Ah, if you think of your horse as a pet, it's a pet. If it's a member of the family, it's a member of the family. if it's an investment, it's an investment.

I should add:

I have an English Springer Spaniel - he's the only male we have (we have 2 Cavaliers, too - and we've had them since BEFORE the breed was fashionable...LOL) - he's a pain in the a$$, but he's...

~ My Boy
~ My Guy
~ The Man
~ My Buddy
~ ...and, sometimes, my Dumba$$

He's not my pet, or my dog - he's a member of our "pack", which makes him family to me.

I know that sounds kinda granola-in-the-wind-corny-and-equality-for-animals, etc., but it's how I think of my pooches - they're our "kids"...and they'll NEVER ask for the keys to my car! LOL