Has anyone ever noticed this?

While watching Beauty and the Beast a couple of days ago, I noticed something about the scene where Belle and her Father come to the castle after being rescued by Chip. It shows Belle on Phillipe, and Maurice standing on the ground beside her. Ok..wasn't he very sick? And if so, why wasn't HE on the horse instead of Belle, who is in perfectly good health. If it were me, I would have put my sick Dad on the horse. I was just curious to see if any of you have ever noticed that!