Note to I am Surak: You're sick.
the use of horse leather in protective workman's gear dates back several hundreds of years. Having hot nearly molten steel burn through your clothes is a very unpleasant experience and I am grateful that Flicka and her friends offered themselves up to protect my tender skin.
And yes. I actually am sick.

But your comment came off as a little insensitive, that's all. Horses are themselves the noblest of creatures.