I think if you like horses, lessons of almost any discipline would be interesting if taught in an interesting way. I wonder if you just aren’t clicking with the instructor? Speaking for myself, I can have a lesson at a walk that has me completely focused and interested. Maybe try a different trainer before you decide to throw in the towel. Personally I wonder why folks see saddlebreds and dressage to be so oppositional. There are differences, to be sure, but so many similarities. I boarded at a multidisciplinary barn for years, and the talented saddlebred riders rode beautifully and occasionally crossed over in dressage. They sat very balanced and rode effectively.
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I had a similar experience! The saddleseat riders dropped their hands and easily brought their legs under them when riding a dressage or hunter horse. I actually benefited from feeling the contact in saddleseat when transitioning to dressage from hunters. I think your best advice is to try some different trainers for comparison, but also be honest with yourself about your personality and dressage. I don’t agree you have to be a total type-A control freak, but you have to enjoy focusing on body control, like positioning your shoulder just so, and feeling the change in the horse. If those little moments don’t excite you and fuel you on the journey, dressage won’t ever be fun. And also know that achieving that harmony and communication is slow going, for horse and rider. Best trainers I know say, “Go slow to go fast.” If you (and horse) get it right and don’t cut corners, it will be so much easier to progress later!
Just try a different trainer. This one might not be the one for you. Dressage is difficult but it should be at least a little fun.
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Does your trainer know your priorities/goals?
I struggle with the high cost of dressage lessons as well. For $90+ for a lesson, I expect a mini clinic with tools and ideas to work on.
Another thought, would be to have your trainer ride your horse for you. I do this sometimes for clients who are frustrated: they see me riding their horse and see the results I get, and I get a better feel for what their horse is like. It can help me coach, and if they get on after, it can help them feel what they are working towards.
