Good riders need to bond with their animal, and Eryka Faucher and Calzador have that link.

Eryka was four years old when she first mounted a horse. Now she's 15 and her best friend is 4-year-old Calzador.

"It feels like he understands you but it's all in silence and just with your movement," said Eryka.

The pair joined forces a year ago and while they have a strong connection, each is learning when the other has to take control.

"His head is always decided in what he wants to do and that's what I need to control sometimes," said Eryka. "It always need to be me because if I let him win the battle he will continue and he will understand that I will let him do bad things."

Eryka is with Calzador day-in and day-out, mucking out his stable and getting him -- and her -- exercised.

Coach Cynthia Labrecque says that dedication is necessary to be successful.

"Horseback riding is really a sport where you really have to be in shape, so she's here every day, she works really hard," she said.

Eryka is not certain how far she will push herself in competition, but she is willing to go as hard and as far as she is able.

"The farthest I will go, I will go."

This year Eryka and Calzador will ride on the provincial circuit against more experienced riders.