In the societal structure of the island, what class do horses belong to?

In "Gulliver's Travels," the horses, particularly the Houyhnhnms, represent the upper class of their society. They embody qualities such as rationality, wisdom, and a harmonious lifestyle that contrasts sharply with humans, depicted as the Yahoos, who exemplify moral degradation and chaos. The Houyhnhnms have a refined sense of ethics and governance, organizing their community based on reason and virtue rather than greed or desire for power.

Their lofty status in this societal structure emphasizes the novel's themes regarding the nature of humanity, civilization, and the superiority often attributed to intellect and virtue. In this context, the horses' classification reflects their role as paragons of a utopian society, dedicated to the common good rather than individual selfishness. Consequently, their position as the upper class serves to critique human society and its flawed structures.