Well I will put it this way for me.  My horses have done more and been there more for me than any human on this planet, besides my wife.  I have a deep connection and they are not my “pet” they are my partners.  I would do more for them than I would for any other person. 
I agree they are animals and they are outside in many a -40*F day without a blanket or a stall.  But they are treated fairly and the best they can be.  I clean out their area at least daily and make sure they have food and clean water regardless of the weather.
I also raise animal for slaughter.  They again are humanly treated and are outside in conditions that most humans could not survive in. 
I know I am an exception to most people and do things that most if not any people do.
That said I don’t live in the middle of nowhere with regular winter temperatures below 0*F because I like people or being around them