This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This past week, Jerry the carriage horse collapsed in the middle of the day in downtown Salt lake City with what was perceived to be colic. It was pushing 100 degrees, so the real reason for his collapse is disputable. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that horses do not belong in the downtown area.
When horses and carriages are mixed with cars, taxis, buses, pedestrians, bikes and emergency vehicles — firetrucks, ambulances and police cars — they are a recipe for disaster.
Why am I so passionate about this issue? I am a former carriage driver. I witnessed many abuses and injuries of horses over the years. None ever saw a pasture. Their vet care was minimal. It was so dangerous; I cannot tell you how many near misses I had with cars. Scary stuff.
Although that was Chicago, it can happen here, too. Even if it is a responsible company, horses just do not belong in an urban setting. Too many accidents occur across the country, seriously injuring both horses and people. Some horses have died. Let's not have this happen to Jerry.
Marie Walsh-West
Sandy