Great article, but a few comments, based on personal observation...

First, these large animals on a crowded beach often serve only to fulfill a romantic fantasy at the risk of those simply seeking Sun and sand. I really wish the bridezillas would get over themselves... let the flaming commence on that one.

Parents... Keep a bridle on your kid. A couple years ago, while walking the beach, a young girl, perhaps 9 or 10, had her mount at full throttle on the water line, with the animal's handler in full pursuit on foot. The kid was obviously an experienced rider, but I doubt she had given any thought to the possible consequences of her actions.

Finally, it's also about the animals. On another reach, I was out on my early morning walk on the beach, and saw a horse with its handler chatting with a couple who were quite obvious in their love of horses, and very knowledgeable about them. The gentleman was gently chiding the handler to see to a health issue that the animal was symptomatic of. He went so far as telling the young kid that he was going to watch for him during their stay to monitor the animal's condition.

Frankly, I don't get the attraction of horses on the beach, mostly because of their size and the sanitary issues... but then again it might be a case of "if you gotta ask the question, you wouldn't understand the answer".