I am a trainer...I train event horses and riders. I also am the instructor for our mounted patrol unit for our police department. I used to train full time (coached three young riders to gold medals at NAYRC) but it just wore me out. Now I have several students who are happy doing lower levels, which is fine with me...sending those kids out around the prelim or intermediate was a lot of stress!!
RIding for me is a job...I keep the horses tuned up. I seldom get the zen satisfaction from riding the horses...I am generally riding work, concentrating and getting the job done. Occasionally I will relax and go for a stroll, but the event horses are generally pretty fit and spooky...they tend to jump out from under you if you aren't paying attention. Riding the bike is much more relaxing!