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Speechless Sunday | NYC Hansom Cabs

By Mitchell J Hall

Real Estate Agent

August 18, 2012 11:45 PM

Carriage Rides in Central Park!

The Hansom cab is a kind of horse-drawn carriage designed and patented in 1834 by Joseph Hansom.

It's a quintessential NYC tourist thing to do - to take a Hansom cab ride around Central Park.

The cabs line up around the south end of the park, across from the famous Plaza Hotel.

Hansom Carriage

Animal rights activists are calling for an end to Hansom cab rides in NYC

Hansom Horse Drawn Carriage

Animal advocacy groups support a bill banning rides on horse-drawn carriages in New York City.

Should Hansom cabs stay in NYC? What do you think?

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Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi

NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL

708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Mitchell: I'd be interested as to why they are calling for an end to these services? How do they believe the animal is being mistreated or used improperly? Can you provide some input as to the foundation of their protest?? Interesting to follow this ...

Gene

Aug 19, 2012 12:59 AM

Hannah Williams

HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA

Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Mitchell We have these in Philadelphia too ! They tour the historic Center City the founding founders homes and the history behind Philly it is a wonderous tour . I say YES YES YES ! They should stay !

HelpfulHannah

Aug 19, 2012 01:04 AM

Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.

pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA

SF NYC LA

Hi Mitchell - I know this issue has been around for several years. It's a shame, really. To no longer have that "clip clok" sound would change the vibrancy of the park and the surrounding streets. I agree that they should stay!

Aug 19, 2012 05:01 AM

Mitchell J Hall

Manhattan, NY

Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Thanks for all the comments. It's unanimous. We all agree. They should stay.

The animal activist's have been calling for the ban of horse-drawn carriages for years. Supporters of the movement claim it is abusive to the animals. A horse collapsed recently. Every time there is an accident (very rare) the activists claim "Horses don’t belong in the city” "Cruelty to animals" The anti horse carriage activists are calling for electric cars instead.

My solution: If the streets are so cruel and dangerous for horses then keep the horses in the park. Have them parked inside the park instead of outside on the busy street, Central Park South.

I already miss the horses, bridle paths, horseback riding and Claremont riding Academy and stables. I used to ride in the park back in the 80's. The bridle paths have been taken over by baby strollers, bikes, joggers and roller blades.

Full Disclosure: If they ban horse-drawn carriages from NYC, I will never be able to sell an apartment with this view again,-)

24 Central Park South

Aug 19, 2012 07:48 AM

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi

NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL

708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Mitchell: Thanks for the update on this topic. I'm assuming that the business is regulated in some manner by the City ... and the animals care is or should be without question. Certainly if those regulations are adhered to ... and the horses are out of danger, this shouldn't be an issue?? Hopefully better heads prevail on this ... and the romance and "flavor" of the City surrounding these paths is not eradicated. Best of luck ... and keep us posted ...

Gene

Aug 20, 2012 02:52 AM

Kerrie La Guardia

ActiveRain, Community Manager - Kirkland, WA

Let it Rain!

How very romantic. I'm sure brides take the trip and depart at the Plaza? Ahhhh...can you imagine? Magical!

Aug 20, 2012 06:22 AM

Jenny Durling

L.A. Property Solutions - Los Angeles, CA

For Los Angeles real estate help 213-215-4758

I hope they never ban them. I've got wonderful childhood memories of riding in a horse drawn carriage. Wish we had them in Los Angeles!

Aug 20, 2012 07:48 AM

Bruce Walter

Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Mitchell, I think that would be a great way to slow down. You also have to think of the Amish visitors to the city! Case closed! The carriages stay!

Aug 20, 2012 02:20 PM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Mitch, all the years I lived in New York, and this may be the one thing I didn't do! Gotta put it on my list.

Aug 21, 2012 05:20 AM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Mitchell,

Definitely a New York icon. Thanks for choosing this to post. :)

Steve

Aug 21, 2012 03:53 PM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Mitchell,

Congratulations. This post is now featured on "Speechless Sundays." :)

Steve

Aug 22, 2012 03:03 PM

Mitchell J Hall

Manhattan, NY

Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Thanks for all the comments,Thanks for the feature!

Below is the Animal activists opposing view:

The Humane Society of the United States’ New York State Director Brian Shapiro in response to news reports that a carriage horse in New York City was involved in an accident:

“This incident demonstrates how continuing to use carriage horses on our busy New York City streets puts the animals and the public at risk.

While the injuries sustained were thankfully not too severe, other incidents over the years have resulted in carriage horses dying in the street, serious injuries to people, and major property damage.

It is clear that cities and urban areas are dangerous and stressful conditions for horses to work and live in. The Humane Society of the United States urges the New York City Council to pass Intro. 86A, which would phase out horse carriages and replace them with eco-friendly antique replica cars.

Passage of the law would also bolster the local tourist economy by giving carriage drivers priority in applying for the show car licenses—a win-win situation that protects both jobs and the safety and welfare of horses and people in New York City.”

Aug 24, 2012 01:50 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Hey, Mitch! I included this post in Last Week's Favorites. Have a great week!

Aug 25, 2012 09:56 PM

Andrea Swiedler

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT

Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

I am an animal lover, I am all for treating all animals with respect. I also think that people go overboard. More people get killed by taxis than by horses. And there are drivers everywhere who collapse behind the wheel of a car.

They should focus on checking the animals treatement if they are worried.

What a shame...

Aug 25, 2012 09:59 PM

Debbie Gartner

The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY

The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Oh yes, this is an NYC tradition for sure!

Aug 25, 2012 10:33 PM

Gabe Sanders

Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL

Stuart Florida Real Estate

One of the more charming aspects of Manhattan. The horse should stay and the owners should be monitored that they take good care of their steeds.

Aug 25, 2012 10:35 PM

Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate

Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR

Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Simply gorgeous! I want to go! I've always wanted to visit NYC and just haven't gotten around to it. Definately on my to do list... and to ride in one of these while there!

Gretchen

Aug 26, 2012 04:35 AM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Mitchell:

Thanks for the reminder. We are traveling to New York in October. I am going to urge my husband that we should take a hansom cab. So cool.

Aug 26, 2012 09:48 AM

Debbie Cook

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Silver Spring, MD

Silver Spring and Takoma Park Maryland Real Estate

The horses should stay! At least they have jobs - when the horse is retired or laid off, where will they have to go. These animal rights activists go overboard - never thinking about the unintended consequences for the horse (i.e worse treatment and maybe homeless, when it gets laid off). I say let them keep their jobs and stay. Besides, they are so beautiful and charming.

Aug 26, 2012 02:11 PM

Sandy Acevedo

951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA

RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

I say keep them and keep them safe, too! What an educational ride that would be, a flashback to old times.

Aug 27, 2012 04:48 AM

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