Hi "Lone Ranger"!
I'm new here and just read your thread...i'm a dressage instructor.
A lot of people get confused by the term "dressage"....dressage is nothing more than refining the basics by using as subtle aids as possible.
Most of my students (even the ones who've been riding for a long time) have no idea how to ride with their seat instead of their hands...while this is the way you SHOULD ride, doesn't matter if you ride western, dressage or jumping!
I'm from Holland and moved to the States 2 years ago...i was shocked about the fact that jumping, western and dressage are seen here as COMPLETELY different things (by A LOT of people).
It shouldn't make a difference what saddle you're in... all the basics are the same!
A jumper should be able to control a horse by using his seat instead of his hands and that counts for all the disciplines!

If anyone will make a comment about this...PLEASE!
I'd LOVE to know your thoughts about this cause sometimes i feel like i speak Chinese to people about this !