Driving through Sutton Forest, you would have noticed an impressive white stable building with a bright red door standing proudly among paddocks and gardens.
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This is the Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre and, after a year of renovations, its doors will be opened to the public.
One well-kept secret is the world-class indoor arena covered in a substance imported from Europe.
Owner Kathryn Blissett said the arena would be officially unveiled on November 6 at an open day.
“It is the first indoor arena in Australia to have this type of surface,” she said.
“It will allow for better movement of the horse, and the arena is completely enclosed.”
Other renovations over the past year include new fences and day shelters, earthworks to improve the paddocks, pipes to divert water, Olympic-sized arenas, wash bay, round yard and improvements to the stables.
Ms Blissett said she felt the riders of the Highlands deserved world-class facilities.
“Riders can board or agist their horses here, or bring their horses along for lessons,” she said.
“I’m also looking at hosting art and community events.
“I hope the centre will set a new standard for horse and rider by offering world-class equestrian facilities in the Highlands that will be shared with the talented and diverse local equine community.”
Stable manager and head instructor Kristian Draxl said the Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre renovations had transformed the farm into a leading facility.
“This facility will offer some of Australia’s top riders a year round, world-class training venue, within easy reach of NSW competition locations,” he said.
The equestrian centre has already created a buzz in the horse community, with top riders in hacking and dressage already choosing to keep their horses at the centre.
“One of Australia’s best Galloways, which won Horse of the Year Champion, will also be staying here,” Ms Blissett said.
The community is invited to the Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre open day on November 6, 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Sutton Farm dates back to 1822, when a fifty acre land grant was given to emancipated convicts Edward and Mary Shipley.
The stables were built in the 1930s, which were used as a filming location for the movie Phar Lap.
