Introduction: Sydneysider, known as Syd, is a 13-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding standing approximately 16.3hh. Located in Scone, NSW, he is an established 2* eventing schoolmaster and experienced 1.20m showjumper with extensive competition experience. He is a genuine, versatile gelding with a reputation for being kind, forgiving and highly adaptable to a wide range of riders.

Education, skills and experience: Syd is a true schoolmaster with a wealth of experience in eventing and showjumping - competed and placed at national, FEI and Interschool level. He has also been used for trail riding, bareback riding, swimming, riding in the snow, barrels and polocrosse. He is comfortable in a wide range of environments and is not concerned by roads, livestock, machinery, dogs, fireworks or busy stabling environments. His broad exposure and competition history make him an exceptionally versatile horse.

General demeanour under saddle: Under saddle, Syd is willing, forgiving and straightforward to ride - while being naturally a more ‘woah than go’ type. He is described as ‘easy to collect and keep together’ and very forgiving. He is tolerant of rider mistakes and is generally very non-reactive and unflappable. He is highly adaptable and has proven to be the same horse whether ridden alone or in group situations. 

Current workload / fitness: Syd is currently in full work and is being ridden five or more times per week. He does not require regular riding to remain reliable and safe and can be hopped straight on after a spell.

Handling: Syd is calm, safe and easy to manage in all routine situations. He is easy to catch, well mannered on the ground, ties up quietly, loads and travels well, and is easy to clip. He is reliable for the farrier and straightforward to handle in day-to-day management.

Behaviour: Syd is a sensible and safe horse both in and out of work, with no behavioural issues, vices or quirks. 

Feeding and management: Syd is an easy keeper and requires minimal feed, generally doing best on a cool pellet-based diet. His management is highly flexible, and he can be kept in a herd, on his own, or in a range of stabling and paddock setups.

Medical history: Syd is sound and in full work. He underwent tie-back surgery in 2023, which was extremely successful. Current pre-sale x-rays and scans are available for potential buyers and, while they show expected changes for a horse of his age and experience, these do not affect his performance. He was last vaccinated in October 2025, had his dental completed in January, and is currently shod.

Rider Suitability: Syd is suitable for a novice rider and would suit a child, junior, young rider, amateur adult or mature rider. His forgiving nature, straightforward rideability and extensive education make him a particularly appealing option for someone wanting a safe and experienced schoolmaster.

Reason for sale: Syd is offered for sale due to his owner now working in the racing industry and no longer having the time to compete. His ideal home is one where he can continue teaching a rider and remain active in competition rather than being left in the paddock.