So many factors affect this.

When I was young, indestructible, and arrogant, I never felt unsafe around horses. Heck, I worked the Keeneland Yearling Sales when I was in college and never felt unsafe, and nobody embodies batshit crazy like a barely handled thoroughbred yearling stud. Now that I'm old, creaky, and slow, I often feel unsafe around horses.

When I handle my old, been-there-done-that, practically perfect in every way mule, I never feel unsafe. When I handle my large, young, brain-still-under-development mule, I do sometimes feel unsafe.

My favorite part? Riding a controlled, moderate-speed canter in 2-point up a long, gradual slope. I love that feeling.