City officials say safety teams will be stationed in the park as drivers return to service. The teams will provide oversight and retraining aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The victim, identified as Romanch Mahajan, was visiting New York with his family when the accident occurred. Authorities say the carriage driver had stepped away to take a photo of Mahajan and his family when the horse suddenly took off running.
Mahajan was thrown from the carriage and later died from his injuries.
The incident has reignited debate over the future of New York City's horse carriage industry.
The Transport Workers Union released a statement saying discussions with drivers and carriage owners over the past four days have reinforced its belief that hitching posts should be installed throughout Central Park. Supporters say the posts would allow drivers to securely tether horses and help prevent them from wandering or bolting unexpectedly.
Animal rights advocates and some elected officials, however, are calling for the industry to be eliminated entirely.
A City Council proposal known as Ryder's Law, which would ban horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City, is already under consideration. Following Mahajan's death, Council Member Christopher Marte announced plans to rename the measure "Romanch's Law" in honor of the teenager.
The fatal accident comes just weeks after another high-profile incident in Central Park in which a carriage horse died after reportedly consuming a poisonous plant.
The Mayor's Office has also weighed in, releasing a statement saying it is time to end the horse carriage industry in city parks.
"I actually saw the horse that died. It was pretty rough to see because I've grown up in the neighborhood," one park visitor said.
Another visitor recalled taking a carriage ride years ago but said recent incidents have changed their perspective.
"I rode one here in Central Park in 2001 when I was younger. But hearing how the horses are treated, I'm not sure I would now," the visitor said.
The debate is expected to continue next month. A City Council hearing on Romanch's Law is scheduled for July 15.
ALSO READ: Vigil held for crash victim as carriage horses set to return to Central Park
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