“Ryder collapsed on a street in Hell's Kitchen on August 10th. The responding veterinarian in the city diagnosed him with EPM, a neurological disease caused by a parasite transmitted by possums and raccoons. Subsequent blood tests revealed a low white-cell blood count. According to Ryder’s former owner, Ryder was purchased earlier this year after his owner in Amish country no longer wanted him…He was brought to a New York animal sanctuary and then to the Cornell Equine Hospital for further evaluation and treatment where he spent many days. During his time at Cornell, Ryder was cared for by a team of veterinary professionals but was diagnosed with a variety of serious medical conditions that ultimately required him to be humanely euthanized. A necropsy is being performed on the horse. Details regarding the specific conditions are not being released at this time due to an ongoing investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.”

NYC Carriage Horse Ryder’s New Owner: “Many people don't know that I was fortunate enough to care for Ryder these last two months. When I saw his video I reached out and offered him a home. I wasn't thinking about anything but giving him a soft landing. The things that have happened since that day have been so awakening and I will be forever grateful for the lessons I have learned and the friendships I have made. I had many people's support and help. People came together in support of Ryder, those are the people that deserve to know that he was humanly euthanized. Ryder was diagnosed with a terminal illness and nothing could prevent the outcome. He was seen by many veterinarians. In spite of being accused of many things I have not kept quiet with malicious intent. Ryder was and is part of a criminal investigation. I do feel that people deserve answers and in time I'm sure that more will be released. I do not want to interfere with the DA investigation. I'm truly devastated by his loss. He was an amazing horse that deserved more time to enjoy his retirement. He was happy, had friends and a peace about him that we can all hope to have one day. Today as I looked at his pasture I again felt the pain and again wished he had more time. That is something that we have no control over. We do have control over how we treat each others and the gifts we are given in our lives. So please try to stay grateful and treat people as you want to be treated. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Don't believe everything you read. Treat people as individuals, there is good and bad in everything. Please do not make this post about any controversy, please just say a prayer for Ryder and other horses in need.”

“We are very saddened to learn of Ryder’s passing. We know that he received the best of care with his new owner and veterinary team at Cornell. We’re sorry that at the end of Ryder’s long life, he did not get to enjoy more of his retirement. Even though we only knew him a short time, Ryder touched our lives in so many ways. Thanks to him, we have initiated new veterinary and safety protocols and made significant steps towards the union’s HEART platform. Ryder has positively impacted carriage horse welfare and brought our carriage community together. Our condolences to all of his connections and everyone who knew him, even for a moment.”