I have been riding since I was 5, I am 16 now and own my own 10 year old thoroughbred gelding called Louie. He is my everything, I love to show jump and event. Feel free to ask questions or for any advice :)
The bond between a horse and rider is pure magical. The bond is raw emotion, raw passion and raw love. You can't simply ride horses, you live them. You live for the smell of their sweat, you live for the freezing mornings at the stables, you live for the hard work, you live for the falls, you live for the moments when your horse nuzzles your hair. You jump because it fills you with adrenalin and fear. You dressage because it is such perfection and harmony. You do everything in between because it fills you with feeling and emotion.
So, if someone ask's do we simply ride horses, the answer is no, because we live them.