Hi Heather--I'm in NC. Unfortunately I am disabled and cannot afford any more riding lessons, except maybe an occasional one. I don't have any horses any more, but fortunately both places where I ride let me experiment (after I thoroughly discuss 1) what I want to try out (with the relevant theory), 2) how I am going to try it, 3) what I am hoping to see, and 4) how to tell if I am doing it wrong. I've gotten good results using this method, and it helps me overcome some of the problems from my MS.)
Could you start a JCR &/or riding in lightness group? I cannot do it from a dressage viewpoint as I do not ride dressage (poor coordination, very bad balance (no bareback riding), and no endurance), but this message is one that the larger dressage, 3 Day and show jumping communities need to hear.
40 years ago I always heard that a GOOD horseman had light, educated hands. Riders with really heavy contact were NOT considered superior, and this went for dressage and hunt seat riding too. Long, long ago and far, far away from what I see and read now.