Freakonomics Radio 651. The Ultimate Dance Partner
113 snips
Oct 31, 2025 
In this discussion, Mark Paul, an economics professor and sport horse entrepreneur, dives into the opaque world of the sport-horse market. Constance Hunter, chief economist and equestrian, talks about the amateur-professional dynamics in horse competitions, while Elizabeth Bortuzzo, a professional dressage rider, showcases her training techniques. They explore how modern horses remain popular despite mechanization, the luxury dynamics of sport horses, and the unique challenges of pricing and selling them in a complex marketplace.
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Horses Persist In Specialized Roles
- Horses transitioned from general-purpose technology to specialized roles but never disappeared.
- Nearly 7 million U.S. horses now occupy niche markets like recreation, competition, and racing.
A Push‑Button Horse For Amateurs
- Constance Hunter describes her horse Jasper as forgiving and compensating for rider mistakes.
- She values a "push-button" mount that performs reliably despite amateur rider errors.
Horses As A Historical Multiplier
- Horses multiplied human reach, powering transport, communication, and military advantage.
- Their speed and mobility catalyzed state formation and long-distance trade over millennia.
