Carriage operators criticized
Vet's inspection cites animal health, stabling
Charleston's most comprehensive inspection of its carriage tour industry this week compared some of its practices to 19th-century thinking — "when the carriage business was important for commerce, but animal welfare was not."
That's one of veterinarian Amy Hayek's more stark conclusions in her analysis of the city's five horse-drawn tour companies completed in May and June.
The report, the first since the city imposed stiffer regulations on the industry, found that:
FILE/STAFF
Tourists by the carriage-load descend on the Holy City every year, filled with wonder curiosity.
• Only one company feeds its horses enough hay.
• Some owners barely keep records and rely on veterinarians to maintain that information for them.
• And, in the particular offense that Hayek likened to the 1800s, the city's regulation-sized stall proves too small for a draft horse to turn around.
The inspection report comes just months after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to Mayor Joe Riley and the Charleston City Council asking for a carriage ban. And just weeks ago, a woman who boards horses accused Carolina Polo and Carriage Co. of neglecting its animals.
A city investigation into those allegations remains ongoing.
Releasing the inspection report, tourism management director Vanessa Turner-Maybank noted "myriad problems" Thursday and said the report found "things we are concerned about and disappointed at."
The inspection noted shortcomings in stabling, animal health and general operations and maintenance. It set deadlines for each company to make necessary changes to meet city code.
Previous story
City investigating carriage company case, published 06/23/09
"Herd health for equine animals is not a new concept, but it is to Charleston carriage company owners," the report said.
Charged with assessing whether companies care for their horses in a humane fashion, Hayek said Thursday that "most carriage companies at least gave the appearance that that was their goal as well."
She suggested stalls extend at least 12 feet by 12 feet, while the city only requires 5-feet-9 inches by 11 feet. That size, she wrote in her report, can harm horses' digestive health and muscle function.
Hayek wrote that some carriage attachments made at incorrect angles and heights could harm the animals, and some improperly tacked horses suffered from open wounds. Carriage owners did not know weight limits spelled out in city code and often required little training for drivers, according to the inspection.
The city hired Hayek, who runs East Coast Equine in St. George, a facility that offers accupuncture, chiropractic services and preventive treatments for horses. She said in the interview that her candor came from impartiality.
"I'm not their regular veterinarian," she said. "I don't see those horses on a regular basis or those owners."
Andrew McGauley, owner of Olde Towne Carriage Co., said he appreciate the suggestions but takes his own veterinarian's advice first.
"For an outsider vet to come in and give us suggestions when our own vet has her suggestions for to take care of our horses ... sometimes that doesn't match," he said.
Tom Doyle, owner of Palmetto Carriage Works, sat on the city's tourism subcommittee that spent years developing the current code for carriage tours. He said some of the recommendations outlined in the inspection extend beyond city regulations but, as the only operator found to provide his horses with ample space and hay, he liked the findings.
"I can't but help but think it's going to be a good thing for the city," Doyle said. "My thing has always been transparency. You can't do dirty work behind an open door."
CARRIAGE TOUR OPERATORS
Problems noted in the city carriage company inspection:
Carolina Polo and Carriage Co.
• Altered medical records
• Entire barn wet
• Employees clean with chlorine bleach which, when mixed with ammonia caused by urine, proves deadly
• All animals showed mineral deficiency
• Horses ate shavings because they lacked enough quality hay
Classic Carriage Tours:
• Recommended one horse be removed from work because he is 200 pounds underweight and has other medical problems
• Front of stalls wet
• Not much hay in rations
• Some indications of muscle dysfunction related to ill-fitting equipment
Olde South Carriage Co.:
• Small front stalls
• High levels of ammonia and dust
• Poor air flow
• Many horses taking medications for pain, joint problems and not sweating
Olde Towne Carriage Co.:
• Underweight horses
• Ill-fitting harnesses
• Difficult to find fire extinguisher at stables
Palmetto Carriage Works:
• Some horses fat but not necessarily fit
• Drivers noted turning completely around to face passengers and then excessively tugging at mules' reins in traffic.
Reach Allyson Bird at abird@postandcourier.com or 937-5594.
