CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- With just a few quiet clicking noises, 13-year-old Samantha Teeter of Richland Township can control her horse's every movement. The pair has formed a close friendship, and they are taking their teamwork into the ring.

"We grew up together," said Teeter. "When we went to the first horse show we got first."

That was when Samantha was four years old. She's been on a horse since diapers and instantly took a liking to her horse Lilly.

Despite the close bond, Samantha admits it was hard at first to get Lilly off the farm and into competition, but it wasn't long before Lilly rose to the challenge. In a room covered with trophies and ribbons, Samantha's hard work is evident, but the pictures of the Jonas brothers on the wall are a reminder of how young she truly is.

"I probably will never be able to tell her how proud I am of her," said Samantha's mother Jennifer Teeter. "This takes a tremendous amount of work."

From bathing Lilly, to grooming her, to hours and hours of practice, travel and competitions, Samantha puts everything she has into her quarter horse. While she admits it can be tiring, she's just having fun.

"She's more than just a pet," said Samantha. "She's like my family."

While there are a lot of wins to be proud of, Lilly and Samantha don't win them all. It's a valuable lesson, according to her mother. Plus, on top of the responsibility of taking care of a horse and competing, Samantha is learning teamwork which her mother said will serve her well in the future.

"They have good days and bad days," said Jennifer Teeter. "When Lilly has a bad day, Samantha pulls her up. When Samantha is not on, Lilly does what she can. They are truly a team together."