My horse was stubborn, head strong, annoying, had a tendency to take matters into his own hand, didn't suffer fools and...oh hang on, I'm describing myself. Lol.

lol I knew it! I don't really see anything wrong with that. Now if you had been riding mules, you may not have won that battle lol.

I try to stay to the less populated areas myself, though with the encroachment happening ever faster, it is becoming more difficult. Your population ratio sounds good lol