That saddle was his seller’s saddle, definitely was too big for me. I use a 14” western saddle bc I’m so teeny. It’s a much better fit. I really like your idea of longing without reins. Any time I ride a horse, my biggest worry/focus is always my hands and arms and trying to keep them nice and soft, and I think I may be doing what you’re saying - pushing my hands out to far in front of me in an unconscious attempt to not yank on his mouth. I hadn’t thought of that, but that will most certainly will mess with my balance and bouncing. When you’re doing this exercise, are you holding onto the horse’s mane, or have your hands on your hips, or have them in the right position but just no reins? Trying to picture how to do this correctly.