New York City used to be a horse town.

People used to ride down Broadway. Buses used to be pulled by draft horses. Rather than streets full of yellow taxis there were streets full of neighing, pooping, kicking horses.

I wish I had seen those days.

The only remnant of the golden days of equine New York is the NYPD Mounted Unit. When I hear the clipclop of a police horse, my heart skips a beat and I get a little giddy. I turn into a 6 year old, I want to pet the horse!

Recently I was bumming around Tribeca when a very familiar smell hit my nose. Manure. Then I looked around and noticed all the trailers, and then I saw a mounted policeman. I asked if there was a stable around and he gestured down the street. Right there, opening up onto Washington Street, was a barn.

I could hear small rustlings, low whinnies, and see an occasional tail flick, but these are working animals and kept at a safe distance from over-enthusiastic ex-equestriennes like myself.

Not ready to join the NYPD? Then why not think about joining the New York Parks Enforcement Auxiliary Mounted Unit? You can patrol some of the city’s most beautiful parks and help lost kids find their parents and do a good thing for your city!

There’s a few interesting things about this picture, the beautiful reflections being only one of them. This building sits near the intersection of Lafayette St and Jersey St, a tiny alley in NoLita. And yes, I do see that the street sign just at the bottom of the photo says Crosby Ave. Why? You’ve got me, I haven’t a clue.

Some of you might actually know this block without even knowing it. For fans of Sex & The City, this is the very same alley in which Carrie was mugged and her Manolo’s stolen.

For another cool view of this building, click here.