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Central Park -- New York City by Feng Shui Long Island & New York

Central Park New York City by Feng Shui Long Island & New York

After a recent Feng Shui Consultation in New York City recently, I headed up to Central Park. I lucked out with a beautiful, warm day and while I should be used to seeing these horses, I still have mixed feelings about them.

New York City is legendary for their Carriage Rides through Central Park. And years ago I'd taken my children on one; I hadn't looked closely at the Horse at the time and he fell ill during the ride. I hated seeing the horse in such distress and we left the ‘ride.'

I haven't taken another trip around Central Park since that time except by foot....and once, one of those little ‘bicycle cars' that people pedal. I have mixed feelings about the Carriage Rides through Central Park these days as I watch the Horses now. Their eyes are directed straight ahead and you always wonder how much of a break they actually get on those busy, beautiful days.

Central Park New York City by Feng Shui NYC Consultant Carole Provenzale

Still, they are part of New York City. One of the magical parts I probably would miss seeing. I believe if I knew the horses were someplace where they were free and could roam, I'd get along without them just fine.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

New York Feng Shui Consultant

**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan), Queens and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com

Posted by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York on 09/30/2009 11:35 PM

Comments (24)

Central Park in the Regional (Localism) Channel

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24 Comments on Central Park -- New York City by Feng Shui Long Island & New York

SEP

they had them in Austin and Niagara on the Lake - we could wish that on some level they love being tour guides and showing off their city? (wishful thinking huh?)

Carole..we have them here in Philadelphia to..I love seeing them ..I had a tour many many years ago..it is a fabulous tour..it does add history and culture to the city..No I don't think thats where they would be ..they are lucky to have a job..(don't want to say where they would be) They add beauty to the city

HELPFULHANNAH

OCT

Carole,

I think there are now laws limiting the hours the horses are labored. Ditto for the load size.

My favorite part is to wonder just how many couples have become engaged while riding through Central Park in such a carriage!

If I remember correctly, the Guiliani administration put some strict laws into effect regarding the hours and conditions the horses are put through.

The carriage rides are definitely a wonderful thing to do when visiting the park...but only if the ones leading the way are treated kindly.

You have such a good heart Carole. The horse probably enjoys the work if they are cared for by the driver. If you ever see any being mistreated it should be reported. I think they are allowed ample time for R and R and beleive they do enjoy doing their jobs

Carole, I don't like the rides either. On the very hot days, I always wonder just how hot and uncomfortable it is for the animals.

It's probably not as bad as it seems to us ... but I don't know.

Hi Carole, Beautiful animal! When we go to St. Augustine for the day, they also have the horse carriage rides. I, too, wonder how many hours a day these horses are worked. And, do they work 7 days a week?

Carole - I emphathize with the horses as well, and also wonder about how much of a break they do get. I'm sure it is so routine for them. I have been on a sleigh ride drawn by horses in Idaho - that was pretty cool!

Carole - Great photo ! We have the horses too in Philly in the historical distrct. We have those mixed feelings as well. They are such beautiful and majestic creatures.

Hi Carol...Great Photo !, we have them in Victoria too. I know the people look after them well, and that's what I keep in my thoughts, they are getting attention, feed well and lots of Love. They just happen to be working horses, and live a longer life than most of the other breeds, so I think they are better off.

Cheers, have a great day!

Liz, It might be wishful thinking. They just don't look happy to me :(

Hannah, They do add charm and class, I agree. I just picture them on a farm somewhere and think how much happier they might be. I hadn't thought of the other alternative!

Irene, They are laws...which doesn't mean they are abided by. I've seen some of these beautiful animals foaming at the mouth. It's a tough job and they pull so much weight.

Craig, I don't believe those laws are followed. I've seen some of these beautiful animals that look exhausted and sometimes don't see the best treatment of them. There's really no way to police those laws.

Paddy, I actually did report the one we had taken years ago. I don't know if they ever followed up on it and I do wonder how many people take the time to report it.

Sylvie, I think they are overworked and overtired. I can imagine them without bits in their mouths and those blinders off....

Sandy, I don't know if they "rotate" the horses but they are in the park all day long. If I go in the morning and come out in the afternoon I will often see the same horses. Lovely city, St. Augustine!

