Dignity of Labor "Dignity of Labor II" by Elizabeth M Guarisco, courtesy of the artist, New York The horse is one of the most outstanding athletes in the animal kingdom. Because of his cooperative nature, he has made a significant contribution to man's historical development. Today, the horse in harness is regaining respect and admiration in a recreational role. Horse drawn carriages recreate a time when life was to be savored slowly. And, they recreate a very special relationship between man and nature.When treated with care and respect, the horse willingly provides his great strength for man's purposes. Man, in turn, tends to the health and comfort of his partner in work.Therein, lies the dignity of labor. Honolulu Horse and Carriage, Ltd. ...is a member of the Carriage Operators of North America (CONA), an organization dedicated to establishing and promoting safe and humane standards for the horse drawn carriage industry. CONA is affiliated with the American Horse Council & the Animal Welfare council.

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Carriage Horses Does this horse like his job? Carriage horses are bred to work in harness In fact, the exercise keeps him healthy. Horses recognize, respond to and develop an affection for their drivers. Does the pavement hurt his hooves? No, because he wears protective shoes. May I pet the horse? Each horse is different. Always ask the driver if it is safe to touch the horse. How much weight can a horse pull? A horse can easily pull a wheeled vehicle that is six (6) times his own weight, however most carriage horses are used at only 25% of that capacity. What is the average life expectancy of a horse? Twenty-five to 30 years. Horses have been known to live well into their 40s. Is it normal for a horse to sweat? Yes. It is a natural cooling process, just as it is with people. How do horses rest? Horses usually sleep standing up, often with one hind foot cocked. How often do you feed the horse? A horse consumes two or three meals of hay/grain per day.

Are these your horses?
No, we are their Humans!

What is the difference between a Clydesdale and a Belgian?
Much like the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Great Dane.

Does the horse get a chance to lay down and sleep?
Horses actually sleep standing up, they having locking joints in their knees and rest two legs at a time.

What do they eat?
Each horse has a different diet, much like each human is different. Most all horses enjoy apples and carrots for treats. For meals on average most eat alfalfa, hay, grass, oats, barley and special designed horse feed much similar to dog food. Horses stomach are very sensitive, so it is very important that anything they eat is easily digestible.

Why is he sweating?
Horses sweat for the same reasons humans do, to release body heat and cool down. It is a good thing.

Are the horses happy?
Yes, they receive maid service on a daily basis. Pedicures every 4-6 weeks with rubber shoes. Bubble baths before going into town or to an event. The boys enjoy human companionship, window shopping in town and getting chauffeured around in their horse limo.

Why does he look sad?
Actually most people think when a horse is relaxed and not tense/ alert, that he is sad. It is very important to see a horse relaxed in any environment he is in. They don't have facial muscles like humans to smile with.

Is it difficult for them to pull the vehicles?
No, actually they are only pulling when they are going up hill. When on level ground they are just walking, it is even lighter than a human pushing or pulling a baby stroller. Each horse weighs about 2,000 pounds and they are capable of pulling six times their own weight individually.

Don't you think he should be in the wild running free?
Horses have been domesticated longer than dogs have and would most likely not survive if put in the wild. It would basically be like abandoning them and making them homeless. Wild horses that do exist have a shorter life span than domesticated horses, about 2/3 less. Wild horses also develop a lot of medical problems that go untreated. Most current breeds have never been wild. Horses are much like children in the sense that anything new to them they will be wary of, however once reassured that certain things are not monsters they don't pay much attention to them.

Ph: (808) 924-STYLE (7895) / Fax: (808) 696-4199
Email: hnlhorse@aol.com