I don't know any more about "beasts of burden", but many working animals are considered members of the family, like guide dogs.
Sorry I meant beasts of burden. It basically means animals trained to provide a tractive force.
I would love to start horseback riding. I have no idea what it entails though. That's interesting, animals in sport are considered working animals. I would be fun, but now I'm worried it's not good for the horse since it's considered work for them. see what you mean. Some working animals are called draft animals or beasts of burden. Really? This is sounding more and more like hard work.
They may be close members of the family, such as guide dogs or other assistance dogs, or they may be animals trained to provide tractive force, such as draft horses or logging elephants.