Cross Training

[BluRockGirl614]

My 8 year old Swedish Warmblood gelding is trained to first/second level dressage, and has alot of jumping experiance. I would like to begin cross training him Western to give him something new to do, keep things interesting, and give him another skill.
ive already started a thread about general help with this, and about bits.
So far, i've been told that I need to begin training him to neck rein, slow his gates, and im still not sure about the bit...
I would like him to go in a bosal, but right now, I have him in a small KK (very soft bit) but im thinking something with a double jointed port. I actually jump him in a D ring mylar with this kind of port, and he goes quite nicely in it for jumping, but thats the problem in that its his jump bit.
Ive noticed that depending on what tack he has on, he will act diffrently.

So, I was wondering what other people thought about this idea. Ive heard both sides, that I can stay in my dressage saddle and begin training him western, others say I should get a western saddle. I have a ton of extra bridles laying around, so thats not an issue, but what do you think when it comes to the saddle?
1. Stay in the Dressage Saddle
2. Get a cheap western saddle (I dont have money to be buying much right now)
3. Start his training bareback (I am very comfortable on him bareback and can walk trot and canter him bareback comfortably both collected and not in both halter and a bridle)

Love to hear your thoughts, and get any help you'd be willing to give.

[alliekk]

Some will say that you don't need to change tack to teach him western and most will say do change the tack. It sounds like you want him to experience something new, so why stick with the old tack, get him a new saddle... Just be careful if you are going to get a "cheap" saddle. Quality in western saddles is more often than not based on the price. A websight you could go to to check out some fairly inexpensive saddles is chicksaddlery.com, it has some well made saddles for cheap. Also, go to a western barn around your city and see if you can buy one from a trainer, they usually have tons... My saddle is VERY well made and I love how comfortable it is... It was only $375 (that's cheap for western saddles)... my advice is find an old show saddle that's out of style. After all, you aren't going to be riding on the circuit. The older saddles are good for local open shows. good luck!