THE wraps are off the latest phase of an ambitious project to turn part of the historic Bydemill Farm into a top class livery complex.

Already boasting 11 Monarch loose boxes, 24-hour security and a glorious setting in the Hannington countryside near Swindon, Bydemill now has an outdoor all-weather surface where customers can practise dressage and jumping, 365 days a year.

The 20x35 metre surface is made up of a sand and rubber aggregate and has already proved invaluable to the yard's residents, who get an hour's free use of the facility.

The project is the brainchild of farm manager Hardy Klindt whose family has been running Bydemill for more than 30 years, and his wife Viv, who has been keeping and riding horses almost as long.

Viv still has a mare at the yard, as well as a Shetland pony called Fuschia who has become Bydemill's unofficial mascot.

"The all-weather surface is the second phase of our development of Bydemill," said Viv. "In spring 2007 we managed to obtain planning permission for stables and, with the backing of the owners, began the conversion of a 1928 cow barn into internal stabling.

"The results were stunning, and far outreached our wildest expectations.

"And the all-weather surface allows us to offer an even better facility for our customers."

The opening of the new surface continues the rapid development of the yard, which is part of a farm that is steeped in history.

Apart from a brief spell in the 1950s when the estate was bought by the Fry's chocolate family, Bydemill has been owned by the Hussey-Freke family since the 1600s.

Formerly a dairy farm, it now has a 100-strong beef suckler unit as well as arable, so the livery yard is part of a modern, efficient working farm.

The project now moves on to phase three - the addition of more Monarch loose boxes which will eventually provide stabling for a total of 22 horses.

They and their owners will enjoy some of the best facilities in the region as the yard takes advantage of the farm's attractive 400-acre setting - including grass tracks for excellent riding in picturesque countryside, as well as easy access to an extensive network of bridleways.

And the welfare of the horses is paramount.

The yard fully supports a worming programme for all horses - either those in the yard or entering it - and can accommodate grazing for those horses that are prone to laminitis.

  • For more information, contact Hardy or Viv Klindt on 07884 257152 and see the advertisement opposite.