Can a Horse be Considered a Vehicle or a Machine?

Legal definitions often play an important role in the treatment and rights of animals, including horses.

The case of Yarmouth v France presents an interesting perspective on how a horse can be considered "plant" to qualify for compensation to a workman injured by it. However, this raises questions on how the Amish communities and other cultures that still rely heavily on horse-drawn vehicles would handle similar legal situations.

Amish Communities and Horse-Drawn Vehicles

For Amish communities and those who rely on horse-drawn vehicles, the line between a horse and a machine is even more blurred. Unlike a machine, a horse is a living being that can feel and love. Interestingly, the first automobiles were initially called 'horseless carriages,' indicating a shift in perception from horses to machines as the primary means of modern transportation.

Key Differences: Animals vs. Machines

No, a horse cannot be considered a machine. Just like a human or any other animal, a horse has feelings and the capacity to experience physical pain. In contrast, a machine is inanimate and lacks the ability to feel. Witnessing the relaxation and pleasure of a horse during grooming is a completely different experience compared to viewing your car being waxed to a shiny finish.

Advantages of Horses in Transportation

Horses have several distinct advantages when it comes to transportation. They are capable of sprinting at high speeds over long distances, which makes them ideal for transporting goods and people across the globe. This is why horseback riding is being heralded for its ability to develop children in various ways, including physical and emotional growth.[1]

Laws Regulating the Use of Horses on Public Roads

While a horse is not typically considered a vehicle in the usual sense, there is a legal distinction that allows horses to be treated as vehicles in certain contexts, such as on public roads or in specific legal scenarios. This means that while a horse itself cannot be classified as a vehicle, the carriage or cart that it pulls can.

Unequivocally, a Horse is an Animal

For all practical purposes, a horse is a living breathing animal that requires kindness, patience, and humane treatment. While historical records may display instances of animals being mistreated or misused, societies have evolved to better protect animals, including horses. Today, laws and organizations such as the ASPCA are working to prevent practices like riding a horse to death and then shooting it when it drops. Despite progress, there are still instances of animal cruelty today, which is why regulations are vital to ensure the well-being of horses and all animals.

Conclusion

While a horse might be treated as a machine in certain legal contexts, it is unequivocally an animal that requires special consideration and care. Understanding and respecting the unique nature of horses can lead to better treatment and more humane practices.

References

[1] Blog Trib: Horse Riding Can Develop Your Child