Gilfach Farm
The start of the "Gilfach Experience"!
Jewel & Rosie - our beautiful Lusitano x Arabs
Ico
Limonero - and a client
One of the many views from Gilfach
Resident wildlife!
One of the many views from Gilfach
One of the many babbling brooks border Gilfach
Gilfach Farm – a Rural Retreat
Gilfach is adjacent to the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, just outside of the village of Sennybridge. Although easily accessible from the A40 that runs through the National Park, the farm nestles within a sheltered, secluded valley. The Brecon Beacons, in south mid-Wales, are a wonderful spectacle in their own right - the breathtaking views and scenery make Gilfach a great place to enjoy horse-riding, walking, climbing, or indeed just relaxing in the most tranquil of surroundings.
Hidden away within a small valley that leads on to the open commons of the Beacons, Gilfach is a 60 acre farm, typical of many upland farms of the area. Having never been intensively farmed, Gilfach has a natural environment, with extensive native mixed woodlands, crystal-clear babbling brooks, wild-flower meadows, bluebell woodlands and wetland areas.
Located on our farm is our lovely 4-bed character holiday cottage and a relaxing Log Cabin. Either are available to accommodate our riding guests in comfort after an exhilarating day's equitation. Either are now also available to non-riding guests.
The farm is home to Hugh and Sheila Macmillan (your hosts!), our lovely horses, a crazy Springer Spaniel X, a very wise older Lab X, a young Chocolate Labrador, a young farm cat, around twenty great horses, and an abundance of wildlife!
The Equestrian Facilities
We are immensely proud of our farm and of the improvements we have made since our arrival here in 2003. Gilfach now has possibly some of the best horse facilities in the area. Our efforts have been rewarded with British Horse Society Approval - your reassurance that we operate to the highest of standards.
- A fabulous location in the "middle-of-nowhere" but just 5 minutes drive from the A40
- 60 acres of pasture/native woodland/coniferous forestry; extensive hedgerows; streams; wetlands; free-draining pastures; slopes & hills; flat paddocks; exposed hilltops & sheltered valleys. The whole farm is well fenced with post and rail, electric fencing, and where necessary, sheep-proof fencing.
- An internal yard of 9 stables - ranging from a 15' x 15' foaling box, 15' x 12' and 12' x 12' loose boxes, and a 10'x 10' weaning loose box- with all the "mod-cons" to make stable-life as safe, comfortable and pleasant for all concerned, as possible! Well lit, well ventillated, draft-free, automatic waterers, rubber mats, hay-mangers -throughout.
- A separate barn comprising three 12'x12' stallion boxes, that over looks...
- Three All-Weather (sand) turnout areas that provide a mud-free environment during our wettest and darkest winter months for the horses to interact, kick up their heels and have a play around.
- A well-maintained, conveniently located and sheltered 20m x 40m All-weather menage - a delight to ride and teach in.
- A full set of well-maintained show jumps for use either in the menage, or one of the paddocks during drier months.
- Numerous summer paddocks - allowing 2 to 3 horses per paddock to enjoy safe freedom during our long and lovely summers (!).
- A huge field shelter in one of the more sheltered locations on the farm for our all-year-live-out horses.
- A large, warm and secure & alarmed tack room.
- A well-ventilated, spacious, rug-room.
- A heated laundry/boot room.
- A clean, warm client washroom/WC conveniently located close to the stables.
More changes are afoot - there is always room for improvement!