As New York expanded, the cattle market moved north once again; in 1846 it was relocated from 24th Street to an area north of 42nd Street. The departure of the cattle drovers and butchers allowed horse dealers to take over 24th Street and the Bull's Head Market became a principal location for New York's horse trade.
The cattle pens gave way to low stables that extended to 23rd and 25th Streets, and east to Second Avenue. In 1866, a health inspector counted thirty-five different stables at the Bull's Head Market that contained stalls for approximately 1,000 horses. Horse related businesses such as carriage and harness makers were also present. Straw, oats, and manure littered the surface of 24th Street, where teams of horses pulled wagons to demonstrate their strength to buyers.
