WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Ali Steenis is only 14, but she's an accomplished horse rider - with the ribbons to show it.

One other thing - she's blind.

Ali was one of several participants Sunday in a unique dressage show that allows riders with disabilities to compete against other riders with similar disabilities.

Altogether, the competitors are an inspiring and determined young group. And Ali is a good example - with lots of energy and a big smile - and a strong rapport with her horse.

"He's my four-legged boyfriend," she laughs.

Then in a more serious vein, she adds: "It's just freedom for me. I can go down that center line and be completely blind, but I trust my horse and just give it my all."

The 3rd annual Margo O'Callaghan Memorial Dressage Show is a chance for people with a wide range of disabilities to be free and be themselves - competing against each other.

This year's show brought in riders from all over Washington and as far away as California, Ohio, Canada and Venezuela.

Eric, another competitor, has received almost miraculous benefits from the horse-riding, says his father, Jeff Angelo.

"Started off, he had open heart surgery when he was 5 months old and extremely low muscle tone," Angelo says of his son. "He was like a rag doll."

But now Eric is a new little boy.

"He started riding in hippotherapy here, and it started strengthening his muscles where he could actually walk long distances," says Angelo. "And now it's really helping his self-confidence."

Little Bit, a nonprofit group, puts together events like this. And the benefits go both ways.

"The riders come here because they need something. They need to belong they need something," says Jenny Nell, program director. "But once they get here, they give, and give, and give back to all of us."

Ali says she is grateful for the opportunity provided by the annual competition.

"All I can say is thank you," she says. "I wouldn't be where I am today without Little Bit."