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Horses are healthy, happy; come see
Published Friday, June 12, 2009
In Sunday’s newspaper, Amanda Trippe wrote a letter about her concerns for the carriage horses in Natchez. The letter reveals several half truths.
I’ve been a carriage driver and firefighter here in Natchez for about 12 years, and over the years I have learned a lot about horses and people. Every year we have to defend ourselves because someone chooses to write an article or letter to the editor in The Natchez Democrat instead of talking to us about their concerns.
It is wrong to go by opinion and accuse someone of abuse or neglect without knowing the facts. This is not only slander by Amanda, but it is also by the newspaper for allowing this. It is wrong to give false examples that damage one’s reputation or business. The Democrat has consistently showed that they are against the horse carriages by having one-sided articles and trying to make a private business wear uniforms in the past.
Last year several vets, horse owners and the humane society all came to our defense saying that these were healthy well kept animals. I understand concerns for the wellbeing of these horses, I welcome it, because they are like a pet to me. They are fed twice a day and water is always available to them. These animals are happy, well-treated animals that enjoy what they do. If there is any doubt, come by and see for yourself, meet with me and observe the facts.
In the letter, several issues are mentioned about the treatment and size of the horses.
We have standard bred horses that are tall, lean and lanky and sometimes clumsy. We also have a few mules that are sure-footed and so ugly they are cute, and, true to popular belief, stubborn. These animals are work horses not show animals, many of them have been rescued or bought from the Amish or owners who no longer want them. Each horse is groomed daily, and if there is any health problem the owners seek out the best treatment and spare no expense. Each horse has his own stall at the barn along with his own lot, which is plenty of room to run around. Another concern was that these horses have to stand in the sun all day. Horses have a thick hide that is five times thicker than human skin. They are able to withstand heat and cold better than us. In nature they eat in grass lands with no shade or trees. We are located at the Canal Street depot because that is where the city allows us to be. The building provides shade for part of the day and part of the day is in the sun. If the heat gets to be too much, the horses are brought to the barn. There is a day shift from 8:30 to 4 and then a night shift with new horses and drivers from 4 until about 9 or 10. There are more horses than drivers so that each horse is rotated to have days off.
Amanda states that several cities have a ban on horse carriages, but that is not the whole truth. Many cities have found that due to heavy traffic, not health concerns, it is best to ban carriages. Some beach communities do not want any animals on the beach or access roads. Here in Natchez, traffic is not an issue in our downtown area. Exhaust fumes from cars are a concern for humans and horses, but that is in large cities that have backed up traffic and no ventilation because of tall buildings.
This industry is a non-polluting industry.
Amanda says that the horse drawn carriages are only for human enjoyment. These horses enjoy getting out and seeing different sights. When they work they get treats. The horse I usually drive likes carrots, oatmeal cookies and skittles and I always joke about them being part-time tree trimmers for the city.
Children stop by to bring an apple and pet them and we try to teach them a little bit about the horses. The carriages are one of the few businesses to stay open after five downtown and offer clean family fun.
We want what is best for these animals just like everyone else. I believe that Amanda’s concern is truly sincere, and that she wants these horses to be healthy.
Over the years through observation of others we have been able to make this business a great opportunity to promote Natchez and take care of animals that we love dearly. I thank Amanda for her concern and welcome her to visit. Oh, and bring carrots.
Guy Tuccio
Natchez resident
Comments
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Having grown up on a farm and used farm animals to work the fields let me tell you the carriage horses are being taken care of just fine. These animals have a job to do and the people complaining about their care are ignorant of the purpose of farm animals. Cuddle your cats and little dogs but work animals serve a different need. One thing you don't do is beat an animal, the three things you do is water,feed and care for the animal. City folks never cease to amaze me.
Posted by guy2co (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
beammeupscotty you are right. I guess next they will be mad about the poor cows having to stand in a pasture and being butchered for meat.
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I grew up on a farm with lots of animals too. Some were pets. Some worked. All were treated well. When animals help put food on your table, you take good care of them. This is the situation with the carriage horses.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe Miss Trippe has no clue how farmlands were plowed before machinery took over. I guess she assumes a gas-powered tiller did it. I wonder how she thinks people were transported before motorized vehicles were invented. Maybe she assumes man pulled the carriage or cars have always been in existence. Does she even know that when man wanted transportation "back in the day", he had to take the horse from the grassy fields that may have had no protection from the sun, "break" him, then put him in a stall where he had access to water, food, and grooming...not to mention, love in many instances? Maybe she assumes they grazed in open land that included stalls, water troughs, apple trees, and bags of Skittles?
Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on June 12, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very well said Guy! I am impressed with how well you got your point across. I always enjoy driving by seeing the horses everyday! I guess one of these days I will have to stop by on my way home and bring some carrots or skittles :)!!!!
Posted by bliss1918 (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Tuccio, you do not need to explain away why some people think you are mistreating horses. This is your business, more power to you, I wish you continued success, at least you are out there trying to make an honest living, and you have been successful for a while. People should realize there is more than one side to a story, but with the way our society has gone crazy, you only get the view from narrow minded people. Continued success.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people just want everyone to hold animals to the "human", standard they think animals are deserving of. If enough of these animal worshipers get involved, they will probably get a no carriage horse ordinance passed in Natchez. At the rate society is going, I might be able to get married to a horse and claim my dogs as dependents, WOW!
