Newbie

I understand the cut throat competition not being fun.  Even in the small club I have joined some members were talking about competitors schmuzing the judge to get an edge on others.  The conversation went beyond our club to sanctioned AQHA shows where a judge(s) actively sought favors of competitors.  Pretty sad.
 
I will go and mingle with others that are there to have fun and to heck with the people driven to win at any cost.  Be that bribing the judges or doing horrible things to their horse to get a low unnatural head set or the highest possible lift of the knee.
 
Sorry for getting on my soapbox.
 
I have never ridden english, but I would never hold that against you!  lol  As a child, I didn't take the time to saddle my horse, but when I did western was the only choice.