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Comments
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Oh, I love this...what's new? NOTHING. If you've been in the industry you already knew ALL of this. Whoopee. How about the CITY lowering the temps?!!!!
July 3, 2009 at 1:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Suggestions for owners:
- Feed your horses, Andrew. Retire the ones you SHOULD have when you "took over"
- Mr. K - cut a new deal with Hank - the bleach is no good; get Richard more involved
- Tom - help the rest of the industry shut down the Ks and forget about double shifts, or your reputation is next
- David J - listen to Ginger
EVERY OWNER - Cut back the HOURS for horses and emps (pay them a living wage) and stop being so greedy!!!!!!
July 3, 2009 at 1:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Lower the temperatures (heat index) or shut down the business. For the city to allow them to push it to the upper reaches of our summer temperatures is cruel and inhumane.
July 3, 2009 at 3:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Heat index doesn't apply to the carriage industry: it's 98 or 198 combined temp/humidity. There's another site discussing this, collards. Weren't you there earlier?
July 3, 2009 at 4:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
I don't like the carriages and refused to ride them. Sounds like Palmetto Carriage Works is the only one taking care of its horses. If people want to ride these carriages then this is the one they should use.
As for the temps, how many know that the thermometer they go by is located on a rooftop three blocks from the stables? There's a nice, cool, breeze on that thermometer. It's not showing the true street level temperature where these horses are at.
July 3, 2009 at 4:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I think I'm the one that told folks about that thermometer on upper Meeting St. and stated that those in the industry think it should be in the market for a more realistic reading.
NO ONE IN THE INDUSTRY WOULD OBJECT TO THE CITY LOWERING THAT TEMP REG. Tell the CITY that.
Don't like 'em, don't ride 'em - we won't miss you.
"Sounds like" Palmetto just has the biggest mouthpiece.
July 3, 2009 at 4:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I've posted on that before signseeder17, see previous post. Its all the same animal. Are all you people in the carriage industry stupid?
July 3, 2009 at 5:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Now we have an objective analysis of the carriage and horse issue from an expert. Should have been done years ago.
It is time for the city to act on it or the appropriate animal welfare people to file lawsuits against the carriage operators and city for animal cruelty. You listening, King Joe?
July 3, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
It's absurd to think that most "regular" vets, who are being paid for his/her services, will be as willing to criticise care or complain to authorities as an impartial inspector.
Maybe it's time to shut this kind of business down if the animals are neglected and abused.
July 3, 2009 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
The P&C ran an article about the thermometer a few years ago. It's old news and should have been placed in this article.
I totally agree with MP and martin.
July 3, 2009 at 7:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
maeko (anonymous) says...
having owned and managed horses for 20yrs, i can tell you that some of these issues are minor and some major.
the stable wetness is most likely the result of the age and location of the livery building at the Market. stall size, air flow, and air quality can be remedied easily. provided the BAR will allow changes. temporary "shoot" stalls are usually used for short stays, grooming, and tacking.
lack of hay, underfed horses, and tack sores are not acceptable. bored horses eating bedding is a sure way to colic.
mineral deficiancy (electrolyte test) may be misleading with horses drinking copious amounts of water.
inexperienced handlers are the norm. the mules will teach them a thing or two about yanking on their mouthes eventually. it's really more of a nuisance to them provided they are not in severe bits.
i think hoof and lameness issues should have been looked at more. i see most issues in this area. barn safety is also an area that was not addressed well.
the "new-age" vet was a weird choice. she seems a little nit-picky about some stuff and glossed over the real areas of concern. get a real vet, a farrier, and a stable manager to see the brass tacks of this.
July 3, 2009 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cinnabar (anonymous) says...
Here's a remedy....The horses should be put up at Charleston Place and given acupuncture and yoga for their joints....
This is more evidence of society's downward spiral into nonsense. The fact this paper wastes ink on PETA and the like shows P/C has no regard for newsworthy issues, only easy cheap stories from loudmouth annoying busybodies.
