i'm think of buying a good all-rounder, but looking for a schoolmaster/mistress type to really improve my showjumping. It is taking forever and l just cant find the right one however does anyone know of any good trustworthy yards/studs etc that would sell these types of horses in the UK? - ie also that maybe associated with famour riders like tim stockdale, whittakers, william fox-pitt, lucinda green etc

l do not know about famous riders, but l know of an extremely trustworthy yard that occasionally sells on their horses.

The woman there does not often sell, but when she does, her horses r absolutely fantastic; trained in all disciplines, & used in lessons regularly.

l know that she is currently training up a few young horses at the moment, but not sure if she is looking to sell right away; but it would be worth waiting.

The yard is website is http://ladysmith-equestrian.co.uk
And the owner is Rose Collins; her contact details r on the site.

Even well known rider sell their horses however most top international riders are given horses which are then sold on by the owner whenever they want these horses cost a bomb but they are out there!

Usually the big name riders will have several horses for sale. That is usually one of their revenue streams is to buy, improve, and sell horses. You do pay a premium for those horses, but if you are looking for a schoolmaster and have the budget, that might be a good way to find a horse. Try contacting some of your favorite riders to see what they have.

i''m not sure, as usually the older/schoolmasters of the yard r previous winners & can come up pretty expensive. Why not try buying from a private yard or perhaps a riding school. some riding schools cater more for the older rider & would have schoolmasters that they cant hold onto any more. Problem with this is they then r used to having all sorts riding them & can have some quirky attitudes.

Try some big stables, u wont know without trying :)
and keep an eye out for teenagers selling up to move onto competition horses or ones that loose interest as those horses would have been the ones teaching them & r often lovely horses!

If the big names have anything to sell on the open market, it will be advertised in H&H. In the right week, H&H is ur key to the best horses available; it is quiet at the moment, but will pick up in the spring. I've seen a few Fox-Pitt, Whitaker & Billington horses for sale during 2008.

A true schoolmaster will be pricey, as l am sure u will be aware, & a top association is sure to add a few grand. But if it is what u want & u have the money, keep ur eyes on H&H & if possible find a good instructor or a contact to get ur foot in the door.