Carriage horse makes mad dash

moonpie (anonymous) says...

Surprise, surprise, surprise....? I am glad no one was killed but also surprised this kind of thing doesn't happen more often on these narrow streets. With as spooky as horses are it doesn't take much to set them off.

January 10, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

robbybobby (anonymous) says...

women drivers. nuff said.

January 10, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

orpheus (anonymous) says...

i agree early. the cops should have shot the animal except they are never there when you need them. my solution is to equip the drivers of these carrages with oh lets say a 44 magnum with laser sights. then if it happens again they can solve the problem asap.

January 10, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

thesopranpoes (anonymous) says...

Thank god they have those air bags hanging off the rear end of those horses or it could have been worse!

January 10, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ematticks (anonymous) says...

How ignorant can yall be? That's a great idea lets kill all of the animals that bring our city so much money from tourists every year. I do not know what it is that you can say you do to help out Charleston economically but I am almost 100% positive that the horses and the drivers downtown are more productive than you are! These horses are born and raised to do this kind of work and to kill them for having a freak accident is as good of an idea as killing a person for driving a car, looking over to the side of the road to check something out or pulling out their cell phones and then getting in a wreck. Oh look a person just got in an accident do you think you should kill them too? Before you make ignorant statements like that you should consider how beneficial these animals are to the city you call home.

January 10, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

imagoldenstar (anonymous) says...

Are you kidding me? Shoot the animal? If your brakes went out in your car no one would shoot you. Accidents happen. Look up the number of carriage accidents opposed to automobile accidents in the tour routes ALONE and then make your decision. Carriage accidents in Charleston do NOT happen often and when they do the right precautions are taken, SAME as an automobile. Some horses work out some don't. Training is a long process for carriage horses JUST as drivers take tests to be on the road. If you have a drivers license you should agree that the carriage horses and drivers are better drivers than any downtown maniacs that try and fly around them. Tourism supports all of you.

January 10, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...

Oh, robby. Oh, orpheus. They shoot horses, don't they? I do adore a dry sense of humor.
Most of us get it, but others think you're serious about women drivers and slaughtering horses. Sigh.

January 10, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DaleWest53 (anonymous) says...

These horses/mules and drivers in Charleston are extremely well trained....but accidents happen. This was a freak accident. Remember the Explorer that lost a wheel, jumped the guard rail and plummeted into the river? Accident. BTW, all horses aren't spooky...that was an unfair statement. If you aren't horse oriented then I would suggest refraining from negative comments.

January 10, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

autumnskye13 (anonymous) says...

Shooting the horse isn't going to solve anything. Saying that shooting the horse because it was scared and did what instinct told it to do...run...is like say we should shoot a dog for digging in the dirt. The drivers of the charleston carriage industry are well trained especially for situations like these. It was a freak thing. Yes i believe that it was tragic that people were hurt, but things like this happen rarely. The carriage industry carry thousands of people every year on carriage rides and you never hear about what a great time people had or how they enjoyed their trip, you only hear about the accidents. Tourism is what supports the city of charleston, and the city of charleston should support tourism. I agree with imagoldenstar that the maniacs downtown drivers are the worst, speeding around carriages and getting close to, or even hitting the horses, then speeding away because they don't want to take responsiblity. This city runs because of tourist, you take that away and the city would not be as great as it is, those million dollar house won't be as much anymore because no one would care. I support the carriage industry, keep up the good work!

January 10, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yeahright (anonymous) says...

Shoot whoever was responsible for fastening the horse's bridle.

January 10, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

disco (anonymous) says...

yeahright - I like your way of thinking...

January 10, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

These tours are an icon for Charleston. You hardly ever see a less than full carriage. Each carriage pays .50 per passenger to the city each time they go out. They also pay around an $18,000.00 a year fee to the city as well as about $200.00 per week for clean up.

I am sorry to hear about this. It does not happen often. Old South is a good company.

