On a positive note, your head is up and your eyes are looking forward, where you are going. I think your saddle might be too small for you and that might be why you feel stiff, but maybe someone else could comment on that. Paintedpony, I have a question about the second photo. You are right that it looks like an English balanced-seat position (straight line between ear, shoulder, hip, heel) and that she looks light in the seat. What would you have her change specifically to get more into a Western position? The reason I ask is because I bought a Western saddle for my TWH that puts the rider in a balanced seat (straight line dropped from rider's ear, shoulder, hip, heel). Although my saddle fits me, and I'm not on top of the horn. I feel more secure riding in a balanced-seat position rather than sitting further back. Why is it wrong to ride in a balanced seat in Western?