Experienced rider, but new to dressage, how do I find a trainer?

I personaly always have 2 lessons with each trainer I am thinking about because in the first lesson the trainer is only getting to learn what level you are at and how far/fast they can push you. In the 2nd lesson you might actualy get something done and learn something.

I've found that I like pushy, stroppy trainers who call a spade a spade and will get cross with me.
I work best in that environment, my current trainer has the motto that if you can still stand upright after a lesson then you havent been working hard enough! Several times I have gotted off a horse at the barn and buckled at the knees, then I've gotten into my car and wondered how the hell I was going to stay awake long enough to drive home! However I always always walk away from these lessons feeling that I've achieved something, often havig achieved something massive. I like working hard and seeing results.

That said some people cannot stand my instructor and they don't learn anything from her because her style of teaching is deffinatly not for everyone.

I've run through hundred of trainers before settling on the one that got the best results for me!!

I met with 2 trainers yesterday...one in the morning, and the other later yesterday afternoon. I took a lesson from both.

Trainer #1 has ridden at a Grand Prix level, and still trains herself under another person. She frequently holds clinics at her barn which I was welcomed to attend. She has a smaller barn, but top notch facility..incredibly clean and organized. A snippet from her website:

"_____ also received extensive training under Mary Wanless of England, who imparted creative ways to communicate a proper seat to the rider. _______ has competed through Grand Prix, riding ________, a former USA Olympic team horse. ______ was a dressage instructor and clinician in the Monterey Bay area until 1998, when she and her husband, moved to Oregon and started ________ Dressage. ______ has continued her dressage training under Margret Dieckmann-Grosshundorff of Germany and Dieter Reidinger of Austria."
I really liked her A LOT. Very patient, very knowledgeable, and a great instructor overall.

Trainer #2 is younger, about my age (late twenties early thirties) and is definitely a lot spunkier. What concerns me is she has more of a cross country background, than dressage so to speak. I feel that she was a great teacher, but maybe just getting started, whereas trainer #1 already has a firm foundation. Trainer #2 is half the price, but I think the extra $ is worth it..to get taught by somebody I believe to be more experienced of the two.

Thank you everyone for your input! This is not an easy process when you are new to the sport. :)

If Dressage is your passion, I'd go with Trainer #1 - I especially like the fact that she herself has a Trainer! That's a big bonus in my book!

I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more about your progression!

Trainer #1 sounds great!!

Good luck!!!

#1 would be my choice. Sounds like she's more fundamental and really into training/learning.