New York City’s carriage horse drivers are back in the saddle, but not before being poked in the nose.
The carriages rolled out for the first time in six months Saturday with new safety protocols.
Drivers were tested for the coronavirus before their shifts and hand sanitizer was available for passengers.
The Central Park rides, a staple for tourists, were offered free yesterday for front-line workers.
Christina Hansen, a spokeswoman for the industry, said it was slowly coming back with only about dozen carriages out yesterday.
“We restarted the business so we can get back in time for Christmas,” she said. “It’s the season of the year that we get a lot of our business from the tri-state area and locals.”
She said the horses seemed to notice the proliferation in outdoor dining, although none tried to make a break for a meal.
“The horses are happy to be back at work,” said Frank Riccobono, an owner of NYC Horse Carriage Rides.
But not everyone was glad to see them. Opponents of the industry protested on 59th Street. Members of TWU Local 100, which represents drivers, were there to counter them.
