Horse carriage driver Natasha Kabanova works out of Clinton Park Stables, the largest stable in the city. Kabanova came to the United States from Eastern Russia 14 years ago, but has been driving horses for only a little over a year.
Each morning, Kabanova helps the stable hand to hook up either Josie or Blackie to a carriage.
Then, it’s off to wait in line on Central Park South. Horse and driver have to be at the head of the line to take anyone on a ride, and when two women come up and take a fancy to Josie, Kabanova tells them they have to wait. They promise to come back in a half hour, but don’t return. This happens often.
Kabanova can make five or more rides a day, and back at the stables has to enter her day’s activities in a log for the owner of the horse and carriage. She keeps small items in a locker, and often checks in on horses in the stable, even taking them for short walks in the hall.
After work, she may head to New Jersey to visit her daughter, whose own love of horses inspired Kabanova to pursue this work. Her daughter’s boyfriend is also a carriage driver. Then it’s back to Queens for a night’s rest before heading out with the horse and carriage again the next day.
Natalie Fertig is a student at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. Follow her on Twitter.