Bedar

In all our many years in Europe, we have never taken a horse carriage anywhere but think we will next summer in Cordoba. Has anyone done this, and do you remember how much it might have cost ? I suppose the amount really doesn't matter since we've saved so much on untaken rides before this, but I am curious and want to have enough cash in hand. Thanks. Also, how long do the rides typically last?

StCirq

I would do some research into this before you hand over any cash. This was quite some years ago, but I remember looking into horse-drawn carriage rides in Sevilla one year and came across countless stories of the horrifying treatment of the animals. We didn't do it. Perhaps things have changed, but do investigate.

Christina

I seem to remember seeing fees of 45-60 euro for tours of about 45 minutes or so. So I guess that's about 1 euro per minute. I think that's about the going rate.

here's one company as an example http://www.cordoba24.info/english/ht...age_rides.html

Some people consider this animal cruelty, it is outlawed in Paris, for example, for that reason.

Robert2533

We where in Sevilla a couple of weeks ago and I had never seen as many carriages filled with tourists, including Spaniards. Seems to be fairly popluar. The going rate a couple of years ago was €30 for 40 minutes. I didn't check todays prices, but I doubt if they have changed much, but it will be cheaper if you speak Spanish and can bargain a better price.

nytraveler

Sorry - but the summer weather in southern spain is just too hot for those horses to be working - it's just terribly cruel to the animals (not a consideration in a country that allows bull fights)

The laws in NYC do not allow the carriages to work in temps anywher near those you will experience (southern spain in summer has average highs of 100 and they can reach 120) - it's required that the horses be returned to their barns so at least they have shade and water and not pulling carriages (although there is move now to ban them completely - or at last limit their use)

Robert2533

Comparing Sevilla to NYC is worst then comparing apples to oranges, weather wise or anything else wise. There is little humidity to drag you down in Sevilla during the summer, unlike being in NYC.

Bedar

Robert - Nyt feels she is a weather maven for Spain after having made two short trips there but never talks about NYC in summer ! It was found that the banning of horses in Central Park was about real estate wheelin and dealin on the part of the mayor and his buddies. The horses are still there after that exposure.

Just heard from an Ex (who is a total Scrooge) who raved about a coachman in Codoba. Gave me his name and number. Very knowledgeable about the city and let them out of the carriage to see all the patios in spite of the police hustling them along. Of course, one would have to speak Spanish for such a tour. Perhaps it was so extensive because his wife is a journalist for ABC, who knows. That ride was €80 or 100 for 2 hours. But, he said it was "FABULOUS."

Robert2533

Taking advantage of 'tourists' isn't all that unusual in certain places in Spain, just like other locations around the world.

Just checked the receipt for an unnamed restaurant in Malaga where we dined (small plates) a couple of weeks ago. There was a statement at the bottom of the receipt, in English, that service was not included and a tip would be welcomed. We always leave a tip, but this was highly unusual. Seems to be targeting English speaking tourists for some reason.

nytraveler

Many people who have not been there have no clue how hot it is in southern spain nor that many places do not have AC. Sorry if it bothers you that I mention this.

As for the weather in NYC - yes, in summer I often find it too hot as well. But while it may be humid it rarely gets that hot - the average high is about 15 degrees less. And everything except the outdoors has AC so one is not suffering all day.

As for your info about the carriage horse issue I fear you are confused. The limits on their use (temps/weather conditions and hours) have been in effect for quite a few years. And the impetus for the change now is primarily people interested in animal welfare (whatever any politicians may think or do about it).

As for the dry heat isn't bad theory - I have found that to be a total falsehood. Yes, humidity will make it feel hotter but 100 is just TOO hot for anyone not used to living in it full time. (One of my colleagues spent a semester there and said she sometimes cried herself to sleep at night because the heat was so awful.)

Robert2533

A/C in Sevilla is fairly common now, unlike 30 years ago. All of the hotels I know have A/C, as do most restaurants. And yes, 40ºC is warm, but not that bad in the shade when not fighting high humidity.

Bedar

Yes, Spaniards always seek the shade, unlike tourists from the North who seek the sun. We will take a carriage ride in the evening when the sun has retreated, but it is still light. Loathe traveling in summer not because of the sun but rather because of the number of tourists about. Just too crowded. But, having lived in Andalucia for many years, we know how to cope with the heat.

IMDonehere

I do not have a horse in this race, but here is an interesting and counter intuitive article about the ASPCA in NYC supporting horse carriages.

https://www.aspca.org/blog/speaking-...-new-york-city

Bedar

IMD - I never noticed the horses on streets except for those around the Park - CPS and 5th Ave. The article does mention building new stables "in the Park proper". Think the present stables are somewhere else and that was where the real estate grab was tried. Guess from there to the Park the horses were/are on other streets. Wish the ASPCA were also concerned with the fumes people have to endure !

Bedar

Robert - that message in English at the bottom of your reciept in Malaga is bizarre, if not downright illegal. Service is always included, and everyone always leaves just a bit more like you do.

IMDonehere

I have lived in NYC all my live and have never taken a carriage ride here or in Sevilla and I never taken a gondola ride in Venice either.

The stables are right behind the building where from Jon Stewart and Colbert used to broadcast. The ones in the Park do seem more appropriate. If the extremely wealthy folks who live around that area of the Park cannot do anything about the fumes and droppings, then it is a minor consideration for the tourists and the NY'ers who are just passing through.

Bedar

I'm from NY, too, and have never taken that carriage ride or any other, not to mention gondola et al.
No, the article was mentioning fumer from cars, trucks, and buses affecting the horses. Was saying the ASPCA should also consider people. We are animals, after all. The greenery in the Park cleans the upper air for the Upper Class who live there !