These horses have a job and their owners have vested interest in their welfare. Unlike many downtown residents, the horses are a productive enterprise. Give these PETA freaks and their allies any traction and the horses will be off to the glue factory...like the hens of Mepkin Abby. PETA is responsible for the genocide of all the Mepkin hens, they are no longer of this world due to PETA...
July 3, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
They could be making mountains out of mole hills. But one thing is for certain, I once drove down the street these places sit on and witnesses horse manure being washed into the storm drain system that dumps into the harbor. This is a violation of the SC Pollution Control Act and carries prison time. Riley knows this goes on and so do other city officials. But they have looked the other way and cover it up.
July 3, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bohicket1339 (anonymous) says...
If anyone has pictures of the horses or in the barns where you think that the horses are being mistreated, please send them to me at email bohicketgirl@hotmail.com Go to the barns and talk to the stable hands. The companies that let you look around and answer your questions obviously have nothing to hide. I bet if you go to Carolina Polo carriage, they won't let you back in the barn much less let you take pictures. I wonder why?
July 3, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citizenmom (anonymous) says...
I'm not surprised by the findings in this report, and I would like to see the city act fast to regulate the industry so that bad operators can be shut down.
July 3, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Charlestonians will be looking back on this time of horse carriages with shame and our grand-children will ask us "What were you thinking?" We cannot claim ignorance anymore.
July 3, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
YankeeLady (anonymous) says...
At last we see a report bringing these abuses to light, and perhaps this is the beginning of eliminating the cruelty of the carriage trade. Now, just because this veterinarian uses some newer, complementary medicine techniques doesn't mean she's not a "real" vet - sounds ahead of her time to me, and I'm sure she has traditional training and experience as well.
July 3, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
dust in a barn? Really? Hmm...who knew?
July 3, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pihchasell (anonymous) says...
I was walking to the market for some breakfast a few days ago and happened to walk by one of the carriage companies. I can't remember the name of the company, but it's the one on the corner that's red with black awnings...
So I guess they were getting the horses ready for the day and the one employee I saw was trying to get the pice of the equipment that goes on the horse's face (don't know what it's called) on the horse. Apparently the horse didn't want it put on and kept jerking his or her head away.
So the a*s-ho*e employee STRIKES the horse across the face with it!!!
And I don't mean a love pat, I'm talking full-out beat the sh*t out of the horse's face. The pice of equipment was made out of leather and METAL!!!
I told the guy he could go to jail just like M. Vick did for that kind of stuff...
I personally would like to put that skinny, mouse looking d-bag employee on a carriage and beat him like he beat his horse...
July 3, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riverdog77 (anonymous) says...
I just wish the article more clearly stated how much Palmetto Carriage is miles and away the best protector and caregiver to the animals in its barn.
July 3, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lifeisprecious (anonymous) says...
Reemer, love the visual of your "ideal solution"!!! Amy Hayek has been my vet for years. She has helped me bring an adopted and close to death pony back to the state of a cute little pony that is happy and has quality of life. She has also taught me how to keep my other horses in optimal health so they will live a long healthy (much less expensive) life. I wish P&C would have shared her credentials, I don't think they could've found a better expert. I wish I had the formal names of her qualifications, and I apologize to Amy, but please rest assured that she is a traditionally trained vet that went even further to obtain training as a wholistic vet. She blends Eastern and Western medicine to offer the best veterinarian practices available. She is very level headed and not some new age weirdo, she will help you care for your horse within the parameters you wish to work and can afford. She is also very educated in the health of horse hooves, which most farrier's are not. She is educated in the health of the entire horse and knows how all parts work together to make up the whole. She advocates keeping a horse well so you don't have to treat disease. She is also a public educator, giving seminars and sharing her knowledge freely. I have also used traditional horse vets in the area, they are wonderful as well. As an animal caretaker, its is most important that you educate yourself in order to properly care for this wonderful animal that has served humans in so many ways.
July 3, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Cinnabar - did they leave out a conscience when you were conceived?
July 3, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mtmccoy (anonymous) says...
