I have been riding for almost 2 years, and I have found it is one of the best stress relievers possible!  I'm lovin' it!  Dora and I just returned from a long Memorial weekend of riding, camping, riding, eating smores, more riding.  Dora has been a great teacher, who pushes just enough, and then sits back and waits for the results.  The result this weekend is that I cantered for the first time, and I loved it!  I have a feeling that my awesome Pumpkin and her bobbin' ears are going to take me a lot of places!