ARABBING: More Than a Way of Life, continued...
An Arabber’s horse wearing the traditional Baltimore Fancy Harness.
completely and in Baltimore, there are only three stables remaining. Te Carlton Street Stable is the oldest stable in the U.S., according to Muller. “It was started in the 1850s and was a coal, ice and wood distribution center,” Muller said. Growing up in the trade, Muller stays in the business because, “we are a service to the people and a service to our community.” He went on to explain that the urban areas of Baltimore still need these resources. “Tat history must continue.” In 2020, the Carlton Street Stable became the first Arabbing stable licensed through the Mary- land Horse Industry Board. It currently houses seven to eight horses and four wagons. MHIB Executive Director Ross Peddicord recently vis- ited each of the remaining stables stating, “not only do these three barns maintain the Arabbing tradition, but they also serve as neighborhood community centers in West Baltimore.” Johns purchased Bruce Street Stables about
eight years ago. Her family has been in the Arabbing business since her grandmother be- came one of the first African American women Arrabers in Baltimore. Johns says the Arabbing industry will continue because, “When all else fails, grab the horse and go!” At Bruce Street, Johns typically houses five horses at any given time. “Right now we have three minis and two Arabbing [horses],” she said. “We have two more horses out at pasture in Virginia at my cousin’s place. I send them there to stretch their legs and get some rest.” Chase also got involved in the business
Shauna Chaney and Carlton Street Stable own- er Levar Mullen outside the stable’s entrance.
through his grandparents. In his case, he started tagging along with his grandfather when he was just six years old. “It’s a family thing,” he said, explaining that he has several uncles, cousins and other relatives all involved with Arabbing. “During my grandfather’s time, there were at least 15 stables in Baltimore. Way more than
that,” he reminisced. “We are the last three.”
The Power of the Horse Chase was drawn to Arabbing because of the horses, stating, “I went with [my grandfather] because of the horses. [Arabbing] is all about the horse.” Johns has the same feelings, explaining that
Arabbing is more about the horse than any- thing else. “A horse is a totally different animal. Arabbing is one with horses. Tere is some- thing about them that just draws people in.” Chase added, “In the city, people are used to seeing dogs and cats, but not horses. Every time I bring out a horse, people flock to us.” Chase also explained that he wishes more people would see how important the horse is to their way of life. “We love and cherish our horses just as much as we love our kids! Some of the ani- mal rights people are misguided.” Muller equates Arabbing in many ways to
selling ice cream from a van stating, “Seeing the horse and wagon is like seeing the ice cream truck come around the corner. Kids just love to come up and pet the horse.” Muller added that the horse is what creates such a unique experi- ence for the community. “All of these stables are engaged in education- al and community outreach through horses,” Peddicord said. “Horses allow people to dream, to think about someone other than themselves and show kindness and affection.” Keeping the horse as the star of the show is
one of the main reasons that Baltimore’s cur- rent Arabbers are looking to preserve the cul- ture and industry. “Arabbing teaches kids there is a different way of doing things. A different way of life,” Chase said. He went on to add, “Kids see the easy way to make money on social
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Arabber Preservation Society photo
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