Wrenacyn

We are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and services that prioritize safety, positivity, and personal growth. Our team of experienced instructors is committed to creating individualized learning experiences that inspire confidence, respect for horses, and a lifelong love for riding. Through comprehensive training, community engagement, and a focus on safety, we strive to be a leader in excellence, ensuring that every rider enjoys a fulfilling journey in harmony with these magnificent animals.

At Wrenacyn, our teaching philosophy is rooted in a simple but uncompromising principle: the health, safety, care, and happiness of both horse and rider always come first. Every decision we make—whether in the saddle, on the ground, or in how we maintain our facility—reflects this commitment. Riding is not just a sport here; it is a relationship built on trust, respect, and responsibility.

We do not operate with “lesson horses” in the traditional sense. The horses at Wrenacyn are not disposable tools for instruction or animals acquired inexpensively to cycle through a program. They are valued members of our program—partners we work with to teach horsemanship and riding. Many represent significant financial investment, and in some cases, extensive rehabilitation and care. Whether purchased at a high level or rescued and thoughtfully brought back to health, each horse is treated as an individual with long-term wellbeing in mind. Because of this, our expectations for how they are handled and ridden are intentionally higher than what may be found at other facilities.

It is important to understand that programs like ours are rare. Many lesson barns operate on high-volume models with horses that are expected to tolerate a wide range of riding with minimal customization. At Wrenacyn, we take the opposite approach. It is not uncommon for riders here to work with horses of exceptional quality and value—horses that require thoughtful, correct riding and careful management. This is a privilege, and it comes with responsibility. Instructors and clients alike are expected to rise to that standard.

The “Wrenacyn Way” emphasizes correct, empathetic riding over quick results. We prioritize fundamentals, balance, and communication, always advocating for the horse’s physical and mental wellbeing. There is zero tolerance for riding that is harsh, careless, or rooted in frustration. Progress is measured not just by rider achievement, but by the horse’s comfort, willingness, and soundness over time.

This philosophy extends beyond riding into every aspect of the facility. We expect everyone—staff and clients alike—to treat the barn, arenas, and equipment with the same level of care as if they personally invested in them. Act as though you purchased every saddle, built every fence line, and funded every inch of footing. Our arenas, fencing, and equipment represent substantial investment and are essential to maintaining a safe, high-quality environment. Respect for the space is non-negotiable.

Being part of Wrenacyn means recognizing that what we offer is special. It is a place where horses are respected, riders are developed with intention, and standards are upheld without compromise. Every interaction—with horses, people, and property—should reflect that understanding.


Our Mission

At Wrenacyn, our mission is to create a nurturing and safe environment for individuals of all ages, fostering a deep passion for horses through instruction and mentorship. We are dedicated to developing equestrian skills while providing sanctuary for horses in need of rescue, cultivating a community of horse enthusiasts who share our commitment to compassion and growth.

Our Farm

Located in Poolesville, Maryland, Wrenacyn is a 20 acre farm that features two stables, a spacious 170x70 indoor arena, a lighted 100x200 outdoor arena and access to the EPIC trail system along the Dry Seneca stream valley. Our 6 paddocks and 6 oversized pastures plus fenced in cross county course create a paddock paradise track system for our horses that provides destination areas and enrichment opportunities. Our stables are equipped with hot/cold wash stalls, tack and feed rooms. We have plans for a lounge/observation space in the arena barn with unobstructed views into the indoor arena.

Our Team

  • Director, Instructor

    Wrenacyn is owned and operated by Elizabeth Meltzer and is home to Elizabeth, her two daughters, Cynna and Wren, and their German Shepherd, BobGoblin. Elizabeth is trained in Dressage and Show Jumping, and is getting into Fox Hunting and Eventing with her mares, Naya and Josie. She has her masters in Health Promotion Management from American University, as well as majoring in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Liz was a coach of the Rowing Programs for American University, Georgetown University, and Lehigh University for multiple years. She also has had her Real Estate license since 2017. Liz’s love for teaching and her horses brought her to purchasing the farm in September of 2024, and beginning the wonderful community that we all know and love.


  • Assistant Director, Instructor

    The farm is managed by Kayla Johnson, founder of Rooted in Unity (RIU) - our dedicated non-profit partner that operates and delivers programming on-site at Wrenacyn.

  • Administrative and Social Media Assistant, Clinics Coordinator, Instructor

    Jaden has 20 years of riding experience and working with horses. Jaden has ridden primarily English and dabbled in western. Her journey started, at six years old, at a lesson barn that taught both disciplines, followed by years of lessons at hunter-jumper lesson barns, volunteering at Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, and venturing into the world of eventing throughout high school. At Bridgewater College, where Jaden studied Business and Equine Studies and earned her Bachelor’s degree, she was a member of the equestrian program where she continued her hunter-jumper and dressage riding education. After graduating in May of 2022, Jaden provided exercise riding and training services and obtained her real estate license. She has two horses she regards as “puzzle pieces of her heart”, Bazilio K and Bella Reina K. She adopted Bazilio, a Drum gelding, from Gentle Giants in 2017. The pair has primarily done dressage and trail riding together. In 2021, Jaden got her second horse, Bella, an off the track Thoroughbred, to compete in the jumper ring. The pair competed in classes up to 1 meter together. Her partnership with her horses has been built in large part by groundwork and quality-time bonding. Jaden values continued education in the equine industry and intends to advance through the levels over the years to come!

  • Leah Pratt is the head of our non existant Utah branch, and visits Wrenacyn as our favorite Alum Instructor.

    Alaina Reeves is our stable hand.

    Henry and Carlos Iglesias with HL Moving serve as Wrenacyn’s directors of projects and beautification.

    Dana Hollister with Orange Blossom Bodywork is our equine bodyworker, as well as dressage trainer for some of our greener horses.

    Tony Eisler is a trainer for some of our greener horses, and our behavior specialist.

    Sean Losee is Wrenacyn’s trusted farrier, and director of equine pedicures.

    Dr. Manrique Miranda and Dr. Alicia Bretz with Monocacy Equine Veterinary Associates serve as our wonderful veterinary team.