The Short Answer — and the Numbers Behind It
It’s a fair question, and one Palmetto Carriage Works takes seriously. Our animal welfare program has maintained a 100% success rate, tracked by local veterinarians, with no heat-related incidents in more than 30 years. The horses are not a backdrop to the experience: they are the reason it exists, and their wellbeing guides every decision we make.
Here’s exactly how that record is maintained.
What Happens When It Gets Too Hot?
Palmetto has a firm commitment to horse welfare. Tours are paused during extreme heat to protect the horses, and any horse showing signs of heat stress is immediately removed from service. In addition, every horse’s body temperature is checked before and after every tour, year-round, allowing staff to closely monitor their health and respond quickly if veterinary attention is needed. Horse welfare is always the top priority.
How Palmetto Manages Horse Health Through Charleston’s Hottest Months?
Each horse’s average workday is five hours, with a hard maximum of eight hours, six days a week. Between tours, every horse receives a 30-minute to one-hour break with free-choice access to water.
The Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street is fitted with misting fans and a state-of-the-art fly-spray system to keep conditions comfortable during the hottest months. The barn is also open to the public — guests can see the setup firsthand before or after their tour.
When horses aren’t working downtown, they spend time away from the city. Palmetto rotates its animals to a farm on Johns Island, averaging 19 weeks per year. The city’s minimum requirement is six weeks. That extra time in open pasture gives the animals space to rest in an environment that’s very different from the barn.
What Does Year-Round Veterinary Care Look Like?
Every horse at Palmetto sees a veterinarian at least three times per year. Animals also receive regular deworming, hoof care — Palmetto uses close to 2,000 shoes annually — and individualized monitoring based on each animal’s age and condition. The average age of a Palmetto horse is 15 years, with many living well into their twenties and beyond.
For a full breakdown of Palmetto’s animal care standards, the About Our Animals page covers every question in detail.
Can I Visit the Horses at the Red Barn?
Of course! And everyone at Palmetto encourages it. The Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street is open to the public at all times. Guests can meet the horses, speak with barn staff, and see the daily care operation before booking a tour. That’s what transparency looks like in practice. Not a page on a website, but an open barn door.
When you’re ready to book your tour, visit our website and book your preferred dates before they sell-out.
FAQ: Carriage Horse Welfare in Charleston
Are carriage horses safe in Charleston’s summer heat? Yes. At Palmetto, tours are paused during extreme heat to protect the horses. Every horse is monitored before and after each tour, and their health and well-being remain the top priority.
How long do carriage horses work each day? Palmetto horses average five hours per day, with a maximum of eight hours. Every horse receives a 30-minute to one-hour break with free-choice access to water.
What happens when it gets too hot for tours? During periods of extreme heat, tours may be paused for the day to protect the horses. When that happens, the horses are moved under misting fans or returned to the barn for the rest of the day to stay cool and comfortable.
Why Is Palmetto’s Horse Care Different From Other Charleston Carriage Tours? Palmetto operates under Charleston’s city-monitored horse welfare program. We make sure every horse receives dedicated daily care, regular veterinary attention, and time away from the city as part of a comprehensive welfare program focused on their long-term health and well-being.
Can visitors see the horses at the barn? Yes. The Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street is open to the public. No appointment needed.
