The Central Park Conservancy has taken a public stand on the contentious issue of horse-drawn carriages, urging for a ban due to safety and sanitation concerns. "We do not take this position lightly," wrote Betsy Smith. "Simply put, this practice is no longer compatible with the realities of a modern public space." The Conservancy pointed out recent incidents, including two runaway horses and complaints about manure left on drives, as evidence of the risks involved.