Horse Carriages TikTok Controversy Central Park
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The TikTok “Horsefluencer” Disrupting NYC’s Central Park Carriage Industry
Table of Contents
For more than 150 years, horse-drawn carriages have been a beloved fixture in Manhattan‘s Central Park.Now, a growing online movement, spearheaded by a TikTok creator, is challenging the industry’s future, raising questions about animal welfare, tourism, and the changing landscape of activism.
At a Glance
The Rise of the “Horsefluencer”
Kristina Papilion, known online as @sparetimegurl, never intended to become a viral advocate. A New York City local and frequent Central Park visitor, she began posting videos on TikTok after witnessing what she perceived as mistreatment of carriage horses. The catalyst was the death of Lady, a carriage horse who collapsed and died on 11th Avenue in late July 2023.
“Pure joy-the feeling I have when I ruin the sale of a horse carriage guy,” Papilion said in a recent TikTok video. “The horse guys hate to see me coming,” she added in another. These videos, and others, have resonated with a large audience, earning her the moniker “horsefluencer.”
Papilion explains, “At the end of July, I was in california when I recorded a video about how the industry needs to end. I decided to wait and re-record when I got back to New York, thinking it would carry more weight. But before I even could, Lady collapsed and died on 11th Avenue. That’s when I posted-the same day she died.”
[Embed TikTok video: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinapap/video/7537087120721153294]
[Embed TikTok video: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinapap/video/7537378108974927117]
A Long-Running Debate Revived
Lady’s death reignited a long-standing debate. For decades,animal rights activists have argued that keeping horses in a busy urban environment like Manhattan is inherently cruel. They point to concerns about:
Physical Strain: Horses pulling carriages in traffic,frequently enough during extreme weather conditions.
Respiratory Issues: Exposure to exhaust fumes and air pollution.
Limited Space: Confined living conditions in stables.
Risk of Accidents: the potential for collisions with vehicles.
Conversely, the carriage industry maintains that the horses are well-cared for, receive regular veterinary attention, and provide a valuable tourist experience. The Transport Workers Union, wich represents the carriage drivers, has not yet responded to requests for comment. [Follow up with TWU for a statement.]
The Tactics of a TikTok Activist
Papilion’s approach is direct and confrontational. She actively seeks out tourists considering carriage rides and attempts to dissuade them, sharing information about the potential welfare concerns. She also films interactions with carriage drivers, frequently enough highlighting what she views as questionable practices.
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