January 10, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

pepeboy (anonymous) says...

I live in Michigan and am the father of the driver. I have rode many times with her. She is a professional at what she does. Accidents do happen. She so loves and cares for the horses also. What happened was out of her control. She feels extremely bad for the ones touring. To all the drivers of the companies, keep up the good professional work.

January 10, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ticket3477 (anonymous) says...

im surprised it doesnt happen more often. Those horses have to drag around tourists every day...Im really not even surprised.

January 10, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

Oh golly, now PETA will be back in town :+0

January 10, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

redheadedD (anonymous) says...

I love how human nature always focuses on the negative. As many tourists take wonderful tours everyday from our carriage industry we, as humans need to focus on the very few times that accidents happen. For one I am a friend of the driver of that carriage and she is one of the best in the industry. She has been driving carriages for at least 12 years and knows horses better than most people know their own children. We all know accidents can happen and it was fortunate that it happened to someone as experienced as her who knows what to do for the wellbeing of her horse and her group of tourists. As for the shooting comment... not funny. The comment about the cleanup... if it took forever ya'll would complain even more. I don't ask you to love the carriage industry. Just support the industry that supports you.

January 10, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

desspec (anonymous) says...

Maybe the state should require seat belts & helmets while riding in carriages ....

January 10, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cschmitt (anonymous) says...

Having grown up in Charleston for 25 years and been a richshaw driver (bicycle taxi driver), I was in close encounters with the horse and carriage tours. autumnskye13's comment above is very true. Those tour companies bring in more money into our economy than almost any other tourism business in charleston. These horse drawn carriage tours are probably one of the top five tourism draws for Charleston as a whole. They give Charleston a personality, they provide jobs to residents ranging from college students-to retired folks. Before you make "immature" comments about an event, please make sure you are actually serious about the words you choose.

January 10, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

captivated (anonymous) says...

Boy, our local ambulance chasers must be salivating over this one! It's times like this when I wish I had stayed in law school.

January 10, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

greyrider (anonymous) says...

If PETA does show up, I hope somebody throws eggs at them.

January 10, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jilltar (anonymous) says...

As a former carriage driver, I can't say I'm surprised at the kinds of comments I have read so far about this article. It's a sad fact of being a driver that the people who know nothing about these animals are the first to raise a cry when something happens; whether it is to falsely accuse us of mistreating them in the summertime or to condemn both driver and animal when a freak accident occurs. The driver who was involved in this unfortunate accident trained me years ago, and I will not hesitate to say that she is one of the best and most experienced carriage drivers in Charleston. The horse involved is a well-trained and good-tempered animal who deserves a long life at a job where he is respected and cared for. I tell you this because I'm sure none of you who have lashed out at them know either the driver or the horse. These animals are not machines; they cannot simply be turned on and driven from point A to point B. They are also not pets, and they deserve a lot more respect than they are often given by some of the people they encounter in downtown. These are 2000 lb., very powerful work horses. They are by nature quite docile, but they can be frightened just like people given the right circumstances. I wish I could tell you how many times I have had to calm a horse who was frightened by someone (almost always a local) honking loudly as they passed or cutting right under his nose or simply screaming out the window at us. The driver of yesterday's carriage has had a hundred times more of that kind of behaviour than myself in her long career. The reason that accidents like yesterday's are rare in Charleston is that both drivers and horses are trained extremely well before they take to the streets. What happened yesterday was simply an accident; nothing broke, nobody buckled something wrong, it was just an accident. Fortunately, the horse stopped when he realized something had gone terribly wrong behind him. He has the ability to keep dragging three times that kind of weight behind him, but he didn't. Fortunately, also, the driver (who was also pretty badly banged up) was able to get to him and keep him calm while she waited for help to arrive.

