I'm not so modest, I think that being a horseman had a lot to do with Reagan's success. There is a confidence and competence that comes with being able to ride. Reagan rode well. And he rode well because he loved riding and horses. He sat a horse well. I wish W had learned to ride. His trail in the WH would be easier.
I think it was another very great man, Sir Winston Churchill, who said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man."
Sir Winston was an expert polo player in his younger days, and of course was a participant in the very last combat cavalry charge of the British Army.
I think that dealing with horses is good for men, especially, because they learn tact and kindness. You cannot muscle or bully a horse and get the best out of him - you have to think one step ahead and use positive thinking and encouragement. And on the other hand, women learn that you can't be weak and give in - sometimes you have to be firm.
Good lessons for everyone all around.
Talking about lessons, I just got home after a two hour lesson on my mare, mostly dressage (shoulder-ins and half passes plus cantering circles with alternating bends) winding up with some grid jumping. We were BOTH exhausted!