Bare Back Lunging

I don't know what to say, so I'll just start right in and describe it. Rogo was over the top about the bare back pad (I normally ride bare back without a pad but because I'm just starting on Rogo I thought I'd use one). He took off on me several times as I tried to lunge him (inside a fenced area) so Doug took over. I hate to admit it but Rogo can get away from me on the lunge and Doug can hold him (even though it means he gets dragged in the dirt). It's hard to understand why he would be so excited about a bare back pad but he was. Galloping round and round the arena. Snorting and electric. Passaging. You get the picture. The funny thing is that when he was introduced to the saddle he wa totally indifferent to it. I'm serious. There was NO reaction. Same thing with being mounted. He's never minded having a rider on his back except to resist going forward at first. So why does he react so excitedly to a bare back pad? Who knows.
Amyway, after he settled down I got on, while Doug lunged. I spent most of the time walking, but did a little trot (less than a 20 m circle). Rogo was fine by then and chewing the bit nicely and reaching for it. I was able to relax my hips and feel the difference between this and what I'm doing in the saddle (too tense). We're going to do a lot more in the next while.
Conclusion - I need lots more of this and Rogo needs more switching things up. I think bareback will really help my seat with him. I'm going to ignore the fact that I have a show coming up, and spend some quality time on bare back. We'll ride our tests when we get there and pray to the dressage goddess for mercy :)