Everybody's pony

Every couple months or so, I see this meme making the rounds on social media. It usually gets a lot of likes, but not from me. 

In my lifetime, I have ridden hundreds of horses, but owned only one.

Many of those horses were rental horses or lesson horses, but others belonged to friends, acquaintances and strangers who graciously shared them with me for an hour, a day, a month or a lifetime. To the core of my being, I appreciate every single one of those horses and every single one of those owners.

I always said that if I was lucky enough to get my own horse, I would pay that forward and share her with everyone.

Olive with Heather, Kylee, Christine, Meredith, Kenzie, Julia, Tara, Robbie, Stephanie and Katy

Before we made it official, Olive's former owner, Shelly, told me that she is a one person horse.

Olive with Tara, Lindsay, Teresa, Maggie, Tegan, Fabian and Christine

"That's okay," I thought. "I can fix that."

Olive and Reece

And I have.

Olive with Bobbie

In the last twelve and a half months, I have invited everyone I know to come spend time with Olive.

Olive with Karen and Teresa

Some visits are simply visits, 

Olive with Janet and Lisa

but whenever possible, I've encouraged my friends...

Olive with Christine

and family to sit on her.

Olive with Ryan

She's been ridden by beginners,

Olive with Tara, Thunder with Christine

pros...

Olive with Trisha

and a lot of people who are somewhere in between.

Olive with Liliana

Mostly, she's been good for everyone.

Olive with Teresa

Mostly.

Olive with Therese

Sorry again, Meredith. I swear she isn't usually that naughty.

Olive with Meredith

It makes me so happy to see my friends...

Olive with Fabian

and my kids' friends enjoying my pony.

Olive with Dudke and Ryan

I look forward to sharing her with others for years to come.

Olive with Karen

Good girl, Olive!

Olive with Carol

So next time that meme makes the rounds, don't be surprised if you see me giving it an angry react.

Your child/grandkid/niece and nephew/sibling/neighbor/house elf is more than welcome to come to the barn with me, and depending on how that goes, pony rides are always a possibility.