Est. 1999
About NYC Royal Carriage Central Park Rides Since 1999
Three generations of the Esinti family have dedicated their lives to creating magical moments in Manhattan's most iconic park.
Our Story
Who Owns NYC Royal Carriage and How Did It Start?
Since 1999, the Esinti family has built NYC Royal Carriage into Manhattan's most trusted horse carriage tour company. What began as one man's vision to share Central Park's splendor has blossomed into a multigenerational commitment to excellence, animal welfare, and genuine hospitality. Today, with over 10,200 five-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, we remain the highest-rated carriage ride service in New York City.
Our founder, Joseph Esinti, arrived in New York with a dream and two horses. His passion for Central Park's beauty and his dedication to providing an authentic New York experience drove him to create something special. Over 25 years later, that same passion flows through every member of our family and team. We were among the first carriage companies to offer online booking, and we continue to innovate while honoring the timeless tradition of the horse-drawn carriage ride.
"When I first came to New York in 1999, I knew Central Park was somewhere truly special. I wanted people from all over the world to experience that same feeling of wonder I had — the trees, the bridges, the skyline — from the back of a carriage. Twenty-five years later, my family and I still feel that magic every single day." — Joseph Esinti, Founder
NYC Royal Carriage is fully licensed by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission and operates under the regulations of the NYC Department of Health. Every carriage in our fleet is inspected annually, and our drivers are professionally trained and certified.
Last reviewed April 2026
Our Commitment to Horse Welfare
Our horses aren't just our business — they're our family. Each horse is born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where they spend their early years on open pastures before joining our team in Manhattan. We maintain a stable of 15 horses, each receiving individualized care from dedicated handlers who have known them for years.
Every horse in our care receives daily grooming, premium nutrition tailored to their needs, and veterinary check-ups three times per year from board-certified equine specialists. They work strictly limited hours in accordance with NYC's horse-drawn cab regulations, and each horse enjoys 6 to 12 weeks of vacation annually on green pastures outside the city. We adhere to NYC's mandatory temperature restrictions — no horse works when the air temperature falls below 18°F or rises above 89°F, or when the equine heat index exceeds 150.
Our practices meet or exceed New York City's horse welfare standards under the Department of Health. Our commitment goes beyond compliance — it's rooted in genuine love for these magnificent animals.
Meet Our Team
Joseph Esinti — Founder & Owner: A lifelong equestrian and New York City transplant, Joseph founded NYC Royal Carriage in 1999. With over 25 years of experience, he personally oversees horse care, driver training, and customer experience to maintain the highest standards.
Our Drivers: Each of our carriage drivers is a licensed NYC hackney coachman, trained not only in safe horse handling but also in Central Park's rich history. They share fascinating stories about landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and The Mall — making every ride educational as well as magical.
By booking directly with NYC Royal Carriage, you support a local family business and enjoy the best rates — no middlemen, no markups, just premium service at honest prices. We proudly serve the Central Park community and welcome visitors from around the world.
Joseph
Owner & Operator
Our Journey
What Has NYC Royal Carriage Achieved in 25 Years?
1999
The Beginning
Joseph arrives in New York with a dream and two horses, launching what would become NYC Royal Carriage.
2005
Family Expansion
The second generation joins the business, bringing fresh ideas while honoring traditions.
2012
Digital Transformation
First to offer online booking in the carriage industry, making the experience accessible around the clock.
2018
Major Milestone
Reached over 25,000 guests and expanded our premium fleet of carriages and beloved horses.
2024
Growing Excellence
Enhanced facilities, new scenic routes, and continued dedication to the highest standards of service.
2026
Digital Innovation
Launched GetYourGuide partnership, expanded multi-language support, and surpassed 10,200 five-star reviews across all platforms.
Our Companions
They're not just horses — they're family.
Learn about our horses, their care, and the NYC regulations that protect them.
Meet Our Horses"Booking with NYC Royal Carriage was the best decision we made for our NYC trip. The Esinti family's dedication to their horses and customers is evident in every detail."
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Join thousands of satisfied guests who've experienced the magic of a Central Park carriage ride with the Esinti family.
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