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Public Testimony

Natalia Kovanova (carriage driver) reads daughter's letter opposing ban

New York City Council · Jul 15, 2026 · starts 5:24:57 · 2 min 40 sec

Natalia Kovanova, a carriage driver for 10+ years, reads a letter from her daughter about the carriage community being quintessential New Yorkers, and argues for preserving the industry through reform rather than elimination.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Hello, my name is Natalia Kovanova.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

I'm a carriage driver, more than 10 years working in Central Park.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

And my daughter, she wants me to read this letter.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

She left to Arizona this morning, and she wanted me to say from her.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

I used to work in the center park carriage industry, and my mom still does.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

And I can say these people truly have your back, and they care.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

The truth is they are some of the best people I know.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

They are quintessence of true New Yorkers, hard workers.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Always looking for a way to lend a hand.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

They love their community and they love their horses.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

I understand the world is changing and is the city, the city does, but this is such a special group of people and community that is still exist in our world of

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Maybe the focus should be on how we preserve horses and livelihoods, such as this rather than making more room for more boxes of concrete.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Maybe the social justice activists should be focused on the grid that is bringing businesses like this down rather than harassing.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Hardworking people, caring people.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Perhaps a more reasonable solution is water station, tie posts, perhaps as a green lawns.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

There are no, they are not bad guys.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Countless vets defend them.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

The horses are shiny and soft shape.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Unfortunately, the reality of horse work is accident happened, but it can tell you this for sure.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

I can tell you this for sure.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

They are a lot more common in every often part of the horse world.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Jumping, barrel racing, and any other kind of things.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Accidents also happen when you ride a bike and don't see a car coming or go swimming and happen to run into the shark.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

It doesn't mean we stop living or doing things we love, but we can always educate and readjust how we do things.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

And so I am asking you to help us with how and stand up for the little guys and carriage drivers and beloved horses.

Member of the Public - Natalia Kovanova

Natalia.

Lynn C. Schulman

Thank you.

Lynn C. Schulman

Thank you.

Lynn C. Schulman

I appreciate it.

Lynn C. Schulman

Next.

Lynn C. Schulman

Put your mic on.