western bridle and dressage saddle?

[Shadowfox]

Ok, I'm thinking about leasing a horse at my barn. I had a try up on him today and friday I'm going to take him out on a hack. I will plop on my helmet, say a little prayer and head out.
He's 17hands, 14yo, doesn't tie, and doesn't trailer, and he's blind in one eye.

I don't have a saddle so I rode him in his owners saddle, which is dressage. I found the transition from western to dressage very easy i.e. I didn't come off and it's actually comfy :) . He is also trained western, so here's my question....

I want to ride him out on the trail (his first time) in his dressage saddle but with a western bridle. I have the option of one or two reins, I want to be able to control him if he freaks out, and he tends to go with his nose on the ground to snatch the bit and evade. While a low headset is fine for western (not on the ground though!) he snatches those itty bitty english reins out of my hands. So,,, Will this confuse him combining western bridle and dressage saddle?

[CrazyfurAnimals]

I don't think so. A girl at the stables does this, because she found a cheap western bridle for sale, even though she rides dressage. Usually horses don't really care what bridle they have on. I guess it depends on the horse though. You could always try it out on him just around your hard or barn to make sure he handles it okay. Good luck!!! :)

[floppy]

no it wont, the last horse share i had had 6 different bridles and only one dressage saddle . I, and the owner, always rode him in a western bridle -which he had two off, one with an english bit and one with a western bit. The horse was perfectly happy in both. the only REAAL difference that i see between the two types of bridle is you tend to relax more with a western bridle and give the horse more freedom with his head.
if i was you i would probably ride him with a western bridle, however should you want to do dressage tests with him i dont htink it would be accepted :D

[Outrider]

If you're only riding the trails or practicing in the arena, an english saddle is fine with a western bridle and bit. I would ride him with a long shanked broken curb for head control. I agree with Floppy that if you intend to do dressage with him, then you will have to use dressage tack, but otherwise, use what makes both you and the horse more comfortable with equals a more enjoyable ride for the both of you. Happy Trails!