If they have a 1986 tenancy your chance of getting it back is ‘bugger all’ they get 2 generations of inheritance and if they don’t want to give it up it is almost impossible to make them do so and if you can it will involve an expensive legal battle. The best option is to speak to the farmer...
I’ve bought from both - never had an issue from either - I have seen dodgy horses from both private sellers and dealers though it’s really a case of buyer beware. If you don’t know what you are doing then get someone who does to go with you and have the horse vetted… and as much as possible...
Just build it - the worst they can do is make you undo it and if you’ve not got lights or in an preservation area then they are likely to give retrospective… if you don’t fence it planning case law is very sketchy as to whether you need permission anyway.
I’ve done up to ad medium on a proper hairy complete with flowing mane and feathers - the flying feathers made his extensions look bigger and more flashy - I got really good marks for them … but they do all need to be properly clean tbh - much harder to present than clipping the whole horse out...
Have just clicked with someone’s algorithm (is that the right terminology) that does in hand work sometimes using a pool noodle instead of a whip… (she also uses a whip too) now I have done in hand for years now with a whip as a pointer aid (I can’t remember the last time I used a whip sharply...