I’m moving to the Aiken or Charleston SC area and wondering what the dressage scene is like there. Are there lots of dressage shows, stables or instructors? Which area is better for dressage? I’m thinking somewhere in between might be good.
In the Charleston area, we have a number of barns that teach dressage, some at very high levels, but we don’t have many shows, schooling or otherwise. If you have a choice between Aiken and Charleston, then Aiken is a very busy place, especially all winter while the eventers are in town, wintering their horses. But Charleston is a far better town with more to do outside the barn. Aiken is smaller town and about 2.5 hours from Charleston, 2 hours from Columbia and 3.5 hours from Atlanta. Aiken is a horse-lovers dream, but it can get hot in the summer.
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The post above me covered it very well, so I will just say here in Aiken we have excellent trainers, some very well known, and also some very good ones that are not as well known.
I think it boils down to what you want, if horses are your first priority, probably Aiken.
If you like to do other things in addition to horses than Charleston is great place to live.
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This is true, but another consideration is expense. Charleston property values are crazy high. I am always amazed at how much money I could put in the bank if I sold my place and bought a similar one in Aiken. Prices here are pretty close to double what you would pay in Aiken.
Also, good hay is scarce down here and if you do find it it’s expensive. I feed straight Timothy and I really struggle to find it. Orchard is more plentiful here, though.
Aiken has many more options for hay, equine vets, farriers, and all things horse related. Charleston has beaches, a great arts and music scene, and a beautiful setting. If horses are your main focus in life I would think Aiken would be the place to be. If your life is a little more balanced then Charleston is awesome.
Aiken also has a wonderful symphony, a great little art center, a great animal shelter with plenty of animals for you to adopt or foster. There are enough horsey activities to keep you busy and some great trainers/facilities.
@mvp Could probably give you a bunch of detail on Aiken, at least. Not sure if she explored Charleston before she made her move, but if she did… you will likely find her a wealth of information on that location as well 