For those wishing to know Dr.Hayek's credentials, the following profile is featured in a newly published book for which she served as a veterinary advisor:
AMY HAYEK,
DVM, MA, CVA, CVSMT
Dr. Hayek, an Iowa native, has owned her veterinary practice, East Coast Equine, LLC, for more than eight years. She holds BS and MA degrees from Iowa State University and is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University (DVM).
Dr. Hayek's advanced and Masters level studies include: Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Advanced Neurology in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CVSMT) at The Healing Oasis and Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) at The Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine.
Dr. Hayek recently has completed construction of The Barn at East Coast Equine, the first phase of a state-of-the-art equine treatment center located in St. George, SC.
July 3, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lifeisprecious (anonymous) says...
Thanks mtmccoy ;-)
July 3, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenix83 (anonymous) says...
Dr. Hayek spent most of the time she was "inspecting" the barns trying to sell her products. It is kind of strange that the report given to each carriage company by the city differs so much from what is printed in this article. How does that happen?
July 3, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
pihchasell, the carriage company you went by is Olde Towne Carriage Company. The company had an excellent reputation until it was sold in October, 2008 to Andrew and Katie McGauley. That reputation has declined, to put it mildly.
I strongly urge you to send an email to them telling them about the incident. Give a physical description of the barnhand who hit the horse in the face with the bridle (that's what the equipment you described is called) so they know who did it and can act accordingly (I hope).
Here's their email address:
katie@oldetownecarriage.com
July 3, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Driven08 (anonymous) says...
i hope people remember that palmetto carriage did well in regards to the vet's findings.in that barn- if the vet hadn't found an animal that was too fat- then she would have found one that was too skinny---sounds like she was looking for ANYTHING to say- i hope she liked the way her name looked in the paper.
July 3, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
XB (anonymous) says...
We live in a world of pansies. When I worked construction, like countless people do today, You work in the blazing sun, often on the roof with no relief. Is that cruel? These are horses. There are real injustices out there to worry about.
July 3, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
XB - Only problem is that a horse or other animal cannot ask for a drink, take a break, complain, or walk off the job. Look above at my post to cinnabar. Looks like it applies to you, too.
July 3, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dnn1314 (anonymous) says...
im pretty sure MP that a horse will be okay without water for an hour. Most people ride their horses for an hour or more and don't stop to get a nice little water and shade break. Have you ever been on a tour? The horses stop every couple of minuets for a tour guide to talk about something. And some get hosed down with water the second they get back.
Before these horses were carriage horses they were Amish or logging horses and I know they dont get to walk off the job working their!!!!!!!!!! If anything, they work longer days and go longer without water! And I bet they dont get their temperatures checked after every hour to see if they are overheating!
I completely agree with the lowering of the temperature to shut down. But the CITY feels like the appropriate temperature is 98 degrees, that is not up to the carriage companies. Of course the companies aren't going to shut down at a lower temp unless everyone else does. (yes that is money speaking from a company's view but the CITY needs to lower the temperature for all 5 companies.)
I wish the Post and Courier would mention all of the good things some of the companies do to take care of the horses. Most have pastures they rotate to and other barns with stalls more than twice as big. For example I know Old South has over 23 working horses and only about 5-8 work in one day!!
July 3, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kgcharleston (anonymous) says...
If only we could take the pro-carriage contingent and keep them locked up in a tiny space all day, only to bring them out for a mid-Summer stroll around the block, dragging with them a bunch of doughey tourists...
I know, I know...animals aren't people. So who cares if they become the slaves of selfish people who value dollars over a natural way of life? Certainly not the person I saw with their dog locked in the car at a supermarket with all the windows up at noon today (which was still there when I left...and yes, I did something about it. (Is that hippie talk? Religious fanaticism? Common sense?)
Let's just keep maximizing our city's "southern charm" to a bunch of visitors from Ohio (most of whom can define "class" as well these carriage people can define "animal cruelty"). Down with Mayor Joe...before Charleston becomes a joke.
July 3, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dnn1314 (anonymous) says...
Oh and did anyone know that Dr. Hayek was trying to sell some of the companies her products? Is that fair?
