According to Smith, "Horses" was a conscious attempt "to make a record that would make a certain type of person not feel alone. People who were like me, different ... I wasn't targeting the whole world. I wasn't trying to make a hit record." The differences between Cale's and Smith's work ethics – Cale being an experienced recording artist, and Smith at this point primarily being a live performer – became apparent early on in production, and were a source of tension between the two artists, who frequently argued in the studio. Cale recalled that the band initially "sounded awful" and played out of tune due to their use of damaged instruments. He decided this was not feasible and, to their protest, procured them new instruments. The music on "Horses" was performed almost entirely by Smith and her band; Smith opposed Cale's suggestion to augment certain songs with strings. The album's sole guest musicians were Allen Lanier of Blue Öyster Cult and Tom Verlaine of Television. Lanier, who was Smith's boyfriend at the time, did not get along with Cale and particularly Verlaine. The final recording session, held on September 18, was one of the "most explosive" sessions, culminating in Lanier and Verlaine getting into a physical altercation.