(A Southern Fried Thoughts Post by Dean Burnette)
Well now, Savannah, Georgia. There ain’t many places on God’s green earth that capture the soul of the South quite like her. Moss-draped oaks, history whispering on the breeze, and yes, those beautiful horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down cobblestone streets, a living postcard of days gone by.
But lately, things have gotten a little… murky. Like trying to see through swamp water. Seems like a few folks decided to pitch a fit about those very same horses, claiming abuse and mistreatment. And wouldn’t you know it, a local politician – Alderman Nick Palumbo – decided this was a good wagon to hitch his star to. Then WTOC news shows up, cameras rolling, focused right on the commotion and, particularly, on the Alderman.
Saw a Facebook post about it, even a video link to WTOC’s coverage. And let me tell you, my Southern Fried antenna started twitching faster than a hound dog smelling bacon.
Now, I ain’t gonna lie, when I saw the part about somebody tossing a bucket of water on Alderman Palumbo… well, I ain’t condoning violence, mind you, but sometimes folks wander into the path of consequences, bless their heart. Especially when they go flapping their jaws about things they clearly don’t understand.
And that, my friends, is the gravy stain on this whole situation.
Getting It All Wrong Down on Broughton Street
You see, you got these protesters, maybe some paid folks stirring the pot, holding signs and shouting about how these magnificent animals are being hurt. Now, I gotta ask, did any of ’em actually talk to the folks who work with these horses every single day? Did they spend five minutes in the stables? Did they watch how these animals are cared for before the sun’s even thought about waking up? I suspect not.
Because if they did, they’d find out the opposite of what they’re screaming about.
My friend Adriana Normand, a wonderful lady I’ve known for years, works in this industry. She’s concerned sick over this nonsense. And let me tell you somethin’ – Adriana loves horses. Like, truly loves them. These folks in the carriage industry? They aren’t some heartless big corporations working animals to death. They are horse people. They are caretakers. They are small business owners and hardworking tour guides whose livelihoods depend on the health and happiness of these animals.
The Truth About Carriage Horses
Let me share some facts that might surprise those protesters:
Historically Speaking: Horses have been working alongside humans for thousands of years. The partnership between humans and horses built civilizations, won wars, and created the foundation of commerce. These carriage horses are continuing a tradition that’s as old as recorded history.
Physically Speaking: Draft horses and carriage horses are bred specifically for this work. They’re strong, sturdy, and actually enjoy having a job to do. A horse standing in a pasture all day is like a race car sitting in a garage – it’s not fulfilling its purpose.
Economically Speaking: The carriage industry provides jobs for drivers, guides, stable hands, veterinarians, farriers, feed suppliers, and countless other professionals. When you attack the industry, you’re attacking the livelihoods of hardworking people who’ve chosen careers because they love working with horses.
What These Folks Don’t Understand
Let me educate y’all about something these protesters apparently skipped in their research. Horse-drawn carriage companies, not just here in Savannah but around the world, have been caring for these magnificent animals for generations. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the romantic boulevards of Paris, from the historic squares of New Orleans to the grand avenues of New York City, these companies have built their reputations on one fundamental truth: happy, healthy horses are good for business.
Think about it logically, folks. What sense would it make for a business owner to mistreat the very animals that are the heart and soul of their livelihood? That’s like a chef serving spoiled shrimp – it just doesn’t make good business sense.
A Personal Perspective
As someone who’s spent time around working animals – and I’ve seen my share of cattle, horses, and hunting dogs – I can tell you that a well-cared-for working animal is a happy animal. These horses have purpose, regular care, social interaction, and the kind of attention that pampered pets would envy.
Moreover, these carriage companies often rescue horses that might otherwise face uncertain futures. They provide homes, care, and meaningful work for animals that might not have other options.
The Industry Standards That Matter
Furthermore, the carriage industry operates under strict regulations and regular inspections. These horses receive:
– Regular veterinary care that would make your family doctor jealous
– Nutritious feed and fresh water throughout their working day
– Stabling that’s cleaner than most college dormitories
– Regular rest periods and vacation time (yes, horses get vacations!)