Personally I love Edisto Equine and our regular vets know the most about our horses, not some other vet who comes in looking at some of the horses and the barn for a brief moment. Seriously? and She was trying to sell organic horse food? I mean come on, then she will complain about our horses getting colic from changing the feed!
July 3, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dnn1314 (anonymous) says...
Maybe the people from Ohio can visit the Amish up there and see how our horses work before they come down here. I wonder if they would feel as bad for the horses then...
And does everyone think that all carraige companies keep their horses cooped up in stalls all the time? Does anyone know about the companies that rotate their horses to pasture and regulate a schedule so a horse will not get worked too much?
I would like to see a list of the carraige companies and all of the good things they do to go over top of the minimum laws.
July 3, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lt1711 (anonymous) says...
once again if you dont have horse knowledge please dont comment on this complaining about the way they are treated do your homework first. also the vet that was chosen for inspections is an "all natural" vet. she has no understanding of the carraige company industry. AND she was very unpleasant and was looking for anything bad that she could find not to mention she degraded the products that these companies used and pushed for different feeds and such (feed and products that she sells). also i personally am an animal lover and own horses of my own and i can say that most of these horses are treated better than alot of riding horses. the only difference is that they work which is what they are bred to do. even a carraige full of "fat tourists" is nothing compared to the weight that these horses could pull without causing soreness or strain on their muscles. compared to the previous lives of these horses the ones they live now are so much better. and about the striking comment no horse owner or employee should ever hit a horse the way that it is described. of course there are times when reinforcement or discipline are ok but beating a horse is not the way to go about it. and the equipment that goes on the face is calleed a bridle :)
and horses are not fed supplements because they are in pain it is for more sensitive horses to keep there joints healthy and from developing problems. also the sweat supplement is not because they dont sweat but so that it helps them sweat more to prevent overheating, competition horses are given this as well to keep them from getting to hot. remember these horses are extreme athletes and are more than capable of handling their workload.
July 3, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mose_def (anonymous) says...
It sounds like an animal would be safer in Michael Vick's kennel than in Polo Carriage Company's barn. Palmetto Carriage Company Ltd.: How about talking to the animals and jerking the tourists around? PETA: How about getting agitated about something serious, like President Obama killing a fly in a premeditated fashion on national television? Greetings from Park Circle the hippest place in this great country!
July 3, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jrfs1954 (anonymous) says...
I live in another SC horse loving town. Not too many years ago, we ( some downtown residents)saw a few tour buses headed our way and realized the negative impact would far outweigh any positive influences. Concerned citizens packed the city council chambers-meeting after meeting- until the council men & women were able to understand that our town was fortunate not to need the tourism dollars, and that we must not sell out. We considered Charleston, Beaufort, Savannah, read your ordinances, and drew up our own which make it clear that a tour company cannot make a go of it in our town.
I am glad to see so many of you in Charleston keeping watch, feeling sad , and speaking up for these horses. You are right, it matters. You can't save your city, but at least take care of your horses.
Charleston, your downtown residents, and sadly it seems your horses-- have been sold out... for the tourist dollars.
I am so sorry....
July 3, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bellecody (anonymous) says...
Carolina Polo has ALWAYS been horrible. Years ago when I worked next to them, they were never cleaning stalls. Don't EVEN get me started on their treatment of the horses. I'm sorry to hear that after all these years, they haven't changed.
July 3, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jimjones (anonymous) says...
So let me get this straight....PETA is mad about the treatment of horses and the people are up in arms ready to go down to the stables and burn them to the ground. Yet, abortion of a human life is looked upon as ok because it's covered by law. Well the law here says that you can take a carriage tour, which I have never done but think I will now. Our priorities in this country are seriously backwards.
Barry still sucks. Have a safe 4th.
July 4, 2009 at 12:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WSM (anonymous) says...
Yawwwwnnnnnnnn...
A non-issue.
As one poster put it, I do have a conscience. It is just preoccupied with human beings, right now. In 100 plus degree weather, can't walk off the job, although they can gulp some 100-degree water.
Maybe this paper can be redeemed by the "Funny Page," but I doubt it.
Pansies.
July 4, 2009 at 2:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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