[Poruku]

Despite concerns of people not stopping to smell the flowers (the flowers are kunai in this example) I still think horses are worth adding because it simply adds a lot of depth and realism to the world and adds a really cool element of rp.

I don't think going faster is going to be a huge detriment to rp out in the wilds. Heck, it might make people explore and travel more, giving more chance they will see you.