Thanks for the positive response JDK...never know how ppl take stuff sometimes...

Depending on where you are located, it may be very hard to find an instructor w/SS experience...my instructor happened to teach at my barn and she'd never really been exposed to SS before me, but she was open enough about other breeds/disciplines that she didn't look down on it, but rather appreciated it for what it was. I have been the ONLY SS rider in my area for many a year, and believe me, not many ppl are open to it, since they have had no experience w/it (but they're quick to judge, of course).

My ex gelding, being that he was a Morgan, and did SS for his whole life (he was 13 when we started doing dressage stuff), impressed all the DQ's at the barn I boarded at bc of his uphill-ness, intelligence, balance and great stamina...they worked alot longer w/their warmbloods/TBs to get them to where he was in 6m. Same goes for my mare...same types of ppl always comment on how "amazing" her movement/self-carriage is...but those exact two things are what morgans were bred to have...they are baroque horses w/great self-carriage (and egos), so it's easy for them. Just gotta slow them down and get them to stop "pre-thinking" everything...they have to have jobs, or they'll make one up (just like my border collies lol).

Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll let you know what has worked/or didn't work for me. If you are near the DC area, I'd be happy to help you out in person, too...