City Leaders Seek Input from Residents

San Antonio is home to Stephanie Garcia, a retired police officer from Britain, who is living out her American dream on a quiet ranch in South Bexar County. Here, she cares for Zeus and 18 other horses, ranging from Clydesdales to Belgians. For Garcia, owning these horses and two carriage companies is a dream come true.

Many of the horses in Garcia’s care were rescued from Amish farms, and she considers them to be like her children. Each horse has a unique story, some were rescued, and some she bought because she fell in love with them. Garcia emphasizes that these horses are bred to work, and they love what they do. They are draft horses, bred to pull heavy objects, and have been doing so for centuries.

However, there is a debate in San Antonio about whether horse-drawn carriages should be allowed to operate in the downtown area. The issue has been ongoing for two years, and now the decision lies with the citizens of San Antonio. A citywide survey is being conducted to gather opinions on whether the carriages should be phased out or moved outside of the downtown area.

District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, who was initially a co-sponsor of the ban, has dropped her support. District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is collecting survey data from residents and is looking forward to the next transportation committee meeting to discuss the issue further.

Equine vet Benjamin Espy, hired by the city to help write the current ordinance, supports Garcia’s belief that these horses are bred to work. He emphasizes that the horses are physically suitable for the job and that the protocols in place ensure their well-being, including not working in extreme heat or poor air quality conditions.

Councilman Manny Pelaez and Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havdra are eager to see the results of the city survey before making a decision. Councilwoman Havdra expresses concerns about the horses working in the heat on pavement and mentions that private companies have offered electric carriages as an alternative.

Garcia, who considers the horses in her care to be like family, is adamant that she would never choose to euthanize them. She is passionate about caring for these animals and believes that they are well-suited for the work they do. The future of horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio remains uncertain, but the city’s survey will play a crucial role in determining their fate.