Horseback Riding in New York City Streets: Legal Restrictions and Permit Requirements

While no statute explicitly bans riding a horse on NYC streets, practical and legal barriers make it effectively prohibited:

• NYC Administrative Code §19-163 requires a permit to “keep, stable, house, or shelter” any non-indigenous animal (including horses) at any location in the city.
• Central Park restricts horses/carriages unless permitted by the Parks Commissioner (1889 law).
• Permits for private horsekeeping are rarely granted due to zoning, sanitation, and safety concerns.

Result: You cannot legally stable or ride a horse on city streets without near-impossible permits. Tourist carriage rides in Central Park operate under strict, limited licenses.