But is lame when I have to walk 5-7 minutes in a purple desert of nothing 3 times for one quest. Then it is even lamer when I walk through a snowy valley fo nothing for 5-10 minutes.
There's a lot in these two areas to explore and find. Have you found the portal that leads to Aurei el's shield, and the hidden books? Have you found Arvak's skull and the various new conjuration spells in the soul cairn, or the reaper and so on? Look around, man. Then you'd find your horse. This aint COD Black Ops. Gotta explore. Its an open world for you to enjoy.