıyık, who suggested that electric tour vehicles could replace horse-drawn carriages, recommended that existing operators and drivers continue working in this new system.Kırbıyık said that his aim was not to confront the city, but to seek a compromise that would protect the rights of both animals and workers.

"We’re Not Just Making Money, We’re Keeping a 160‑Year‑Old Story Alive"

Emphasizing that horse-drawn carriage riding is not merely a livelihood for them, Kırbıyık said that horse-drawn carriages hold an important place in Central Park’s historic identity.Kırbıyık argued that the tradition, which has continued for about 160 years, should not be abruptly ended, and that the profession is part of New York’s cultural memory.He offered a striking proposal to ensure that this heritage would not be forgotten if the carriages were removed.

Kırbıyık explained that they want a statue in Central Park representing an old carriage, and a monument bearing the names of the carriage drivers who have sustained the profession for years.

He was moved while recounting the death of his 16‑year‑old horse Deniz.

The most emotional moments of the interview came when Nurettin Kırbıyık spoke about his 16‑year‑old horse Deniz, whom he lost in recent months.

Kırbıyık, who described Deniz as healthy and energetic up until his death, said the incident occurred while they were stopped in Central Park to take photographs.

According to Kırbıyık, Deniz ate the poisonous porcupine plant found in the park, known in English as Japanese yew. The horse, which went into a state of convulsion shortly thereafter, died.

Kırbıyık said the horse was sent to Cornell University to determine the cause of death, and that the autopsy pointed to the poisonous plant. This information is based on the findings he reported.

Kırbıyık, who said Deniz was not an ordinary animal to them, explained that the horse's name came from a child in his family. He said the loss caused him a great psychological collapse.

A Call to the Central Park Administration: ‘A Warning Table for Poisonous Plants Should Be Posted’

After the horse's death, Kırbıyık, who expressed sorrow over some social media comments, insisted that carriage drivers should not be blamed without investigating the causes of animal deaths.

Kırbıyık stated that comprehensive regulations exist in New York regarding the health and working conditions of carriage horses, and that allegations of animal mistreatment must be investigated seriously, though he noted that not every death constitutes neglect or mistreatment.

Kırbıyık demanded an apology and preventive measures from the New York park administration over the presence of the plant blamed for Deniz's death.

Kırbıyık urged the placement of warning tables in areas where poisonous plants grow, emphasizing that similar incidents must not befall other animals.

Is a period ending in Central Park?

The future of the horse-drawn carriages, which have become synonymous with New York’s tourist identity, will depend on the steps the city will take.

On one side are those who want to eliminate the carriages on the grounds of animal welfare; on the other side are operators who argue for preserving the historic tradition and protecting the workers.

Nurettin Kırbıyık, who has been operating horse‑drawn carriages in Central Park for 22 years, wants the tradition to be modernized rather than completely ended.

The exclusive interview conducted by U.S. Post New York Representative Özlem Özgüt Yörekli in Central Park not only brought the future of the carriages into focus but also highlighted the stories and concerns of those who have devoted years to the profession.

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