– Professional farrier services to keep their hooves in top condition
The Human Cost of Misguided Activism
Now, let me tell you about my friend Adriana Normand, who I’ve known for years. She’s one of those tour guides who doesn’t just work with horses – she loves them with the kind of passion that can’t be faked. She’s worried about her job, concerned about the carriage companies, and more than anything, she’s heartbroken that people think she’d be part of anything that would harm these animals.
These tour guides aren’t just employees; they’re ambassadors for our beautiful city. They’re the ones who share our history, our stories, and our Southern hospitality with visitors from around the world. They’re the folks who make sure tourists go home with fond memories of Savannah’s charm and grace.
Political Horseplay and the Media Echo Chamber
Which brings us back to Alderman Palumbo and WTOC.
Why would a local politician jump on this band wagon without doing his homework? Simple. Politics. Seems like he saw an opportunity to score points with a vocal minority, regardless of the facts. Going “off half-cocked,” as we say down here, trying to win votes by hurting good people and good local small businesses. It shows a lack of research, a lack of understanding of his own community, and frankly, a lack of good judgment. He wasn’t thinking, bless his heart.
And WTOC? Well, they had the cameras rolling, didn’t they? Focused on the drama, the conflict. Did they get a balanced perspective? Did they interview the carriage company owners? The drivers? The vets who care for the horses? Or did they just amplify the voices of the protesters and the politician who decided to side with them? Looks an awful lot like feeding into a narrative without seeking the full truth. That ain’t news, that’s propaganda, pure and simple. It’s a disservice to the community, to the local small businesses, and most importantly, to the truth about those horses.
The International Context
This controversy isn’t unique to Savannah. Similar protests have occurred in cities worldwide, often funded by animal rights organizations with agendas that go far beyond horse welfare. From Vienna to Victoria, from Dublin to Detroit, these same arguments surface, despite the fact that horse-drawn carriages remain popular, well-regulated, and economically important to tourism industries globally.
What We Should Be Asking
Instead of jumping on the protest bandwagon, maybe we should be asking better questions:
– Have these protesters actually spent time with carriage horses?
– Do they understand the difference between abuse and work?
– Are they familiar with the regulations governing the industry?
– Have they consulted with local equine veterinarians?
– Do they understand the economic impact on local families?
Standing Up for What’s Right
Unlike the Alderman and the TV station that seemed content to just roll with the loudest side, I believe in supporting the folks who make Savannah special. The hardworking tour guides who are the best ambassadors for our city, sharing its history with a smile. The local businesses that provide jobs and keep a piece of history alive. And yes, the horses, whose lives are enriched by the care and work they do.
Discrediting the misinformed protesters, calling out the politician who seems more interested in votes than truth, and pointing out when the media isn’t telling the whole story – that’s not just commentary. That’s a service to our community. It’s standing up for the good folks and the good animals caught in the middle of political theater and misguided activism.
So next time you’re in Savannah, or any city with these beautiful working horses, don’t listen to the noise from the sidelines. Look at the horses. Watch their interactions with their drivers. Talk to the people who care for them. See the truth for yourself.
Because sometimes, the most important story isn’t the one being shouted about, but the quiet, consistent one of care, dedication, and a life well-lived for these magnificent animals.
Welcome to the family. I sure hope you enjoy the flavor of truth served Southern Fried.
Dean Burnette
Southern Fried Thoughts
Thanks for the educational post Dean. You’re right when you say that the loudest minority in this matter got coverage. Seems like the carriage companies need to counter these protests with some better PR.
Well put and a good read
This piece is EXTREMELY biased. I would love to go see their barns but you can’t just show up, you have to make an appointment, that in and of itself makes me think what are they hiding?? Also the guy who threw the bucket of water at Alderman Nick Palumbo has an anger issue so how do we know what he was doing to these poor horses! I have been a horse owner all of my life and never would I ever ride him in this hot, humid weather. I’ve done a lot of research on this particular topic and sorry to tell you, the HDC companies are dead writers to have horses out in this heat and humidity. Seems to me, you haven’t done your research for an industry that is antiquated and down right abuse to these animals
Well now, Jo Ann, bless your heart for taking the time to read my post and share your thoughts. I do appreciate folks engaging with what I write, even when we might see things through different colored glasses.
Now, let me address a few points you raised with the same Southern courtesy I’d show any neighbor who stopped by for sweet tea and conversation.
