Wildflower Equestrian

12/16/2023

10/26/2023

Here is your reminder to check your alfalfa for the presence of blister beetle prior to feeding it to your horses—especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source.

"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says AAEP member Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous. Although cantharidin can exist in the alfalfa used to make pellets and cubes, cantharidin toxicity is very rare by this route. Some people believe that it has to do with the processing, others believe that it’s because the feed companies are using alfalfa from reputable sources that have good insect control."

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption. Since there are many representatives of the species Epicauta, contact your local agricultural agent so they can help you identify any beetle that looks suspicious.

Read Dr. Espy's article on blister beetle poisoning on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/blister-beetle-poisoning

10/23/2023

Make them think!

10/22/2023

08/02/2023

😂😂😂

07/26/2023

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRW9RjTA/

12.1K likes, 85 comments. “Worth it though 💸🫣🐴”

07/02/2023

Hahaha so true 😂
credits: Pinterest

07/02/2023

1st playday at Rock Ridge Riding Club was last night.
First, I was proud to hear all the compliments I got about my riders and their respect for their horses and their work ethic! Just know we are grateful and your comments will be shared!
Thank you again!
Boy oh boy did we learn a lot which is the whole goal of what we want!
We learned about nerves and how our bodies react to them, we learned about team work/encouragement, we learned that our horses have moments too, and we have also seen how hard we worked to get there…, it took a lot of unlearning to get to the place we are learning.
As an instructor this brought me to proud tears last night, not only are these guys doing an amazing job with their mindsets of how can I improve, they have the mindsets of everything going on around them and watching the reactions and asking AMAZING questions to work on what they want as a solution! Seeing them all work on their partnerships with these horses and have good horsemanship is the reason I do this. They are learning so much and building a powerful relationship with their horses and educating themselves, the horses, and leading by example. I can’t say enough good things about these kids!

06/04/2023

Dear Freya,
Why are you so majestic? I need to focus on other things besides your beauty l,
K, thanks

05/26/2023

Some things never leave you, I’m grateful that I get to carry all that I have been taught. This picture almost brings me to tears bc of allllll that’s packed into it…. Certified horse girl, and grateful for the woman that raised me to be one.

05/04/2023

It isn’t cool anymore 😑⁣
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Let’s let the sparkly-eyed wonder toward this die off:⁣
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“Training” horses at a rapid pace ⚡️ you know, like starting a c**t to ride in a couple hours, then standing on his back to crack a bullwhip.⁣
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There’s this sense of wonder, amazement and respect toward trainers who can get things done FAST…⁣
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Meanwhile, the horse is showing every sign of stress (even while doing the desired behavior), like triangulation of the eye, head held high, tension in the body, flared nostrils, snorting, standing frozen, or eyes glazed over.⁣
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Sure, the trainer is loping him around dragging a tarp today…⁣
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But that doesn’t mean this will be safe or possible in a week.⁣
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Because right now?⁣
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That horse doesn’t feel safe. He isn’t accepting and relaxed… ⁣
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***He’s in a freeze response*** waiting to explode when the moment is right—usually when a less experienced person handles him (or, with extended forceful training, he may shut down long-term, those eyes remaining lifeless and dull).⁣
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❌ Don’t be fooled by quick, flashy training⁣
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✅ Do understand both the obvious and subtle signs of distress (otherwise known as calming signals)⁣
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Speed isn’t impressive. What’s admirable to us is:⁣
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🌱 Being *thorough* rather than fast⁣
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🌱 Staying below the fear threshold⁣
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🌱 The horse feeling relaxed and enthusiastic throughout the session⁣
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🌱 Training results last long-term, rather than producing flashy yet fleeting outcomes⁣
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🌱 The horse is excited to train again the next day⁣
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Training fast (i.e. using force and flooding) is a skill, to be sure… but, we believe it’s less of a skill than training ethically, which requires keen observational skills, enormous amounts of education, empathy, patience, and compassion, at the very least.⁣
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Ethical trainers make it look like they just have an “easy” horse. The session won’t have you on the edge of your seat; it’ll be gradual. Peaceful. Relaxed.⁣
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And the horse will happily participate ♥️ with an unguarded presence, excitement for what’s next, and a sparkle in his eye ✨⁣
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Which do you prefer?⁣
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— written by the MM team 💫

04/30/2023

Hey everyone! We are so excited to announce we are accepting new clients! If you are interested in learning to care for and ride horses, please reach out to us! We are offering affordable 1 hour lessons, Monday - Sunday! Message us for more details!

04/29/2023

Eye spy with my little eye a not so little beauty! Freya, you’re sooooo beautiful, I can’t wait to see what our lives have in store for this baby!

03/31/2023

Hurry and get your spot now!!! Here’s the link to get signed up before spots fill up! https://www.flyingqfarms.com/blank-page

03/20/2023

Warmer weather makes us smile!!! I’d say LuLu is quite the happy camper!

02/24/2023

THISSSSSSSSS

"Loping small circles is the most important exercise I do with my horses, because if I can put a strong turn on a horse, I can take one who is not necessarily the fastest horse and make it competitive." - Joy Wargo

--->https://bhnmag.co/2sBtUiR

Photo by Abigail Boatwright

02/20/2023

When you love what you do and you get to have a day to see it all come together you realize how much really goes into it! Soooo grateful for this amazing time!

02/20/2023

Did you see the parade today??? Well we had to go have some fun after training all winter because playday season is just around the corner! Soooo proud of these kiddos and how hard they’ve worked!

01/29/2023

If you see me crawling around like this this is why 🤣😅😂

01/09/2023

Small business Sunday!
Hi guys my name is Hailee, and I’m a riding instructor! We have a blast learning about care for horses, training, riding, and different types of horses! Please check us out and send us a message if you’re interested, we can get you set up! All ages and knowledge levels are welcome!

01/02/2023

To say today was a success is a major understatement. We were so lucky to kick off the year with horses and seeing all the work start to pay off! We are excited for the upcoming season! Moms even got the chance to ride today too! Oh and Lulu says hi!

12/23/2022

Mare-y Christmas from us to you! So excited for 2023 adventures!

12/22/2022

Here’s to the farm dog that thinks the horses are going to play with her, Happy Birthday Aponi!