Charleston has one of the best reputations in the country for carriage tours, and has some of the best horses and drivers in the country as well. As was pointed out earlier, this industry brings in a huge portion of the tourist dollars to the city, and we all benefit by it. I only hope that the many locals who appreciate the hard work that these animals and guides do will continue to show their support, and that those who have lashed out with no knowledge or background would bother to get to know a little bit about this industry and these hard-working animals.

January 10, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SCgal (anonymous) says...

If PETA does show up, I hope somebody throws eggs at them.....

and we know exactly where to get those eggs!!!!

January 10, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MiMommy (anonymous) says...

Are you people serious? My sister is very good at her job. She has worked long and hard to get the respect she very much deserves. How dare you talk about shooting her horse. On what planet do you people think that is funny? If you were partnered with someone at your job and an accident occured, would you want someone to be joking about shooting your partner? I think not. I have been on many tour rides when visiting Charleston and with many companies. Passenger safety is one of their main concerns. These tour guides go through a lot of training as do their horses. This was an accident, just like rigging coming loose at a construction site. No one means for it to happen, but it does once in a great while. And just because it did happen doesn't give you the right to make it sound like it happens all the time. These people and what they do are what makes me recommend people to visit your great city when visiting South Carolina. So you should be thanking them not tearing them and their animals down for your own personal amusement. Haven't they been put through enough. The driver was seriously hurt yet was still more concerned about her passengers and her horse. Yet no one seems to care about that. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

January 10, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

theronce (anonymous) says...

This may have been common a hundred years ago or so.

January 10, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

skeeter (anonymous) says...

As a former carriage driver I only have one thing to say:
Tip your tour guide dang it!!!!
You're the best Jodie! John G formerly of Olde Towne and Polo.

January 10, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Pratt07 (anonymous) says...

To the carriage drivers, I have been on your tours, and enjoyed them very much. I must say you speak very well about our city and your knowledge and accuracy impress me :)

About the carriages, how often are they inspected as far as the stability of them? I understand this happened because of the horse's bridle, but I was just wondering.

And I don't think that they really meant to shoot the horse...I believe they are referencing the article regarding Mr. Smith.

January 10, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

robbybobby (anonymous) says...

oh great, not only a woman driver but a yankee woman driver from michigan to boot. as the joker said,this town needs an enema.

January 10, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ForPnC (anonymous) says...

This was an accident.
The ambulance chasers are out.
The shooting comment was a joke.
TaDa!

The horses are beautiful and when not pulling I ask the drivers if I can pet them. I don't support the business.

January 10, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

succi (anonymous) says...

I am not surprised this happened to and Old South carriage. I personally have been hit by a horse driven by this company while crossing in the crosswalk when I had the WALK light.

Old South's drivers spend more time with their back to the horse and traffic than they do watching where they are going and DON'T tell me about peripheral vision either. I have worked in downtown for 16 years, in the market area for 12 of those years, so I know of what I speak. Old South's drivers are the worst of carriage drivers.

When I have visitors from out of town, I always suggest one of three other carriage companies. I have taken tours from 4 companies, and I always tell my guests and relatives to avoid Old South at all costs. Maybe if the company had been more sympathetic when their driver ran me down, then I might be more sympathetic to this incident. But I was told to just look out where I was walking and ask if I was sure I was complaining about the correct company. They are the only ones in Cutesy costumes who drive with their backs to traffic and the horse.

January 10, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Melinda (anonymous) says...

Whoever suggested they shoot the horse is absolutely ridiculous!!! I am not a tree-hugger, but what the heck is killing the horse gonna do?? Is it going to make the injured people heal??? Is it going to turn back time??? Is it going to close down all carriage rides?? NO. A horse is very much like a young child. It know what it wants, needs, hates, loves, etc. but can't communicate it. Are you suggesting that you would shoot your child if it acted out, because it could not communicate???? If you were scared of something I am sure you would run too. This horse did not show any signs of violent behavior, aggresion, or intent of hurting anyone.

January 10, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Melinda (anonymous) says...

