Do horse owners ever find this oppossed to non horse owners?

I agree entirely. What also bugs me is "you're obviously not an experienced rider so you shouldn't have a horse" (not aimed at me - I ride). Why do you have to ride to keep a horse? You might just like them for company. Nothing pleases me more than being in my field surrounded by my horses it gives me such a buzz as I walk around talking to them and petting them. I enjoy being with them more than riding.