817 N CASTLE STREET
The Arabbers have long had a contentious relationship with animal rights activists regarding the use of horses. For many, the iconic symbol of Arabbing is a horse-drawn wagon. Horses are the reason children run out and squeal with delight, and the reason many Arabbers were originally drawn to the profession. Horses bring joy. But some animal rights activists claim that the life of the Arabber horse is not joyful and that the Arabbers should not use them.
Animal rights groups have kept track of the Arabbers and their horses since the 1960s. In 1969, Baltimore City’s government reached out to the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) to help them accurately identify the location of Arabber stables across the city. MSPCA reports have led the arrests of Arabbers and stable operators for various animal abuse violations over the years.[1]
In 1993, activists formed the Maryland Horse Protection Coalition (MHPC) in part to shut down the Arabbers. MHPC’s spokeswoman, Colleen Brown, explained, “We didn’t set out to take away a Baltimore tradition. Our point of view is it’s wrong to have horses pulling carts in busy traffic, in hot weather, living in stables kept in deplorable conditions, with their hoovers in terrible shape, and sometimes reportedly begin whipped by operators or owners.”[2] Although the vast majority of Arabber horses are well taken care of and loved, activists’ concerns were not without merit.[3] In 1994, just a year after they formed, the Bureau of Animal Control failed to investigate the neglect of five ponies that were found starving to death at Castle Street Stable.[4]
In recent years, the Arabber Preservation Society has formed a partnership with the Maryland Horse Industry Board. Together, they are developing a strategy to ensure all Arabber horses are properly cared for. They are planning a series of animal husbandry courses led by horse stable owners from around the state. The Fremont Avenue Stable is at the center of these plans. Stable owners are planning to build an on-site turn out at the stable, and they are developing an Arabber training course to help prospects pass the Arabber license test issued by Baltimore City’s Animal Control, which focuses on the care of horses.
[1] Abuse of Ponies By Arabs Enrages Animal-Lovers Evening Sun February 18 1976
[2]“ For Horse-Drawn Carts, Hurdles in Baltimore,” New York Times, November 12, 1995.
[3] Allan Schwartz, Days End Farm Horse Rescue Film Foundry We are Arabbers. (33:40) Cooper Williams, veterinarian Film Foundry’s We are Arabbers. (34:16)
[4] Baltimore Sun article "Baltimore Should phase out a-rab ponies, Beilenson says by JoAnna Daemmrich, 4-12-94