19-year-old Laurence Addison is one of Quebec's top equestrian athletes.

The three-time Eastern Canadian champion has been riding for more than a decade, and has forged a good relationship with her four-legged teammate.

"You have to take care of your horse because it's an animal. It's not some equipment that you can just lay aside," said Laurence.

She's been riding C-Tje for four years, and couldn't ask for a better steed.

"She's so powerful, she's so gentle, she will give me everything I want and I respect her."

Her father, Marc, is amazed, because when Laurence started riding at the age of 8, he was afraid of horses.

Now he's in the stables all the time.

"It's a very good sport for a young girl because it gets her to manage a very powerful animal. So the self-confidence it brings to Laurence is exceptional," said Addison.

Laurence is a rising star with ambition.

"I would like to reach the Olympics. I would like to do the World Cup," said Laurence.

Her coach Josee Turcotte says at long as she can handle the pressure, she's got a shot.

"I think she has the concentration when she's riding or when she's training that a lot of athletes envy," said Turcotte.

Laurence, who trains year-round in Mirabel, says she loves riding C-Tje so much it doesn't seem like work.

"She really is the best partner I could imagine to have during the sport."

 

If you know a great amateur athlete in your community, email Randy today.