My name is Traci Mason, and I am an attorney at Porter Simon. I have spent the better part of twenty years in litigation, which I had assumed would, by now, have thickened my skin to an almost industrial grade. That assumption held until I was asked to step in and write this law review column for the departing Jim Porter. At that moment, any resilience developed over decades in court evaporated.

It is difficult to overstate what Jim Porter and his bi-weekly law review articles have meant to this community. For over forty years, he sustained the rare balance of being informative without becoming tedious, consistently humorous and engaging, and firmly rooted in improving community and Tahoe camaraderie. His writing accomplished what the law often struggles to do: make complex issues accessible and give people a reason to look forward to learning about the law and current events.

To be clear, I will not attempt to be him. That would require a skill set, a voice, and a personality that cannot be acquired through continuing legal education. More to the point, those are shoes too large to fill. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I offer the following mea culpa: I am, at best, a budget-friendly successor to the never-to-be-replicated Jim Porter.

With expectations now properly adjusted, we can proceed.

I am electing to make my maiden voyage article lighthearted and even lighter on the law. Given that we currently face minor concerns like dwindling natural resources, geopolitical instability, and the occasional question of whether humanity has a long-term plan, it seems only appropriate to focus on something more immediate: whether you might find yourself seated next to a horse on your next red-eye flight.

Imagine boarding Flight 237 to San Diego and spotting, in seat 12C, not a lapdog but a dignified miniature horse in a bespoke harness, calmly chewing a carrot, unfazed by aisle turbulence and radiating the quiet confidence of a service animal trained to perform its duties.

Such was the case of Ronica Froese and her 115-lb miniature horse, “Freckle Butt Fred,” who in 2020 flew first class from Michigan to Ontario, California (via Dallas). Fred was impeccably behaved, remained focused on assisting Ronica with mobility tasks, and even wore a sleeve to limit dander in the cabin. A viral photo of the pair drew smiles, some confusion, and prompted regulators and airlines to reconsider how non-dog service animals are handled in air travel.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a “service animal” is not a free-for-all across the animal kingdom. With limited exception, it means a dog individually trained to perform tasks related to a person’s disability. Miniature horses make a narrow but recognized appearance, as they may better suit some handlers due to differences in size, strength, lifespan, or temperament. Businesses and public entities must accommodate them where reasonable.

This is where the analysis becomes more practical than philosophical. Entities assess access for miniature horses under a four-factor reasonableness test: whether the horse is housebroken (obviously very important), whether it is under the handler’s control, whether the facility can accommodate its size, and whether its presence would compromise legitimate safety requirements. Broader ADA limits also apply, including whether the accommodation would fundamentally alter the service or pose a direct threat to health or safety.

That framework is practical on the ground. At 30,000 feet, not so much.

Which brings me back to Freckle Butt Fred, who made this article possible. Air travel isn’t governed by the ADA. It falls under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In 2021, after Fred earned his wings, DOT narrowed its service animal regulations. Previously, airlines had to accommodate a broader range of species, including miniature horses and various emotional support companions. The new rule limits service animals to dogs, leaving all other species to the airline’s discretion.

As of 2025, only trained dogs qualify as service animals for air travel, though airlines may voluntarily accommodate other species. Emotional support animals must now travel as pets. Service dogs must be harnessed or leashed, pass behavioral tests, and can be denied boarding for disruptive conduct. They’re also barred from exit rows, aisles, and passenger seats.

So while a mid-flight selfie with a miniature horse is now unlikely, the law still leaves room for encounters on the ground. And if you happen to cross paths with one, just remember: not every professional wears a suit, and some do their best work without saying a word, and may even help you eat your vegetables.

Traci Mason is an attorney at Porter Simon, where she practices family law. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the Humane Society Truckee -Tahoe and Tahoe Expedition Academy and is a member of the Town of Truckee Chief of Police Advisement Committee. Traci can be reached at mason@portersimon.com

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.