TWELVE YEAR OLD MARY THOMSON LOVES HER TIME WITH HORSES

“I am a barn rat,” said 12 year old Mary Thomson when speaking of her passion for spending time with horses. 

This charming young 12 year old given the choice would live her life at Cedar Hill Farm in Waxhaw. Mary would have no trouble finding something to do at the facility with 40 acres of fields, streams, rings, barns, and paddocks. With over 60 horses on location, Mary seems to know every one of them by name and personality.

Bob Thomson and Christie Pedder are the parents of Mary.  The energetic young lady attends Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, where she is a rising seventh grader.  She makes her parents proud by bringing home straight A’s on her report cards.  Without those good grades, Mary realizes her time with the horses will decrease.

Mary started her riding career at the young age of six, when she first learned to ride a horse.  She participates in hunter jumping where she is judged on how well she rides the horse, her position on the horse and how well the horse moves under her direction.  Competing in shows throughout the year, she has earned many ribbons for her riding skills.  In May at Latta Plantation, Mary won second, fourth and fifth place ribbons while riding on a horse named Keebler.  Mary describes Keebler as “a real comfortable and smooth horse to ride.”

For Mary, she is driven by much more than winning ribbons or competing in the various contests, she simply has a passion and love for being around horses.

As we walk through the grounds of Cedar Hill Farms, Mary says hello to each horse and talks about what makes the horse unique. There is Mary’s favorite, Rufus, Sophia, Comet, Blitzen and many more. Each one them receives a hello or a pat on the head from Mary.

“I wish I could stay here year round, it’s so relaxing out here with the horses and when I am here, I don’t have to worry about anything.  The horses are so loving and I give them just as much love in return.  This is exactly what I want to do with all my free time.”

Mary spends a lot of time at the farm in the summer, her favorite days are when she can stay from 8 in the morning until 8 at night.  Those long days will be filled helping with many of the chores around the farm.  A typical day will include; taking horses out for baths and rubbing them down.  After the bath, Mary will take the horses outside, feed them and let them graze in the field.

Later in the day, Mary will help friends tack their horses. She starts by cleaning the horse’s feet, then placing the saddle and bridle on.  Needless to say, Mary doesn’t mind getting a little dirty around the barn.

Now comes her favorite part as she gets to climb on a horse and train.  Beginning with a walk, Mary works the horse into a trot and then a canter. Once the horse if fully warmed up, Mary can begin with small jumps on her horse.

Following the training session, the work continues as Mary must now untack the horse, hose the horse off and then return the horse to the stable.

“I know it sounds like work, but I love spending all that time with the horses, often I will find myself talking to the horses, telling them about things I have been doing and thinking about.”

As I quickly found out, participating in horse jumping can be a little more expensive than some other sports.  Mary’s mom, Christie,  requires her to earn a half of the expenses required for each show.

“Mary washes our cars, does manicures/pedicures for me, baby sits her two

sisters and brother,  braids hair for the showing riders, and helps out at my company, The Community Service Book.” Pedder said.  “There are riders who win more ribbons, but I am very proud of Mary for her strong loving character and winning attitude. She is very happy to show and not win a ribbon as long as she feels she and the horse learned something in the process. Her desire to be around horses is as intense as our desire for oxygen to breathe. When she isn't in a show or lesson, you can find her at the barn helping sweep up, organizing tack, or helping a fellow barn mate.”

Mary doesn’t mind all the extra chores as she understands the money will allow her to spend more time around the horses.

“I am always looking for ways to earn money so I can spend time here and enter more shows.

Andrea Guzinski, owner of Cedar Hill Farm offers many kind words about Mary.

“Mary is a good kid who demonstrates a strong, dedication to riding and the horses and ponies. She is quite supportive and helpful to her peers, and is a fun kid to have around. Mary makes her lessons enjoyable to everyone, especially herself, her mount, and her teacher.”

Most novices wouldn’t realize the athletic ability that goes into horse jumping.  Combining mental and physical skills, the rider must guide the horse through a series of jumps.  The horses can have a mind of their own and sometimes may not want to run the same course the rider wants them to.  At this point, the rider must use their skills to keep the horse on track. 

“I have to use a lot of my muscles when I am riding the horse, and I always have to think ahead about my next move.  As soon as I think I have my horse headed in the right direction, it all can change and I have to reorganize and get back on track using the skills I have been taught.”

No doubt, horse riding is a challenge for all competitors,

In closing we asked Mary about the future and what it held for her.  She was very quick to answer.

 “I want to be a veterinarian or a horse trainer. As much as I love horses, I think I would be unhappy if horses were not a part of my job.”

After spending time with Mary, we have very little doubt that this dedicated young lady will achieve her dreams.  We run into kids everyday that have a passion for their sport of choice and Mary is no different.  The South Charlotte Sports Report wants to wish Mary Thomson the best as she chases her dreams and continues her love for these beautiful animals.