Attn Orpheus: you stated that you think carriage drivers should be equipped with 44 magnums with lasers to solve the problem faster!! Why don't we just give everyone guns and whenever there is a problem, we just shoot it (sarcastically). Maybe that is why they have found LOADED GUNS in our ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, cause people say dumb things like that and that is how they teach their children to handle a situation

January 10, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

dianed43 (anonymous) says...

probably trying to escape cruelty to animals. these horses belong in a pasture not the crowded streets of charleston.

January 10, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

imagoldenstar (anonymous) says...

Hey Diane.. your leather boots belong in a pasture too. I wish we could all sip drinks on the beach for a living. Animals work to. You want animal cruelty, take a trip to China. For all of you who know nothing about carriage horses and their care, stop by and actually ask instead of assuming. These animals are very well taken care of. Work hard to play hard. Actually.. ask animal control in Charleston for all their documents the carriage industry is required to keep on their horses health and care. Why not take some of the people and crazy drivers off these "narrow streets" of Charleston. Wow.. we'd probably get less complaints on poor Southern hospitality. And as for the Old South Carriage horse almost "running" you over.. When you have a 2,000lb animal coming your way.. have that "Southern hospitality" and wait. Far more cars almost hit you and even more pedestrians walk without looking when they aren't even supposed to. The carriage business hears enough slander from people with no manners and have NO idea what goes on in the business. Educate yourself. All of us post here because we work hard for Charleston and are proud of it.. EVEN carriage drivers and horses. Ignorance is bliss...

January 10, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Topper (anonymous) says...

I was very sad to hear about the carriage accident yesterday. I have taken many tours with the young woman driver involved, and I know her to be one of the most experienced and knowledgeable drivers in Charleston. It is fortunate that she was the one on board when this accident happened. Her knowledge and love of these huge animals was what made it possible for her to calm the animal and prevent further damage. I know that these gentle giants are capable of dragging considerable amounts of weight, and the fact that she stopped him when she did kept the situation from becoming much, much worse. It is also worth noting AGAIN that the driver herself was pretty seriously injured, but her first thought was still to prevent further harm to her passengers and her horse.

As for the insulting comments made earlier about women drivers, I need only refer to the insurance statistics (and the rates that go with them) to point out how much safer female drivers are. I have spent 27 years living all over the world, but in the 10 years I have been living back home in Charleston, I have been rear-ended four times at stop signs and traffic lights by - guess who? - male drivers!! `Nuff said.

January 10, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DaleWest53 (anonymous) says...

Succi, I'll bet you walked out in front of the horse at the last minute "to get the reaction" from the driver, I see it all of the time. These horses don't have 4WD power disc brakes AND aren't machines, they're living beings. You don't have a clue.

January 10, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bunny (anonymous) says...

I find the crude comments regarding the driver of this carriage and the demise of the animal truely unwarranted. Jodie was the driver of my carriage ride during my visit to Charleston. She was a very competent driver, that kept a sharp eye on traffic as well as the horse pulling the carriage. As an "out of towner" I can tell you despite the inconvenence to some motorists, this company is valuable to the tourism of Charleston as it was one of the most pleasurable, informative tours I have taken.
I wonder if those with derogative, negative comments have ever taken a carriage ride??

January 10, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jilltar (anonymous) says...

To the person who claims to have been "run down" by an Old South horse and had so many slanderous things to say about the company: While I do not doubt that you believe your version of such a story to be true, I'm sure that had you actually been paying attention, this could have easily been prevented. Horses are not cars. They don't come with a handy brake which allows drivers to stop them behind the line. There are times when it can be very difficult to make them stand still. Drivers do try their absolute best to ensure the safety of pedestrians, but it is ultimately up to the pedestrians themselves to watch what their doing around traffic. As to the comments about Old South drivers spending more time than any others with their backs to the horse, etc., this merely serves to highlight your ignorance about the job. I can't even begin to respond to that because there is no way you could possibly understand what is actually involved in driving one of these animals and how it works. Just saying you've been in their vicinity for a number of years in no way means you know anything about these drivers and horses. Go get over a decade of driving experience like Jodie has, and then make those same ignorant remarks.

