Gizmodo: horse

Ridemaster Pro Horseriding Simulator Is Just Sad

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:40:00 EDT

Seriously. I don't care how high-tech this mechanical horse—which apparently allows you to "simulate" horse riding—may be, but really, if I like to ride, I want to do it outside, on a real horse, experiencing the thrill, and feeling the wind on my face. And if I was a pro, I would like to practice on a real horse. In other words: there's only one kind of riding to be done indoors. And this ultra-expensive $10,000 contraption is not it. Update: we found a video of it—and yes, it's actually sadder than we imagined.
[Born Rich via Ridemaster—Music: Miwaku no Horse Riding (Go Go Cactus Man) - from Cowboy Beebop]

One "Horsepower" Vehicle is a Slap in the Muzzle

Sean Fallon — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Once upon a time horses were the kings of the open trail. The best horses were treated like royalty and their riders were worshiped for their skill. Unfortunately, those days are over. The Naturmobil pictured here was was built by Abdolhadi Mirhejazi of Dubai and it is powered by a single horse walking on a treadmill, encased in a plastic prison like some sort of common hamster. When the horse gets tired, a battery kicks in to power the vehicle along with the lights and the electrical system.

Thanks to its lightweight frame and complex gear system, the Naturmobil can can reach speeds of around 50 mph when the horse is really hauling. However, the cruising speed generally tops out at a more leisurely 12 mph. Mirhejazi hopes to parade his invention throughout the world in an attempt to secure financing for a second generation 4 horsepower Naturmobile that he plans to use for tourist transportation. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. [Xpress via Neatorama via DVICE]

FleetHorse: The Horse-Powered Car

Jason Chen — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:00:58 EDT

Hey guys, I've got the best plan to both keep our cars and reduce our reliance on oil. Know what it is? It's so awesome. Ok, here it is. You take a van, right? And then you hollow out the back, and stick a horse inside. Dude, isn't it great? A horse-powered-car! Duuuuude, just picture it. Why are you leaving? No, I'm not high, YOU'RE HIGH! [Fleethorse - Thanks Ariel!]