[HairOfTheDog]

Horses are at least as smart as dogs and the French eat them which I think is just as awful.

I absolutely agree with your point, however I wonder if it is intellect that actually draws the line. When we breed and train animals to be our companions, perform our work, bear our burdens and depend on us for everything, then decency demands a fair contract. The animals in our service perform the tasks that we give them without hesitation (most of the time ;~D) and in exchange, we owe them dignity and fair treatment. Because they deserve it, and because humanity should want it to be so.

Beauty without Vanity
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of man,
Without his Vices.
-The Dog... Lord Byron

[FITZ]

I've seen feral dogs who aren't anything like pet dogs, I think we socialize them and they almost turn into humans ---in our minds and theirs. It's the same with horses.