So (on topic) you want an AWD or 4WD to use as a second car with occasional beach driving and towing a loaded horse float.
My advice is not to get a Forester since you will be compromised on the towing side.
If you don't want a "big" 4WD, then the ideal vehicle to do everything you want would be either a Vitara diesel or X-Trail diesel...but you will be paying more since they are reasonably recent models (esp the X-Trail).
So the other option is a diesel Navara....they aren't actually that big...I have a TD Pathfinder (same chassis) and it's about sme length as a Falcon or Commodore. Advantage is that they have good power, good towing ability and good fuel consumption. Research anbd test drive,....

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No Subarus currently owned