Flying Q Farms
Owner: Susan Sullivan
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.
History: “We have a horse training and riding facility called Flying Q Farms and have been in business for 10 years. I started the business as a sideline when I was working at University of Arkansas on my Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and Master’s of Science in poultry science with a focus on animal behavior. In 2004 I bought my current location. I had a stable of three horses but trained outside horses as well. I now have 27 horses including boarders, my horses and horses in training on a total of 28 acres, some of which I own and some of which I lease. The 8 acres I just purchased will help with more space for parking in addition to more space for the horses. My goal is to eventually have a full-time facility for boarding, training, lessons and trail rides.”
Services: “We offer riding lessons. As part of the riding lessons, which are about an hour in length, students learn to catch, groom, saddle, and ride Western or English with safety as a major component in everything that we do. We offer guided trail rides. I also retrain horses with behavior problems as well as others that need experience with trail riding because trail riding is different than showing or rodeoing. Because of our location on the outskirts of Fayetteville near Lake Sequoyah, we provide easy access for everyone including those with horse trailers and beautiful trail rides near the lake.”
Philosophy: “In order to have a successful lesson/riding facility, you have to have calm horses that are easily managed by riders of varying ages and skill levels. Keeping customers happy is not the issue here. They come because they love horses. The issue is safety and appropriately matching horse, rider and tack.”
Story and Photo by
Terry Ropp
