On April 22, Earth Day will be celebrated around the world as an opportunity to collectively appreciate the planet’s natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. With a focus on environmental protection and sustainability, Earth Day represents a call to address pressing issues like pollution, climate change, deforestation, and wildlife conservation. 

An important message of Earth Day is to become more cognizant of how eco-friendly behaviors can be incorporated into daily life. That very philosophy is why Palmetto Carriage Works has designed our business around sustainable and ethical practices, particularly when it comes to our equine friends. Here are 4 ways the team at Palmetto Carriage Works regularly cares for our horses and the environment. 

Practicing Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism centers on creating meaningful, environmentally friendly, and ethical experiences while minimizing the impact on natural resources and landscapes. Palmetto Carriage Works’ horse-drawn carriage tours provide an eco-friendly, emissions-free model for exploring Charleston. As the city’s oldest carriage tour company, Palmetto Carriage Works believe that our active participation in contributing to sustainable business practices can serve as a model for other companies in the tourism space.

Unlike even the greenest motorized vehicle, carriages do not release toxins into the air and actually offer a more historically authentic way of sightseeing. Our tours positively contribute to the local economy and provide steady work for guides, animal caretakers, and administrative staff. By selecting a sustainable way of touring Charleston, visitors are also playing an active part in shoring up the local community and conserving native biodiversity.

Keeping Our Horses Healthy

For many reasons, the health and well-being of the working horses and mules at Palmetto Carriage Works is a top priority. We have intentionally designed a detailed and proactive health program meant to provide our animals with the best quality of life possible. Our regular routines include the following:

• Veterinary checkups — All horses are regularly seen by professional veterinarians to ensure they remain in top physical condition. These checkups encompass everything from physical examinations to vaccinations. Staying up on these critical health actions keep the animals free from illness and in tip-top shape for embarking on city tours. Preventive animal care is the absolute backbone of this routine as it helps catch potential health concerns early before they develop into something more serious.
• Dental care — Like humans, dental health is a critical and undervalued component of an animal’s holistic condition. Improper or absent care can result in pain or difficulty eating. Palmetto Carriage Works ensures that all our horses receive consistent dental checkups to keep teeth in excellent condition.
• Farrier services — Farrier services refer to the professional care and maintenance of a horse’s hoof, a practice important for their overall health, comfort, and performance. Treatments include trimming hooves and checking the balance and structural integrity of the animals’ feet.
• Well-balanced diet — Nutrition is a critical health component for every living thing, and Palmetto Carriage Works curates our horses’ diet so it includes high-quality hay and grain. These ingredients supply the daily energy and nutrients these animals need to perform their daily tasks. We also provide constant access to fresh water — even more important in Charleston’s hot summers — and work with equine nutrition experts to guarantee that each individual horse’s dietary needs are considered.

A consistent presence in Charleston since at least 1670, working horses are as much a staple of the city as its human residents. Whether it’s Earth Day or not, we find it our duty to make sure their quality of life is just as good as ours.

Staying Mindful of the Weather

Few tours are fun in inclement weather, and particularly bad weather conditions can actually be dangerous for working animals and human guests alike. At Palmetto Carriage Works, we enforce strict temperature guidelines for the well-being of both life forms. 

If temperatures are too hot, carriage operations are suspended to ensure that horses are not put under undue stress in the heat. Our team constantly monitors what local heat indexes say. Outside conditions that are too high and/or humid might cause horses to be unable to cool themselves off effectively. Whether human or horse, becoming dehydrated is never a good thing, and our goal is to avoid such issues.

Similarly, in the case of storms, extreme cold, or icy roads, our policy is to halt carriage tours altogether until conditions improve. This way, animals and guests will not be exposed to unnecessary health risks or dangerous situations (i.e. slipping or getting too cold). Since the vast majority of Palmetto Carriage Works’ operations occur outdoors, we don’t ever force tours to begin or continue when it seems unwise to do so.

Preserving Charleston’s Heritage

Along with remaining committed to environmental stewardship, Palmetto Carriage Works actively supports the preservation of Charleston’s historic and cultural treasures through our tours. All guided excursions introduce guests to buildings, streets, parks, and other landmarks that reflect the city’s diverse and rich past. The presence of such historic places contribute to the ongoing development of Charleston’s identity and simultaneously shows visitors how to interpret our local legacy.
Horse-drawn carriages are both a living symbol of Charleston’s past and a green alternative to other forms of transportation. Failing to produce emissions means that we are reducing the city’s carbon footprint every time we depart for another tour. If you’re interested in supporting Palmetto Carriage Works’ eco-friendly practices (and looking for a sustainable way to explore Charleston) this Earth Day, check out some of our experiences online today. We look forward to traveling with you!