Tessa's POV:  

I stared at my phone in disbelief.  

I read the text from Vanessa over again, still not sure that I was seeing correctly.  She thought I had another offer for Challenger, better than hers?  What?  

I quickly shot back a reply.  After I hit send, I realized maybe I should have just left  it alone.  But it was too late now, she replied right away.    

Tessa:  No, I don't have another offer for him.  

Vanessa:  Then why not?  Come on, I know you don't get a offer like this everyday.  Then again, I can see why  you would want to hold onto a horse with so much potential. 

I let out a groan.  

Tessa:  Can't we be done with this?  

Vanessa:  Absolutely not. 

Suddenly, I was mad.  Who was this woman to just barge into my life and demand my horse for herself?  Who was she to think the only reason I wouldn't sell to her was because I had another offer, or because I wanted to keep Challenger's potential all to myself? 

Tessa:  Okay, you want to know why?  Because I love him.  And it's the most silly, illogical thing in the world, I know.  And if he broke a leg today and could never compete again, I still wouldn't sell.  But guess what?  It's my reason, and it stands.

I set my phone down on my desk and looked at the clock.  Time to feed the horses. 

Vanessa's POV:  

I leaned back against the coach.  Ugh, this was so what I needed after that ride on Medallion.  I took a sip of the sparkling water in my hand, and looked down as a new text from Tessa came in.  

Tessa: Okay, you want to know why? Because I love him. And it's the most silly, illogical thing in the world, I know. And if he broke a leg today and could never compete again, I still wouldn't sell. But guess what? It's my reason, and it stands.

My fingers clenched around the glass.  What a silly reason indeed!  Horses come and go all the time in the competition world.  She'd better get used to it.  

Before she got hurt.  

Like I did. 

Vanessa:  If you really loved him, you'd see that my offer is what's best for him and you.   

I shook myself.  What was I saying?  This wasn't personal.  This wasn't about me and her.  This was about getting Challenger.

Vanessa:  I'm sorry about that last message.  But surely you see, he'd have a better life here at Vantage Point. 

It took longer for her to respond than before.  I passed the time by scrolling through videos of last year's Land Rover cross country rounds.

Tessa:  Alright, I'll be blunt.  No, he wouldn't have a better life there.  It would merely become a gilded cage, a place of agony for him.  I know what he needs and wants, and I know that's not it.

I stiffened.  Well, if we were dealing with frankness right now, I could handle that.  

Vanessa:  Well, I know he doesn't NEED the luxury that is Vantage Point.  But who are you to say that he wouldn't want it?

Tessa:  I'm not talking about the large stalls, the warm baths, or large paddocks.  I'm talking about the way he'd be treated and trained.

Vanessa:  We have some of the best trainers in the eventing world at Vantage Point!  I'm a class A rider myself, as you well know.

Tessa:  Challenger is... special.  He's a nervous horse, who's trust is not earned easily.

Vanessa:  What, so I'm not good enough him?

Tessa:  No.  You're not patient enough, kind enough, steadfast enough.  You're used to forcing the horse to your will.  And that will not work with Challenger.  Trust me, I know.     

I snorted.  This was starting to sound like the cliche horse movie plot of "only I can ride the wild mustang".  

Vanessa:  So you're saying only you can ride him? 

If she said yes, she was the most arrogant, conceited person I'd ever met.  

Tessa:  I'm saying that only I can ride him the way he wants to be ridden.  I've only met one other person who could ride him, a classical dressage master.  Challenger is trained using classical dressage methods, and while it's allowed me to work with his sensitivity, it's also accentuated it. 

I gritted my teeth.  I'd ask one more question, and then I'd tell her just what I thought of her horse and her supposed ability to ride him.  

Vanessa:  So you don't think I could ride him?  

Tessa:  Until I see you on his back, with him going as quietly and supple as he does under me, I will not believe that you could ride him.  

"This gal is too much!" I exclaimed as my mom walked in.  

"What is it honey?"  

"That girl that owns Challenger thinks she's the only one that can ride him.  She thinks I'm not good enough for him."

She wrinkled her brow.  "Hasn't she seen you ride?"  

"Yes, she has.  I know I could handle him.  It's all made up in her head.  She says he's nervous!  Of all things!"

Mother raised an eyebrow.  "You really want this gelding, don't you?"  

"You bet." 

"Then why not prove to her that you can ride him.  Invite her to come to Vantage Point and have you ride him.  It'd give you a chance to show off the stables."  

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why my mom is successful at managing her business.  She's quite sharp.  

"That sounds great mom, I think I'll do that."  

Just before I texted back, Tessa sent another message.  

Tessa:  I know I sound like I'm boasting.  Please understand me, I'm not trying to make you angry.  I have seen you ride Vanessa, and I know you're a good rider.  You have a good seat and balance.  

That abated my anger somewhat.  Okay, so, maybe her ability to ride Challenger was all in her head, but she wasn't trying to rub it my face.  She really believed it.  

Vanessa:  Alright, you say you won't believe I can ride him until you see me riding him.  So, come up to Vantage Point.  I'll show you the stables and we'll see if I can ride Challenger.

Tessa:  Let me guess, you won't believe it until you get on his back, will you?          

Vanessa:  Nope.

Tessa:  I'm not sure what my parents will say, but I'll say this up front.  If I don't want you riding my horse, if you get up there and I can't stand it, then you won't ride my horse.  Understood?

Vanessa:  Of course.

Tessa:  Alright then.  I'll ask my parents and let you know tomorrow.        

Vanessa:  K.  

AN:  This chapter is very pivotal, so I'm curious to know, what did you guys think of it?  And don't just say you loved it, tell me what you loved it :)  

Ah, but don't click off the book just yet.  Today, I'm feeling generous, so you guys get a double update today!  Enjoy!  

Also, this is partly in celebration of reaching 100 reads!  Woohoo!  I mean, it's not like, 1,000 reads, but still that's amazing to me, and I thank all of you for checking out this book.