To those who make the same old tired "animal cruelty" remarks: I will also say, you don't know what you're talking about. Those of us who have worked closely with these beautiful animals can only shake our heads when these same comments are recycled over and over by those who have never so much as stepped foot inside our stables. I, personally, have grown so attached to so many of these horses, that, though I don't work there anymore, I make a point of going out to visit the ones at pasture (and, yes, they DO go out to pasture for a whole lot more vacation time than you or I get) any time I can just to say Hi. We all know every single one of them by name and can tell you in minute detail every little thing about the individual personalities which make them so rewarding to work with. So, for complete and ignorant strangers to accuse me of cruelty to these animals is personally insulting. To y'all I say, you shouldn't make your kids go to school or go outside and play, you should let them sit on a couch and play video games 24/7. I mean, that's what they WANT to do, that's what makes them the most happy. Who cares about what will keep them healthy and what is good for them? Fact is, a middle-aged draft horse working at a medium-intensity job (like the carriage job) will statistically live a much longer, healthier, and happier life than an over-fed, bored horse out at pasture. They need to work, they deserve to work, and they are fortunate to be in a job where they are loved and respected by the hard-working barn hands and drivers who spend so much time and energy to make sure these animals have the standard of life they have earned.

January 10, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

RTC (anonymous) says...

After walking several blocks downtown today I'd say you have a higher chance of a car running you over. I'll take my chances with carriages anytime.
Also, if PETA was to show up I would suggest throwing the diaper contents at them in place of good eggs. :)

January 10, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

robbybobby (anonymous) says...

melinda - take a couple of shots of something and chill.

January 10, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cofcgrad2008 (anonymous) says...

There are two good things that came out of this accident. One, no one was hurt really bad and two the horse was great after the accident. It could have been worse the horse could have carried the carriage down the road taking out other objects. The horse is fine and the driver will recover...well at least physically, mentally she was already messed up. I mean look at that stupid shirt she was wearing...poofy was out in the 1800s. Good luck to all and hope every one will be on there best behavior.

January 10, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SteveWynn (anonymous) says...

Clearly, very few people in Charleston have a sense of humor. Those people were obviously joking about shooting the horse! Unclinch people! You might wrinkle those nice khaki pants.

January 10, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jilltar (anonymous) says...

To a carriage driver, someone "joking" about shooting their horse is like someone "joking" about shooting your toddler. It's in extremely poor taste, and it's just plain not funny, I don't care what obscure reference it's supposed to be making. You may not care a thing for these animals, but they do, and those comments are just cruel.

January 10, 2008 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Reader (anonymous) says...

Succi's story of being hit by a horse seems like a bit of a tall tale. A carriage moves at about 3 m.p.h. Someone walking on the sidewalk goes about the same speed. If someone can't dodge a 1500 pound horse and carriage bearing down on them at that glacial pace, you have to wonder who it was who was not paying attention.

January 10, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

greatwhite (anonymous) says...

I have been a citizen in Charleston for almost 10 years and I have never had problems with any of the carriage companies. As a matter of fact, I have used Old South's services several times and I have always been pleased with their professionalism and kindness. Jodie is a friend who I have known for over five years and she is one of the best in the business. She loves horses and she is great at her job. She takes her job seriously and I have never seen her do anything unprofessional. To all the people who have left bad comments about her, both personal and professional, should be ashamed. Do not make useless comments about someone unless you can back them up.

