"Most of the kids that go up are usually 17 or 18, so it's a real accomplishment for me to be there that young," she said.

Mary has been riding since she was 7. Within a few months, she began showing horses through 4-H. It wasn't long before her mom recognized that Mary's interest in riding wasn't a passing fancy; she was serious about training and progressing in her sport. Jennifer Kimmel said she calls Mary "horse crazy." "She talks about horses all the time. Sometimes I wonder if she gets too involved, but I guess that's what makes her the rider that she is. It's her dedication."

Mary's trainer agreed. "Mary always had a lot of natural ability, and she always comes wanting to do this and has a lot of enthusiasm over it," said Patti Specht.

In addition to shows, Mary spends three hours a day, four days a week riding, grooming and training with her registered quarter horse, Cookie. Barnwork and chores, which include caring for other animals, start at dawn. Homeschooling offers Mary the flexibility to work on her studies and still do what she loves. The family travels regularly to shows across the state and beyond. In fact, it's not uncommon for Mary to sandwich schoolwork in between events. But she does well. A freshman in high school, Mary works at an 11th-grade level in many courses.

Although her life is certainly not typical of girls her age, Mary said she wouldn't change a thing. "This is something I never want to give up. I love it too much."