New to western!

Actually, your stirrups look just a hair too short in your pictures. Vidaloco posted a very good description of how to measure stirrup length. When you stand up in the saddle you should just be able to fit your fist between your butt and the seat.
Haha, just get used to the butt cramps, they're a sign that you're sitting in the right position. I almost always get them when I ride.

Your horse looks super cute in western attire. I don't think you'll have too much of an issue getting him to adjust. To me it's almost harder for the rider to adjust than the horse. Just make sure to read the rules on any classes you enter. Usually only "green" horses (i.e. those under 4 or 5) are allowed to show in snaffles.

Good luck! You two look like you make a good team :)

I thikn he would be a great western horse! And he would be good at at speed stuff! The reason that barrels would be hard though, is that he's so tall, its harder on him to turn so tight and fast.