I have been riding english for about 15 years...I learned western much later on. I prefer english because you have more contact with your horse and are better able to get a sense of what they are feeling. I also ride side saddle and my favorite...saddle seat. Every style of riding is different, and every horse is different. I agree with everyone, you'll fall off at one point or another. I am one of those people who fell off and was badly hurt at one point, however that was about 10 years ago and I still ride and actually I am able to anticipate the horses actions better now. My horse now is a crazy girl who rears up every chance she gets. I am sure that you will love english!! It is such a great feeling to be closer to the horse as opposed to having all that saddle.