First off, about that fella who tossed the water – mercy, Jo Ann, that gentleman wasn’t an employee of my friend Adriana’s carriage company or any other carriage company for that matter. He was just a citizen who apparently got his dander up about the whole situation. Now, you’re asking if it’s fair to blame my friend’s small business for the actions of someone else entirely? Well, that’s like blaming the local diner for what somebody does in the parking lot of the grocery store across the street. It just doesn’t make a lick of sense.
Adriana and her colleagues are hardworking folks trying to make an honest living, and they shouldn’t have to answer for every Tom, Dick, or Harry who decides to express their frustration in ways that maybe weren’t the most Christian thing to do. That’s about as fair as a chocolate teapot, if you ask me.
As for the barn appointments, well now, I reckon most businesses prefer folks to call ahead rather than just wandering in uninvited. My dentist requires an appointment too, and I don’t suspect he’s hiding anything more sinister than maybe a collection of golf magazines. These are working facilities with schedules, tours, and animals that need their routines. Seems pretty reasonable to me.
Now, about the heat and humidity – Jo Ann, I respect that you’ve been around horses all your life. That’s admirable, truly. But these carriage companies have been operating under regulations, inspections, and professional oversight for generations. They’ve got protocols for weather, rest periods, and horse care that would make a Swiss watchmaker jealous. These aren’t weekend cowboys we’re talking about; these are professionals whose livelihoods depend on healthy, happy horses.
You mentioned research, and I appreciate that. But might I suggest that maybe – just maybe – some of that research came from the same sources that were stirring up this controversy in the first place? Sometimes the loudest voices aren’t necessarily the most accurate ones, kind of like how the squeaky wheel gets the grease but that doesn’t mean it’s the most important wheel on the wagon.
And speaking of bias, Jo Ann, you hit the nail on the head when you called my piece “EXTREMELY biased.” Guilty as charged! I’m biased toward the truth, biased toward hardworking small business owners, and biased toward not letting good people get run over by folks who haven’t done their homework. When I see my friend Adriana – who loves those horses more than some folks love their own kinfolk – getting attacked by protesters who probably couldn’t tell a bridle from a broomstick, well, that gets my Southern sensibilities all worked up.
The news coverage you’re defending? Well, that’s where we really part ways, darlin’. WTOC had their cameras rolling on the drama but seemed to miss the story about the actual horse care, the regulations, the veterinary oversight, and the people whose lives depend on this industry. That’s not reporting; that’s entertainment disguised as news.
Now, Jo Ann, I’m not trying to change your mind about everything under the sun, but I am asking you to consider this: maybe, just maybe, the real story isn’t the one being shouted about in the streets. Maybe it’s the quiet, consistent story of people who get up before dawn to care for animals they love, who’ve built their lives around these magnificent creatures, and who deserve a fair shake instead of being painted with the same brush as every controversy that comes down the pike.
Thanks again for reading, Jo Ann. Even when we disagree, I appreciate folks who care enough to engage. That’s what makes America great – we can argue about horses and still sit down for Sunday dinner afterward.
With Southern hospitality and a healthy dose of truth,
Dean Burnette
Southern Fried Thoughts
P.S. – If you ever do get that appointment to visit the barns, I’d be mighty interested to hear what you think after seeing the operation firsthand. Sometimes the best education comes from looking with your own eyes instead of listening to all the noise from the peanut gallery.
I was raised caring for, riding, showing, and loving horses. I had the privilege of having to care for my own at home! Before and after school, in all kinds of weather. I also had the privilege of working for one of Savannah’s carriage companies! I was a LICENSED tour guide, I was also one of the ones who was up before dawn 7 days a week to feed, groom, and harness the horses. I also cleaned the stalls, bathed them, played with them and LOVED them! They are pampered!! Many are retired farm horses living a life of leisure! I can pull a full size carriage by myself! It’s on wheels! The horses have special shoes for comfort. We checked their vital signs before and after every tour in the summertime. We hosed them off and they had water at all times! We rotated them for rest. I suffered far worse in the heat and cold as a tour guide, lol!!! There are occasional exceptions to every situation of course, and sometimes horses get sick or injured. It would be negligent for me to claim otherwise. As for taking a tour of the barn? Even Budweiser requires tour appointments. The horses need rest, and routine. So please before you make your opinions known, do FULL scale research and gain some perspective and experience.