Spring brings new 'Flower' to Edwards

  • Published
  • By Airman Mike Young
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In late spring, Team Edwards welcomed its newest four-legged friend to the base's riding stables.

Born May 16, Flower was the first filly born at Edwards in more than three years.

"She is spunky, sweet, smart and not afraid of anything," said Laura Ricci, Flower's owner and a member of Edwards Riding Club. "I think everyone has helped in making her as sweet as she is."

The newborn filly is a quarter horse, which is the world's fastest breed of horse in a quarter of a mile.

"I think the quarter horse is one of the best breeds," Mrs. Ricci said.

For now, Flower will call the Edwards riding stables her home.

"We had a great time welcoming the filly when she was born," said Michelle Rose, vice chairman of the riding club.

Flower will be on her mothers milk for the first four to six months, after which, she will be weaned to eating oats.

Mrs. Ricci said it would be about two years before she will "cowgirl up" and throw a saddle on Flower for the first time.

"The horses usually adapt pretty well," said Lt. Col. Matt Humes, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander and president of the riding club. "The riding club features hundreds of miles of trail riding."

Flower will receive the opportunity to take advantage of the stable's various amenities.

These amenities include the stable's 52 stalls, two storage barns, three riding arenas, three exercise pens and four round pens. The riding club also has a horse trailer for members to use and a playground for the children.

Boarding fees for the riding stables are $75 per month for a single stall and $150 for a double stall.

Horse owners don't have to be members of the riding club in order to keep their horses at the stables. However, members of the riding club can receive a lower fee of $25 or $50 per month if they choose to participate in the club's volunteer program.

The volunteer program consists of a point system which is regulated by the number of meetings, workdays and fund raisers the member participates in.

Once the member reaches a set number of points, they are rewarded with a lower monthly boarding fee. This system allows the club to operate at low cost.

"For the price, you can't beat it," Colonel Humes said.

Mrs. Ricci can always visit Flower because the stables are accessible 24 hours a day for club members. They also provide accommodations for overnight stays and shelter relief for horses who may be evacuated in the event of a fire in the area.

Harboring several different types of horses, the stables also provide the opportunity for horse owners to participate in night rides among other various equestrian activities.

"The stables are a nice addition to the quality of life on Edwards," Mrs. Rose said. "This is a great facility, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to come out and get involved."