I haven't riden seriously in years, but I find english much more comfortable and relaxing than western.
I mean... You're so much _closer_ to the horse. Take a look at the english saddle and compare it to western... BIG difference. Plus I prefer english reigning to western. With English, on a good horse, it's as relaxing as a Sunday afternoon drive when gas prices weren't this high. You just have this pure... closeness with the horse. The horse and rider are all... the same. Mm.. I miss riding so much. Just no time. And with a bouncey green horse, hehe... it's just SO MUCH FUN!
I rode a pushbutton 6 year old after 4 years of riding a 20-some school horse. The 6yo was a thoroughbred (sp?)/ morgan cross. He was sooo much fun and at a canter you just felt like you were flying. .... Have I mentioned I miss riding?