(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between Walking Horse Editorial Director Sadie Fowler and Mary Kate Long.)

WHR: Tell me about yourself in a nutshell. 

Mary Kate Long: My name is Mary Kate Long. I am 10 years old. I ride horses almost every day. I also enjoy tumbling and swimming. My family is the most important thing to me. 

WHR: Tell me about your journey into the horse world. How did you get started? What has riding taught you?

Mary Kate Long: My love for horses started with my neighbor’s horse Lefty who I was able to ride several times a week at the age of 2.

WHR: Tell me what it is about the Tennessee Walking Horse that attracts you most. 

Mary Kate Long: Their demeanor, beauty, and smooth gate

WHR: Who is your favorite horse of all time? Tell me in your words what makes this horse so special to you. 

Mary Kate Long: My favorite horse of all time is A Sure Fire, because he was my first Tennessee walking horse. 

WHR: What do you most enjoy about the show horse industry in terms of what it provides you with things like friendships and new experiences (outside the show ring). Do you have a best friend you’ve met through your participation in horse shows?

Mary Kate Long: I most enjoy the friendships that I have developed since I have been showing.  Ella Abernathy is a great example. 

WHR: Who is your trainer? Describe to me what he or she is like, from your perspective as a student of riding. 

Mary Kate Long: Edgar Abernathy. He makes me laugh all of the time even when I don’t do so good in the ring. 

WHR: What has been your most special moment in the show ring?

Mary Kate Long: My most special moment in the show ring is when I got my first blue on Olympics God Father

WHR: Tell me about your world outside of horses. What do you do for hobbies? What grade are you in and what comes next for you in terms of education? What do you want to do professionally? 

Mary Kate Long: I enjoy swimming and tumbling. I am in the 5th grade, and i want to be a veterinarian. 

WHR: What is one new thing you would love to learn?

Mary Kate Long: Barrel racing 

WHR: Who is someone you admire and why?

Mary Kate Long: My mom. She is very smart and a very hard worker. She is a very kind person and a really awesome mom. 

WHR: Who is your favorite American president and why?

Mary Kate Long: George Washington, because he was the first.

WHR: What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone brand new to the horse show world?

Mary Kate Long: To buy a good horse the first time. 

WHR: What is one of your goals for the upcoming year in regard to horses? Non-horse related goals?

Mary Kate Long: To cheer on a competitive squad and to win the celebration.