Emily Harding (former Clydesdale farm worker) testifies remotely supporting ban
Emily Harding, who worked at a Clydesdale farm, testifies remotely about preparing horses for parades through desensitization, and contrasts that with NYC carriage horses being abused, kept in tenement-like stalls, and forced to work in brutal conditions.
Can you hear me?
Yes.
Hi.
When I was a kid, until I was in my mid-20s, I worked at a Clydesdale farm in Massachusetts.
These one-ton animals were my best friends.
They were sensitive, loving, and intelligent.
I was so lucky to get a chance to work with them.
One of the biggest things we looked forward to every year was driving our horses with the wagon in the town's 4th of July parade.
We would prepare for weeks to desensitize the horses to things like fun snaps.
We would play loud music.
We showed them balloons.
We threw hard candies at their feet.
Anything we could think of that they might encounter, we showed them so they wouldn't be afraid.
When we prepared for the parade, we would bathe and shine them up until they were glowing.
We braided their manes and tails in red, white, and blue.
We would walk the parade route as proud as could be with our friends who were looking their best and behaving admirably.
We were a crowd favorite and something people looked forward to seeing every year.
I say this to underscore that I have no problem with horses being used to pull wagons, carts, or plows.
No problem with riding or otherwise working with and using horses.
Partnership that develops between a horse and their human is beautiful.
I know I've been a part of one.
I have a problem with the way that carriage horses in the city are treated, the conditions in which they are kept, and the environment in which they must work.
They're abused, forced to work when they're lame, sore, old, injured, or sick.
They are kept in tenement buildings with...
No room to lie down or to rest their weary legs, tenements that we long ago deemed unfit for human life.
They are driven through traffic in midtown Manhattan, a place where I, as a person who learned to drive in Boston, is still nervous to drive.
In all types of weather, including brutal heat and humidity, when we're told by newscasters to avoid going outdoors.
Pounding on the pavement, expected to plod along no matter what, only to return to a hot, dark, airless stall where they can't lay down and rest.
This is antiquated, abusive, and unethical.
Just can you please summarize and then give us your name also at the end?
Sure.
I just want to also say that I'm so heart sick for the Romach family.
What a living nightmare that they are experiencing and I'm holding them in my prayers.
It is beyond high time that we outlawed the practice of horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
Please pass Romach's law.
All right.
And your name for the record?
Sorry.
Emily Harding, H-A-R-T-I-N-G.
Thank you so much, and thank you for your testimony.
Thank you so much.
Next is Dr.
Lauren Lind.
You may begin.