These are just a few records from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene documenting carriage horse deaths from 2019–2023. We will continue to update this as more information becomes available. These represent only reported cases; the industry’s lack of transparency means the true scale of the problem is likely far higher.

It’s understandable that not everyone fully understands horse health, so it’s important to break down how the carriage horse lifestyle directly correlates to these deaths. 

One alarming trend is the high frequency of colic, a digestive disorder that is largely preventable with proper management, consistent diets, adequate hydration, sufficient forage, turnout, and regular exercise all significantly reduce risk.

Within the carriage industry, horses are routinely confined to small stalls, fed inconsistent or overly grain-heavy rations, and denied turnout and exercise. 

These conditions create exactly the circumstances that lead to colic and other preventable illnesses. 

The industry dismisses these deaths as “natural,” shifting blame away from the neglectful practices that directly contribute to fatalities.

This is not a series of isolated tragedies, it is systemic neglect. The industry must be held accountable for creating and perpetuating conditions that endanger the lives of these animals.