Posted by pbnj (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so sorry that this is something that you will probably always have to defend, Guy. Some people never cease to amaze me. It is just too bad that these people with all their extra time and energy do not focus on a real cause.... such as, hunger, abused children, domestic violence just something else.
If you are gonna spend your time out in the heat holding up signs maybe they could be to help raise money for the Humane Society. Do it for something that counts..... The carriages aren't going anywhere, I assure you.
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guy it's a shame you have to explain this. Dumb arse people raised on concrete.
Posted by 3on23 (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very well written article! The carriage rides are a great asset to our community. It's great that children can "meet" a real horse and learn about the history of our city while seeing the sights. Keep up the great job!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very interesting and thought provoking article. I enjoyed it very much! Thanks Mr. Tuccio!
Posted by lowrider (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tuccio, I am very impressed with your article. I have had a tour of the barn, stalls, horses, the various carriages, and even had a chance to shovel poo. Ok, truth be told I was trying to help Guy get out of there faster so we could go fishing. However, Guy did not rush his usual ordeals. He choose to take care of his horses, nurture, and even play with them over an afternoon of fishing. I applaud Guy for this and even learned a lil bit about his job and saw first hand, how much he really does care.
Posted by skippydammit (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent letter !
Great REALITY check response to those who obviously have no concept of what caring for animals is all about.
Wish those so "concerned" about "animal rights"
would also be concerned about human beings as well.
Thanks again for an excellent letter. You and your horses
are a fine part of what makes Natchez such a neat place.
Keep up the good work.
Posted by nhs08 (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent article, Guy! Keep up the good work!!
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think a lot of people will be watching the horses now.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great advertising Guy! Let's all pile up and take a buggy ride!
Posted by lost_in_kingston (anonymous) on June 14, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do feel the horses are very well cared for, but I'd still like to see a canopy to shade the horses during the summer sun. A simple drive thru the country side will show that on a hot day, the horses & cows are under a shade tree rather than standing out in the open heat of the day. Just notice the hung head & the poor sad look on their face next time you drive down Canal street. Just a little shade might bring a gleam to their face.
Posted by allgood (anonymous) on June 14, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree lost_in_kingston, if a human had to stand in the heat most of the day,they would want some shade too. I understand that this a way of liveing,and if more people would pay for a carraige ride, rather than spend there money at the casino, are on drugs,and give the Humane Society some money to feed those animals, then what would they have to complain about.Oh and you know how small towns work, If they want it heard they will put out there, if not just go protest, because anymore its who know (not what you know).Please buy a canopy. May god bless you and your horses.......
Posted by guy2co (anonymous) on June 14, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lost_in_kingston and allgood like I said before, please find out the facts then make a judgement. The sun rises in the east, behind the depot. The depot has an overhang that protects the horses for the majority of the day from the sun. At about 2 the sun begins moving past the overhang. The horses are in the sun for two hours then we have shift change. The night horses come out to replace the day shift, and they are in the sun for about 3 hours. At about 7 the sun starts to set behind the old carpet sales building and the horses are no longer in the direct sun. Also we cannot just change the exterior appearance of a historic building in Natchez that is privately owned by someone other than us. If you drive by the depot look at the overhang on the building (canal st side) and you will see what I am talking about. A few years back we were offered a spot at the visitors center. We decided that even though we would probally double our business, it would not provide the protection from the elements like the depot does. You may not think of these things as you pass by, but I assure you that a many of slow days have provided us with the time to think about these issues over the years. Everything no matter how simple to you has a lot of thought and reason behind it.
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on June 14, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I enjoyed your article Guy. It is so hard to get some things across to most bleeding heart liberals. I find most of them more stubborn than mules. I know a lot of people that aren't treated with as much dignity and respect than your horses and mules. What does that say about mankind?
Posted by Natchez3 (anonymous) on June 15, 2009 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great Article.
Posted by msubulldog (anonymous) on June 15, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Guy, great article. Ms. Trippe may want to say something to the MDOT workers at the intersection of John R. Junkin and Sgt. Prentiss they are in the sun all day. Keep up the good work at both of your jobs.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on June 16, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Its incredible to me, to see all the comments over a horse standing in the sun. Yet, an article about a four year old child that was starved to death, in June 13th issue doesn't get a word. Let along a comment! Oh heck, its just a child. Lets all cry for the carriage horses, BOO HOO
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Crackbaby, I didn't see that article. I was unable to get to a computer on the 13th; did it only run on that day? Also, this article and the opposing one preceding it have been prominently featured for days now, in big bold print.
I suspect that the number of responses has a lot more to do with readers' exposure to the article than with readers' priorities. Any time there is an article that is prominently featured about child abuse, the comments usually have to be shut down eventually because they get so heated.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey happyreader, hope all is great! The article ran the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th. I know where you're coming from Happy. I totally enjoy knocking things around with you. You've got tons of class. You know me, I get a little crazy with all the hoopla over the carriage horses, after reading about that poor child. los a luv
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