I ride in an old Circle Y cutting saddle that I love.  I have ridden bareback some but mainly as an exercise to improve my balance.  I can go bareback all day on my friend's horse without any problems no matter what we're doing. I even worked the barrel pattern once on that horse bareback, but my own horse is over 16hh and my balance is not so good riding her yet, so I feel much more secure in a western saddle, though people have suggest I have her trained for English because of the way she moves.  Maybe after I get my balance issues worked out I can try it.

Deb

When I was younger, my favorite was bareback, although now it is more like the seat of a buggy. Do love the feel of English as well.

I like riding Dressage, Western,Treeless endurance, though right now I'm using my Cashel soft saddle--comfy!I think the different saddle types challenge me physically in different ways and I strengthen my communication with my horse as well as keep in better shape.