An integral part of the Wrenacyn herd is The Olive Garden, better known simply as Olive. And yes, we have had people ask: when you come to Wrenacyn, do you get unlimited breadsticks? Unfortunately, no. However, you do get an extremely lovely little horse and honestly, that may be even better.

Olive is a 12-year-old Chincoteague × Quarter Horse mare that we have the absolute pleasure of leasing courtesy of the Aucoin-Cass family. She may be smaller in stature, but Olive is a very important ingredient in our lesson program and much like an actual garden, she is constantly helping things grow.

Olive is the ideal lesson horse for growing riders. Her smaller size and slow & steady way of going under saddle create the perfect environment for riders to learn, practice, make mistakes, try again, and build the skills they need to become confident horse people. She is patient, sensible, and wonderfully straightforward, making her a fantastic partner for riders who are still finding their balance and learning how all the pieces fit together.

She is also incredibly sweet but Olive has a secret weapon: the side eye. It is legendary.

Olive has perfected the art of looking directly into your soul without moving so much as an ear. You may be grooming her peacefully one moment and suddenly realize you are being silently judged for a decision you made in 2017. We do not always know what Olive is thinking, but we know she has opinions and she would like you to know that she has them.

But do not let her calm demeanor—or her judgmental facial expressions—fool you. Mention the word “eventing” and suddenly the Olive Garden has entered a new season.

Olive is an incredible eventer and she has a remarkable ability to perk up the moment she sees a fence. The little garden suddenly gets a little more… spicy. She becomes forward, enthusiastic, and ready to get to work. For beginner eventers, Olive is an absolute confidence builder, giving riders the opportunity to experience the excitement of jumping while still having a sensible and trustworthy partner underneath them.

When not blooming under saddle, Olive is busy with her social life that is flourishing beautifully. She has become fast besties with Lyric and you will frequently find these two together out in the field, spending approximately every available moment in each other's company. They are basically a package deal. If one is there, the other is probably not far behind. Olive also enjoys spending time with Hera, her mighty mini friend. Apparently every good garden needs a small but powerful guardian.

Between teaching growing riders, jumping fences, cultivating friendships, delivering world-class side eye, and generally making herself indispensable around the farm, Olive has truly planted herself in the Wrenacyn family and we think she deserves unlimited breadsticks.