Sure there's fast travel, but rather than ride only to encounter an enemy just to dismount and fight and then risk losing the horse anyway i prefer to walk to my destinations. That way I can collect herbs as I go and kill anything that gets in my way. I also love to kill the giants. The horse to me is a waste of gold and they aren't too bright with enemies around and just end up getting killed anyway, and the dismount is horrible. Companions on the other hand, sometimes I wonder if its better to do without those as well.