Riding lessons

In Strides (the publication for NARHA), Broesma (2003) argues for incorporating myth into riding sessions. While she acknowledges that the study of mythology is complex, she expresses belief in the power of myth for helping children reflect their own lives on the sensory/physical, psychololical/historical, mythic/symbolic, and spiritual/unitive levels. She calls the experience with the horse mythological/symbolic.
I find this interesting and am curious how this might be researched. My interest may take on a new twist, albiet, a bit skeptical.