Horses today partner with people for leisure, rather than a means of transport. The pleasure horse carries his rider reliably, at the speed and distance asked. Equine specialists attract attention, yet most horses in the United States still are all-around performers. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service also surveyed horse owners in 1996. Owners cited primary reasons for owning horses as improved quality of life and relaxation.
Pleasure horses are everywhere, and their job descriptions also cover a wide territory.
A backyard horse might work only on weekends, to carry his stressed-out owner on casual rides around the neighborhood. The pony owned by a family might spend after school hours loping circuits for a crew of enthusiastic young fans. This fun-seeker can traverse a beach, canyon, national park, or farmland. On the trail, horses transport riders on trips that include daytime excursions and overnight camp outs. A trail horse's itinerary could be a short stroll in the suburbs, or a week-long pack trip into the wilderness.