Yes, when I worked as a Girl Scout Camp Counselor and my girls had a riding unit, I had to ride as well. Then once on vacation with an ex; she thought it would be "romantic" to ride horses on the beach . . . me? Not so much!
I think they are beautiful animals, and I hope to never be on one again -- they are too damn tall!
Yes. We actually have many here on Long Island and ironically I have never been to one of them. I did visit one in Nashville Arrington vineyards it's partly owned by brooks and Dunn