Even though this saddle was too small, I felt much more secure than mine. I'm also going to change to these type of stirrups. I have to hold on to mine and reach down and put my right foot in. In these I mounted better and I was able to slip my right foot right in. I also felt I could put better weight on them.
It is nice when the stirrups hang right naturally and you don't have to fuss to get your foot in.
Thanks for posting all the pictures! Was it just the two of you? Like a private lesson?