Urbani konji: Tradicionalni delavci Dunaja

This thesis investigates the intimate working relationships between humans and horses in Vienna, with a focus on horse-drawn carriages, known as FIakers. Through eleven month of ethnographic fieldwork, the research examines the daily interactions between coachmen and their horses, exploring the close bonds that develop through their collaborative work in an urban setting. The study situates these working relationships within the broader contexts of tourism, tradition and modernity, to show how Vienna9s carriages and horses have transitioned from essential labor animals to symbols of cultural heritage. With a focus on emotional and practical bonds between coachmen and horses, this thesis addresses tensions arising from animal welfare concerns, regulatory changes, and the socio-political dynamics that shape perceptions of this profession. By emphasizing the mutual cooperation between humans and horses, the thesis sheds light on suitability of urban equestrianism in Vienna.