Hard work is something that Traverse City resident Mariola Power, 20, is used to. She worked tirelessly for good grades at the University of Michigan and as a reward her father purchased her a horse. Now, she is working hard with her horse as she competes in shows around the country.
Most recently in Chicago, Power and her horse For Sure, nicknamed Tubby, won the Washington International Horse Show Adult Jumper Classic, and became the Adult Jumper Champion. Since teaming up, the two have competed in three World Class events.
"It's a lot of work," said Power, who started working with horses in 4-H. "It's almost like taking care of a car, and I am the auto mechanic -- washing, drying and all the other work. But I love it."
Power and Tubby, a 15-year-old 1,300-pound jumper, are currently competing at Horse Shows by the Bay as part of the 25 horses and riders from Northern Pines Farm in Maple City. They are working toward participating at indoor shows in October, which feature only the top 30 horses and riders in each division.






