Text on a black background with a red band in the middle. The text reads: 'Urban Equine Rescue Coalition', with the words 'Urban' and 'Coalition' in white and 'Equine Rescue' in red.

We are a united network of equine industry professionals, welfare experts, and rescue and sanctuary leaders. Together, we’re standing up for horses who have been forgotten, mistreated, or exploited — starting with those pulling carriages through New York City’s streets.

We proudly support Ryder’s Law, landmark legislation that will end NYC’s horse-drawn carriage industry and transition every horse into safe, loving retirement.

Our mission is simple:
Expose the lies. Demand compassion. Make defending NYC’s carriage horses a no-brainer.

Our campaign is about calling out the horse sh*t excuses that keep animals suffering. We’re here to cut through the noise, mock the outdated, and push New York City toward compassion and progress.

A brown horse with purple and black harnesses and decorations, including purple fuzzy covers and rhinestones, standing on a paved path in a park. Two pigeons are near the horse's feet, and two women are sitting on the grass in the background.

Current Reality:

Right now, NYC carriage horses have no guaranteed retirement plan. Once they are retired or deemed unfit for work:

  • Many are sent to auction houses, risking sale for slaughter.

  • Others are shipped to working farms in Pennsylvania, often under conditions that do not prioritize their welfare.

  • There is no systemic oversight ensuring that these horses live out their lives safely and comfortably.

  • Many of these horses are unaccounted for - this is a deep concern.

A peaceful rural scene during sunset with a pastel sky, green field, trees in the background, a wooden fence, and two horses grazing.

Our Coalition’s Efforts:

Our coalition is working to place every retired carriage horse into a sanctuary where they can enjoy proper care and peaceful retirement.

  • There are approximately 160 horses that will need sanctuary placement.

  • We have a network of sancturies and private homes that meet the strict welfare criteria.

  • Each sanctuary is carefully vetted to ensure that horses receive appropriate nutrition, medical care, turnout, and socialization.

  • This initial list has been submitted to the City of New York along with Ryder’s Law

Why It Matters:
Retirement is not a luxury it is a basic requirement for humane treatment. Providing sanctuaries protects horses from abuse, neglect, and life-threatening situations after their working careers end.

SUPPORT RYDER’S LAW

and sanctuary initiatives to ensure that every horse in the NYC carriage industry has a safe, dignified retirement.