Shooting a horse??? Well, I am glad to know that Charleston has some thoughtful people in this town. That is like someone telling you should have shot your favorite childhood pet. How would that make you feel? I have never worked with horses, but I have been around more than a few in my lifetime and I believe they are kind and gentle animals who are very well trained in the carriage industry. This was a tragic accident and thankfully one that does not happen very often. I was sorry to hear that it had happen. I support all of the carriage drivers in the city, especially my friend Jodi. Keep up the good work!!!!

January 11, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

beenya_toolong (anonymous) says...

That's what happens when you let some Yankee drive a horse drawn carriage in our fair city.

January 11, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mbuck (anonymous) says...

Obviously the "shooting the horse" comment was a stab at another article... please don't take "Early" and "Orpheus" seriously. As for the throwing of eggs at PETA... funny, although you may want to consider the whole chicken. Throw them both at the same time, and they can ponder which one came first! But more seriously, regarding Ms. Shearer, I offer her my entire support. I have known her for quite some years now, and even worked along her side at Old South Carriage Co. She has proven herself, over the years, to be single-handedly one of the most knowledgeable, levelheaded, and proficient drivers that the industry has ever seen. She has gained not just my respect, but the respect and defense of managers alike. What happened on Wednesday was a fluke incident, period. It had nothing to do with the driver, with who attached the bridle, nor with the quality and craftsmanship of the carriage. I am absolutely confident that there is no one other person out there who would be more competent at handling such an unfortunate situation. How she handled herself after the accident only goes to prove that she is very well trained and has exceptional crisis-management skills. Rather than chastising her sex, her state of birth, or criticizing the industry because you stepped in front of a 4,000 lbs. horse and carriage making a turn, I rather suggest that we breath a sigh-of-relief that Ms. Shearer was the one driving and not someone who could have been even slightly less confident. I guarantee that if it were a newer, less-experienced driver, the result would have been far more disconcerting.

Furthermore, I would like to reply specifically to the comment left by "Succi", "Sucky", whatever. I cannot begin to explain the laughter that I choked while reading your comment, nor can I begin to explain my lack of surprise that you left it. As a local, I am certain that you've sat around your south-of-Broad house parties with all of your other local, inbred friends, and discussed how problematic and annoying it is when your Lexus gets stuck behind a carriage on Meeting st. Not to worry, I understand perfectly well; how is one to get to their debutante cotillion when stuck for a WHOLE 15 seconds behind the carriage until it pulls over. It's so nice to see that people, such as yourself, can get so ticked off at such a first-world problem. This is almost as frustrating as trying to find organic rosemary-infused picholine olive oil. Your "accident" of almost getting hit because the few brain cells that you do have were far too focused on breathing and walking at the same time does not constitute an emergency on the carriage-drivers part. Rather, I see it more as Natural Selection at work; it was just trying to purify the gene pool. Please do rest of the world a favor by finding a hobby to occupy your time, preferably one that requires you to stay indoors so that rest of the world can continue living without being devalued by your existence.

January 11, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jilltar (anonymous) says...

beenya_toolong - I can absolutely guarantee you that that "Yankee" knows more about our fair city than you ever will. And when it comes to driving a horse carriage, she can wipe the floor with you any day. You might want to reserve your comments to something about which you know even just the tiniest bit, and stop proving to the world in general what a bigoted fool you can be with your derogatory statements. It's people like you that sometimes make me ashamed to call myself a Southerner.

January 11, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

urvoucher (anonymous) says...

.

January 11, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

iammad (anonymous) says...

So much for Southern Chivalry! What kind of people would blame the driver and horse for a freak accident? You should be grateful for all of the tourist that these companies bring in each year and inform them of your of the history of your beautiful city. I have visited there many times and have brought many friends with me. As for the carriage, I have rode on these many times and I have never been afraid of anything. These drivers go through many days and weeks of training alone and with the horses before they ever let out on the street. Jodie Shearer is a very good driver and loves her horses. She trusts them with her life as well as those of the tourists. How dare you say that because she is a woman that she shouldn't have been driving. Look at the other carriages and see who is driving them. Old South is one of the most reputable companies in Charleston. And it is owned by one of your own Charlestonians. To all of the drivers in the industry thank you for good work. Next time
someone pulls out in front of you, beeps their horn, or utters an obscenity towards you, they are only showing their
lack of social grace. For this grand city is supposed to be steeped in grace and social behavior. To bad they don't read their own publications welcoming strangers to Charleston. Oh by the way, I am Jodie's mom.

