For 165 years, Central Park has been home to its iconic carriage horses, a tradition that began in 1858 when the park opened to the public. The first carriages were drawn by a small herd of horse and quickly became a symbol of the park’s charm and accessibility.

Today, each ride costs $77.22 for the first 20 minutes, a price that reflects the upkeep of the horses, the facilities, and the historic equipment. The fee has sparked debate among visitors and city officials, and recent reports suggest the practice may be ending as the city reevaluates the sustainability of the service.

A tour through the archives reveals how the carriage program evolved: from the original wooden carriages to the modern, horse‑powered tour vehicles, and how the park’s management has balanced tradition with contemporary concerns about animal welfare and tourism.

Whether the carriage horses will continue to trot along the park’s avenues remains uncertain, but their legacy as a beloved New York landmark endures, offering insight into the city’s evolving relationship with its public spaces.