u/Nearby-Journalist621

I live pretty close to Aiken SC but I ride cutting horses. I used to ride hunters and do some jumping but all within APHA. I have always wanted to try Dressage and have found some good reputable trainers within Aiken that I want to reach out to. However, I'm worried about judgement. I will not give up my cutters but want to do some english/cross training again. My long term goal is horsemanship, and learning how to perfect my extensions and lead changes with my ranch horses. I also feel that my seat isn't as nice in our rail classes as it was when I was doing both. Thoughts? Am I crazy for even trying?

This may or may not be happening everywhere, but it is becoming impossible for me to find quality western tack stores in SC. We used to have a great one but they stopped selling tack. Now the best tack stores are in Aiken and Camden but they mainly only cater to english. I rode APHA hunters for years but now I'm strictly cutting/ranch APHA and I can't find any in the whole state that cater towards western. Even if I find a more western geared store, its usually the super cheap/not so great quality Showman stuff. I understand online has become the norm but at this point i'd open my own store just to get my hands on the products first lol.