I walked into the barn with my head hung low. All the riders had left for the evening and the barn was eerily quiet.

Horses hung their heads out of their stalls as I passed by, but I didn't stop to give them a pat or a treat like I normally would, instead I made a B-Line straight to Omegas stall and shut myself inside.

She had been sleepily munching away on her hay and grain, but when the sound of the door echoed through the barn, she stopped mid chew and turned to look at me.

I practically threw myself at her, wrapping my arms around her neck and burying my face in her soft grey coat.

" Today was horrible girl...Amelia posted a video of our slip up yesterday...and the comments were just so...horrible... " I rolled my eyes at my double use of the word horrible. " See, I've gotten so riled up from that stupid video and all those comments that I can barely think straight...what are we going to do girl? "

I looked up at her delicate, but strong head and she shook her head.

I smiled. " ...What would dad say to do? "

Just thinking about my dad made fresh tears spring to my eyes.

What would he say if he were here?

' What? My Mia Dante, letting a bunch of prissy girls who don't know the first thing about proper jumping determine wether or not you go to the best equestrian summer school in the world? ' I imagined him saying, to which I would reply.

' But what if its true? What If Amelia is right? What if I can't keep up with the riders who have endless amounts of money, top horses and tack worth more than our whole barn? '

I imagined my dad shaking his head and putting his callous covered hand on my shoulder. ' You have more talent with less money than the most spoiled rider in the world. Don't throw this opportunity away. Show everyone what a heart driven rider and an off the track thoroughbred from the wrong side of the track can do... '

I imagined us hugging and I felt tears falling down my cheeks as I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in Omega's chocolate brown eye.

I put a hand on her nose and felt her lean into my touch.

" Dad's right...I can't give up...I...we've, worked way too hard for this chance and I won't let Amelia and a bunch of prissy rich riders tell me I can't do it...it's not what he would do... " I wiped the tears from my face and felt my confidence coming back to me.

With one final hug I left Omegas stall and turned off the barn lights.

" Get some rest Omega. Playtime is over. Now...It's work time... "