Justice for Ryder: Educational Night & Protest Planning Gathering
Hosted by Paisley Ana | Bushwick, Brooklyn
You’re invited to a powerful, community-based evening dedicated to learning, organizing, and taking action to help end the suffering of NYC’s carriage horses -starting with Ryder, whose tragic story moved thousands and sparked a renewed push for justice.
This is a space for compassionate people to come together, connect, and build a unified voice that demands change for animals in our city.
WHY WE’RE GATHERING
In the summer of 2022, Ryder, an elderly, malnourished carriage horse collapsed in the middle of a Manhattan street during a heatwave. He lay motionless on the pavement for nearly an hour, his driver repeatedly pulling the reins and yelling at him to get up as traffic honked and onlookers filmed in horror. The footage quickly went viral and shed light on the cruel realities behind the so-called charm of NYC’s horse-drawn carriage industry.
Ryder’s collapse was not a rare incident. It was a symptom of a larger problem — an outdated industry that forces horses to pull heavy carriages through congested streets, endure extreme weather, and live in unnatural urban environments. Many horses are overworked, underfed, and denied proper medical care. Ryder, who was found to be much older than originally claimed, was suffering from numerous health conditions including severe malnutrition and cancer.
The driver involved in Ryder’s collapse was acquitted, and no systemic change followed. But Ryder’s story reignited a movement. We are not letting this be forgotten. We are demanding real, lasting change.
OUR GOAL: PASS RYDER’S LAW
Ryder’s Law (Intro 0967) is a proposed NYC bill that would end horse-drawn carriage licenses and replace carriages with electric-powered alternatives. It’s supported by animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and thousands of New Yorkers who believe our city can and must do better.
Our event will focus on how we can collectively push for this legislation through political education, grassroots organizing, and community protest. Together, we’ll explore how to make our voices count at the ballot, in the streets, and through direct outreach to NYC Council Members.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS EVENT
This gathering will be held in a safe, welcoming, and intimate space at my home in Bushwick. It’s meant to educate, empower, and organize. Whether you’re new to activism or already involved, you’ll leave with tools to take meaningful action.
Here’s what we’ll do:
• Learn the full story of Ryder and the current state of carriage horses in NYC
• Discuss the history of NYC’s horse-drawn carriage industry, why it’s harmful, and how it has resisted reform
• Break down Ryder’s Law and what it proposes, why it matters, and how we can help pass it
• Organize and plan our upcoming protest in Central Park, including signage, chants, outreach, and logistics
• Write postcards & emails to city council members
• Network with fellow animal advocates and build a small but mighty community rooted in kindness and action
Light snacks and water will be provided. Feel free to BYOB or bring a snack to share!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• People who care about animals and want to take action
• NYC residents who are fed up with cruelty disguised as tradition
• Voters who want to make informed choices for animal rights
• Activists looking to join a focused campaign with a clear goal
• Artists, writers, and creators who want to contribute skills to the movement (we need poster makers, speakers, and more!)
• Anyone who saw Ryder’s video and thought, “This has to stop.”
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📍 EVENT DETAILS
Location: Private home in Bushwick, Brooklyn (address shared after RSVP)
Date & Time: [Insert date & time]
Hosted by: Paisley Ana – local activist & founder of a new community group advocating for animal rights and compassionate legislation in NYC
Space is limited, so please RSVP if you plan to attend!
WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
New York City has evolved in countless ways, yet we still force sentient animals to pull carriages through busy streets, dodging traffic, honking horns, and suffocating in extreme heat or cold. This is not charming. It is not humane. It is not necessary.
Horse-drawn carriages may be marketed as romantic, but behind every ride is a living being denied their basic right to rest, freedom, and dignity. It’s time to change that.
Ryder’s Law is the next step toward a more compassionate city and your voice can help get it passed. Let’s honor Ryder by making sure no other horse suffers the same fate.
Come be a part of something meaningful. Let’s educate, organize, and create a louder, more powerful voice for animals in NYC!!!
