having second thoughts again...arg

Since my western saddle didn't fit Sonny, and I've had to ride in an English saddle since none of the barn owner's western saddle's fit Sonny.
Well I've noticed that the English saddle does use more leg muscle and strength...and I'd really like to build that up (I had good leg muscles once, but since I started riding western all the muscle I had was lost.

Sonny would be great either way...we have bonded so much that I'd trust him blindfolded and bareback.

I can't show him English due to he hates the noseband (he won't collect, nor would he go faster than a trot...silly boy), so I'd still show him western whichever I chose to ride in for pleasure.

Any ideas?

maybe the nose band is to tight. I would try to get him to like the nose band. trot him around. try to get him to canter. If u have a crop hit him beore u ask for the canter. good luck

What headset does he feel softer and more natural in??

well when he has a noseband on he won't get a headset...he'll raise his head up as to fight for his head.

With a western bit defiantely his headset is more natural...all I have to do now is pick up the reins and he'll collect himself...get a headset and back will be particually rounded (not all the way....still working on that).

I'm thinking that to solve both problems...the noseband and the weak legs (on my part) is to go "Englern" I'll make a new type of riding...English saddle with a western bit haha

The only problem is that for trails...at least for the first couple of times I'll definately need to have a western saddle on...both so I can have closer feel to Sonny, but also I'd have the saddle horn to hold on to if something happened....but for pleasure riding I like doing either

hmm, right now i'd switch between both, and maybe mix them too.... possibly post videos and pics so we can give you a better insight

another thing i thought of..... if you miss the muscle from english just ride all western and post or ride stirrupless, it'll build muscle, ppl might make fun, but riding "Englern" would get as much ridicule

Just a thought but have you looked into the endurance type english saddles for trail riding? They don't have a horn but honestly I never grab the horn when in a pickle. I wrap my hand around the pommel. I think the only thing I use the horn for is to hang stuff on

i grab the pommel too, except on horses the saddle doesn't fit and there's no space..... i use the horn to hold the reins when lunging and for roping.... about all

Excellent advice. I would love to get one for trails!