Sharon, That must have been fun! That's not even something I've seen :)

Christopher & Stephanie, My feelings are definitely mixed. They are just gorgeous animals...I imagine they would be SO much happier to be on a farm and free!

Fred, I don't see them get lots of love here....and I do watch. They may be treated differently or I may just keep remembering the one we had that was so deathly ill.

New York City by Feng Shui New York Consultant Carole Provenzale

Carole - Perhaps you could help get those horses unionized:-) I fully understand your concern. Maybe it would be easier if they rotated horses, or had two horses pulling each carriage to help with the load! How are you at union organizing:-) If all else fails, contact PETA!

Carole - it does look like a lot of work compared to the horses that live near us, although they have their work days too I guess.

Carole--One of the last times I was in NYC I remember walking past a horse and carriage outside of a restaurant awaiting a special couple. In the carriage was a huge bouquet of yellow roses and a bottle of champange....someone was going to be surprise with a very special evening. It was all so romantic.

Carole: I know it's one of those quaint, nostagic sort of experiences, even romantic but I too, worry about the horses. We have carriage rides in downtown Blue Ridge at times and I really hate it when it's during the summer and the temps are in the 90s. Some of the commments I've read state there are some strict laws so I didn't know that but I'm very glad to find that out.

Carole- Oh how we worry about the animals around us. I too have those same feelings when I see the horses in Annapolis. There is just something about them that pulls at our heart strings. Hopefully laws are in place everywhere to protect these animals of such grace and beauty.

OCT

Love Central Park and the horses and the old tavern on the green .... (but I think it is gone now.)

Hi Carole! We love animals and couldn't stand to have seen something like that. Hope Craig and Irene and correct that there are now laws in place to prevent that!

OCT

Carole thanks for the reminder. I went on a horse-drawn carriage ride in NYC a few years ago. It was a lovely experience and the horse looked to be in great shape! I should know growing up in TX I have always loved horses. Our carriage horse was a Morgan about 14 hands, and the deepest black color with just a touch of white in his mane & tail. He was gorgeous! I threatened to take him home with me!!

;)

OCT

Hi Carole-Now that would be a treat while in NYC but you have to wonder if the horses are treating poorly. Hope you are doing well. Have a great week. <SMILE>

OCT

It's a sad story you told. I think we should be happy these horses have a purpose, because I don't think their alternative is to be frolicking in a sunny pasture. Their other options are probably much worse. If their owners are doing well, we can only hope they treat their animals with respect.

Hi Carole - One would hope that they treat the horses well :) I know our animals ( dog, parrot and fish ) are well cared for - Jeff has a heart for God's creatures. ( we would have a farm if I let him LOL )

Sincerely,

Grace

OCT

Myrl, I do know they have stricter laws in effect but there is honestly no one to enforce them. While I love the nostalgia, I've seen some ill horses and it's sad. Central park is filled with hills and carrying families in hot weather must be difficult.

Kevin & Monica, Maybe it depends on the driver that day. The kind ones who give them food and water and some that I've seen that don't take breaks for the animals.

Teri, It's true, they ARE romantic and a stroll around the park can be lovely. After my experience, we walk!

Donna, They are such beautiful animals. I have seen some not treated well in spite of the laws and there is no way to enforce them anyway. I wonder if there isn't a nicer alternative.

Martha, They are gorgeous, aren't they? Sometimes I see them sick or overworked and it really makes me sad.

Bob & Carolin, Tavern on the Green is alive and well! I did a post on it last year....spectacular place :) And the Oak Room is back, it was rebuilt and is back in the Plaza.

Al & Peggy, I do wish the laws would protect them; I'm not sure they do infortunately.

Betina, It would be a good idea to check the horses before boarding. My experience some years back was horrible and still when I watch them, they seem overworked to me.

Sharon, Hopefully they are treated better then they once were!

Georgina, They are too beautiful to be put to sleep....surely there are horse farms?

Grace, My animals too are treated every bit as well as my children. That's what they are to me. I'd have a farm myself if I could!

OCT

Hey, Carole - Just remember that all animals get sick occasionallyl, sometimes unexpectedly, just like humans, which are animals by the way. So I wouldn't worry about one animal. If you see all of them sick, dehydrated, malnourished, that's a different story. From the little research I've done on the carriage horses here and in Texas indicate that they are very well cared for.

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