I am by no stretch of the imagination a horsewoman. In fact I can be happy and best friends with a horse until I get on it's back. The first ride out usually goes well and it's not until the second or third, at the furthest point from home, that all hell breaks loose! I have spent more money on lessons than I care to remember. I understand the psychology and behaviour principles and adore the animals. That said I can do anything with most horses until I try to ride them!
The awfulness of my riding skills have reached such a terrible pinnacle that I am under medical advice not to do it any more. Too many encounters with the ground at high speed and too many horses running over me, some having to turn around and come back for a second go at trampling me at full speed, have left me with some very iffy joints and a very sore and fragile back.
Taking into account that I don't ride any more my best friends, horse wise have, always been mares - although I was no better a rider with them!! I really envy you people who have that natural connection with them. I also promise never to subject a horse to my riding skills again.