OK, here’s the bible:
http://www.amazon.com/Saddle-Seat-Equitation-Helen-Crabtree/dp/0385172176/ref=la_B001KDKF42_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409551707&sr=1-1
or at least it used to be.
I ride dressage now & I really do not feel that I sit any differently or in a different place. I do think it feels different from sitting in a hunt seat saddle, though.
You still should not be behind your (or horse’s) center of gravity, with a line from ear to hip to heel, and the idea is to get the horse to lift his front end: you want action in the hocks. sound familiar?? I rode instructors who all recommended Centered Riding. Good riding is good riding.
Hands should be as high as they need to be - determined by where the horse’s head (mouth) is. His head can be carried higher, so your hands will be higher.
If your intention really is just to enjoy the gaits, you certainly need not adopt saddle seat riding. a western or general purpose saddle is fine. Have fun.
Most importantly, be sure not to spill your mint julep as you rack along.
