i did some western riding when i was a kid... its alright for doing trail rides or hacking but you cant really jump in a western saddle. i prefer the strict technique and control of the horse that is involved in riding English. theres SO much more to it than sitting on a horse and kick kick.

youre right, the shit is expensive.. i gotta pay for lessons cuz i cant afford a horse (time wise or money-wise). and gear is expensive too but worth it i think.
and usually the guys i've seen that ride are tiny tiny short little scrawny fellows, and/or gay. never seen a hot one... where they at?? i guess the ones that ride western are HOT because they're all cowboy-ish and shit. yum. the eventing dudes look like sissies.

and where did you get that prelude? looks nice! I had one that looked just like it (from the front, at least)