With the Health Department cracking down on the carriage horse industry, it seems stable horses are next on their list—if their proposed regulations go through, the animals may receive the same breaks animal rights activists have been fighting for. But one Brooklyn Stable owner tells the Daily News that if he has to give his horses 5-week vacations, bigger stalls and install a sprinkler system in his barn... it would break the bank.
The Kensington Stable owner says, "I want to keep horseback riding affordable for Brooklyn families, but I don't see how I can do that. What am I supposed to do—become a ritzy, snobby barn that charges $100?" His current charge is $37 per ride in Prospect Park.
While the proposed changes would lead towards more humane treatment, one local whose daughter takes lessons at the stable says, "It's a horrible idea to imagine taking horses out of Prospect Park."
The Health Department is allegedly reviewing comments submitted during a public hearing, and their proposal will be submitted at the next Board of Health meeting.
