I have noticed that there are very clear differences between the riding styles in the US and elsewhere in the world. Some places ride in a more fluid fashion, going with the movement of the horse and some sit higher and seem to fight it.

What is your preference-do you know more than one style?

I'm not sure as this is a matter of style so much as good horsemanship vs. bad. Good riders always seem to be moving with the horse in a much more fluid manner than less experienced riders. I don't think appearing to fight it is a style so much as bad riding.

Are you sure you are comparing the same riding style and level of horsemanship? If you compare dressage and saddleseat even on a championship level you would find one to be smooth and floaty and the other much more forced looking even though its not.

I've had the chance to ride quite a few styles, and consider myself proficient in a couple of those. I've ridden Dressage, western, hunter/jumper, cross country, polo, paso finos (odd gaited breed with traditional tack), side saddle, saddle seat, . All should be based on the same concepts of the horse although they may appear different based on the gaits and movements used.