January 11, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

donnymoss (anonymous) says...

The operation of horse-drawn carriages in the streets of Charleston is inhumane and unsafe. Horses are nervous prey animals, and any number of stimuli can spook them - causing grave harm to both horses and humans. I spent over a year making a documentary film about the plight of the New York City Carriage horses. The horses in Charleston face many of the same cruel and dangerous conditions - which cannot be fixed. www.blindersthemovie.com

January 11, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Irritated (anonymous) says...

Yankee drivers? Driver already mentally messed up? Shoot the person who put the bridle on the horse? You guys are a bunch of idiots! First of all...us "Yankees" are helping to keep your city's economy booming! And second of all, you probably wouldn't feel the way you do if it was YOUR family people were talking so poorly about!! Ever heard of an accident? Yeah, they happen and I'm sure none of you have liven your lives without one. So why don't we be happy that everyone involved is okay and that nothing worse happened. These people work very hard to show tourists how great Charleston is. Jodie is a great tour guide who has more expertise about these horses then a lot of people. As for the person who put the bridle on the horse, she's the barn manager and would never do anything to put a horse, the driver, or any of the surrounding people in danger! Let's think about things before we display them huh?

January 12, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blueline2004 (anonymous) says...

I think it's insane that so many people are writing negative comments about someone they know nothing about. All you know is that she was the driver of a carriage during an accident.

I want to know how many of you have been involved in an car accident? How would you feel if someone called you "some woman yankee driver" because your car's brakes suddenly went out on I-26 and you veered off the road and hit the median? Wouldn't it make you even more upset than you already are to have so many people criticize you and say that something out of your control is actually all your fault?

You know what I think? I think the carriage driver should be able to punch each ignorant fool who wrote a negative comment about her in the mouth. That will teach you to shut up when you talk about someone you know nothing about.

Of course, since she is injured from the accident, that may have to wait a few days. It's a good thing so many of you also cared enough to wish her a speedy recovery. Instead, you just made jokes about shooting her horse. That will cheer her up. Good job everyone. Let me call Hallmark.

I hope you feel better soon Jodie. Don't worry about all the losers out there who spend all day writing negative comments because they have nothing better to do. I was involved with a high-profile case which was in the paper last year, and I had the same people writing crap about that story...something I know they knew nothing about. So forget about them. They don't deserve any of your precious time. Get Well!

January 12, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GingerW (anonymous) says...

You people are the reason South Carolina is near the bottom of the list of well educated states. You are making the rest of us look bad. How difficult is it to think before you speak? Hundreds of people take carriage tours every day in this city. How often does an accident happen? RARELY! You are much more likely to be injured walking on Charleston's sidewalks than to be hurt on a carriage. The horses and the drivers are exceptionly well trained, and it would be hard to find a driver more skilled than the driver of that one unlucky carriage. If someone was driving a car, and the tire blew out and caused the car to hit a guard rail, would you "shoot" the driver? No. Accidents happen. Carriage drivers have a difficult job. I think we are doing pretty good. Every time we go on tour we have so much to worry about: the lives of our passengers, our horse/mules, and ourselves. And we have to give a good tour on top of it. Think about that the next time you are about to zoom around us in your SUV on a narrow street.
Just think a little before you say something stupid. Succi try not to walk into anymore horses. You know, you can train a dog to help you with your condition. And the rest of you morons... try not to burn yourselves on the fry grease. That's probably all you need to worry about while you're working.

January 13, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )