Oh wow, yeah, I forgot about the Spirit Boons, but I’m glad that is helping you!
Finishing the story (and especially getting the horse) is really important and helpful, since having the horse makes it easier and faster to get the altars, and to get everything else done. So that’s not a bad idea.
As long as you’re enjoying it, you’re certainly not doing it wrong. Having fun with it is the main thing. And while knowing and learning everything can also help to get more out of it, you only get one shot at that ‘first run’ where it’s all new and fresh and exciting. So yeah, have fun and don’t worry too much!