I use to ride every weekend growing up. I have not had the pleasure of owning horses but there use to be riding stables (not any more due to the insurance they have to carry) near me that would let me ride. I knew the owners very well back then. Now, well before my surgery, I was volunteering at a horse rescue ranch. With them, even though you have experience, they still have you take riding lessons before they will let you ride them. For me, riding is very therapeutic. I have learned from a therapist that the motion of the horse can help my fibro along with the nerve damage in my lower back and even with my hip dysplasia and even my hip replacement. Check around your area to see if there is a rescue ranch near you to where you can get experience being around horses and the care for them. I think you will really enjoy being around these fabulous animals.