Malcolm Doug Willis, 22, pleaded guilty in Mount Isa Magistrates Court to one count of driving in charge while under the influence.

Mr Willis was arrested on September 16 after he was pulled over by police just after midnight.

The court heard that after a three hour drinking session earlier that night, Mr Willis decided to ride the horse to his sister's house.

Mr Willis claimed he was unable to drive a vehicle at the time due to a three-year ban after being convicted of driving while disqualified in 2006.

He said the driving ban made him opt to ride the horse.

Mr Willis had no previous convictions for drink driving.

Mr Willis said he did not realise riding a horse while intoxicated was illegal.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Munns said when police asked Mr Willis why he was riding the horse he said he was teaching the animal some manners because it was afraid of the dark.

Sergeant Munns said Mr Willis was taken to Mount Isa police station where he blew a BAC of .146.

Magistrate Andrew Walker said it was unusual for the court to hear cases involving riding a horse while intoxicated.

He said the last time he could remember hearing such a case was more than a decade ago.

However, Magistrate Walker said there was a higher maximum penalty for being in control of an animal while intoxicated than a vehicle.

Magistrate Walker said the maximum fine available for driving a car intoxicated was $2100, whereas the maximum penalty was $3000 for being drunk while in control of an animal.

Magistrate Walker ordered Mr Willis pay a $900 fine and that the conviction be recorded.