Jager first started riding at the age of five. Back then, the smallest of ponies towered over her small figure. Now 19 years old, the Puslinch resident has not only grown taller, but her love for the four-legged animal has also swelled.

Jive has been part of the Jager family for the last four years. When he was first purchased from his native land and shipped to Canada, Jager had to spend much time training and forming her horse. After countless hours in the ring practicing, Jive was ready to show off his beautiful stance and movement.

The 16.2 hands-high black beauty, according to Jager, loves performing for an audience. He's earned the local rider numerous awards and a spot on the prestigious Young Riders' Championship Ontario team roster.

Jager looks forward to jiving with her horse at the five-day event slated for July 29 in Parker, Colorado. In order to secure a spot on the team, the pair had to perfect their technique and skills for an array of judges at various shows and dressage competitions. Since the beginning of the year, Jager has accumulated the required qualifying marks to be considered as a potential Young Rider.

"This year, I had to get over 64 in the test and for freestyle it was 65," she said of the requirements. "I achieved my marks, so I sent them in and waited to see if I made the team."

This year will mark Jager's third consecutive year riding Jive at the North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships. Two years ago, when Jager rode as a Junior, the Ontario team earned a silver medal. Her individual performance atop her Dutch Warmblood also earned a seventh- and eighth-place finish.

In 2007, Jager moved up to the Young Riders' category. "It was tough last year. It was a whole new level," she noted. The team ended with a fifth-place finish and Jager finished in the top 20.

With one year of Young Riders' experience under her saddle, the first-year University of Guelph student hopes to bring home some hardware. She and Jive have been working hard in the ring every other day, perfecting their routine.

As a dressage rider, Jager aims to develop Jive's athletic abilities and movements. She especially loves the technical aspect of the equine discipline.

Before a panel of judges, the experienced rider will have to execute Prix St. George, which is one of four international levels of dressage.

Prior to carrying out her routine at a show, Jager visualizes her test. With the help of her coach, she's also mastered a freestyle routine, with musical accompaniment, which was selected to fit Jive's gait.

Admitting that it takes a good deal of patience to practice dressage, the goal is to have the horse alert and in tune with his rider's aids, said Jager.

"Jive and I, we ride and it's like we are one," she added. "He is very intelligent and he tries so hard. He loves to work; he's so willing to work."

Currently focusing on her upcoming performance, Jager aims to give it her all in the show ring. Although she isn't quite ready for the Olympics, it's always a possibility. "I try my best to get in there and get experience," she noted.

During her down time, the Puslinch resident spends a lot of time training her other horse, eight-year-old Key West. To take a break from dressage, she might ask Jive to jump over a fence or two, a task he seems to enjoy.

A true equine enthusiast, Jager confessed that riding is part of her lifestyle, and although she's heading into her first year of studies in biological sciences, she will always devote her time and affection to the animals she loves so much.

And if all jives well at the championships, maybe Jager will offer her horse a handful of his favourite treat: Scotch Mints.

The North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships are held at the Colorado Horse Park, from July 29 to August 3.

More information on the championships is available online at www.youngriders.org.