I think that one would ultimately end up with more "grain" with horsehide than with goat. It's just the fanatstic "feel" of the veg tanned gaotskin that appeals to me but also with the brown FQHH jacket that I have. Less so for my MWHH jacket, maybe with the exception of my Aero Bronco A-2 that has fantastic grain, feel, appearance, and patina. I won't comment on Thurston's Italian HH since I have not seen it, although it makes little sense to me for someone from Australia to go that route.