What do you think?
Rate this book
Challenger: Horses Reflect Our Souls
Would you ride your precious horse so hard in an event that he is permanently lamed, just so you can beat your best friend? Joanna did, driven by the ghost of her highly competitive mother. Remorse and fear engulf Joanna when she finds her best friend, Diane had disappeared on that same day. Joanna walks away from everything horse to run the county show with her Dad.
Years later, Challenger returns, bringing to a head the series of events that has burst Joanna’s little bubble. He seems determined to savage her, every time she goes near him. Diane, also returns, but Joanna cannot quite trust her. Does she really want to re-kindle the friendship or does she have an ulterior motive?
Joanna’s worst fears are realised when Dianne makes the ultimate betrayal. Her life must be rebuilt once again. Is all as bad as it seems? Will the horses and dogs she meets on her journey help her to heal and finally find love? Can Challenger forgive her?
Years later, Challenger returns, bringing to a head the series of events that has burst Joanna’s little bubble. He seems determined to savage her, every time she goes near him. Diane, also returns, but Joanna cannot quite trust her. Does she really want to re-kindle the friendship or does she have an ulterior motive?
Joanna’s worst fears are realised when Dianne makes the ultimate betrayal. Her life must be rebuilt once again. Is all as bad as it seems? Will the horses and dogs she meets on her journey help her to heal and finally find love? Can Challenger forgive her?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2019
97 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Anna Rashbrook
33 books12 followersShort version; Christian, Writer, dog owner, English teacher, walker, horse lover, Brit who was Austria but is now in Wales!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2018
In the beginning of the story, I could relate to Joanna and how she felt when her friend Diane came back into her life and disrupted her quiet, reclusive life, bringing back memories of the past. People get comfortable with their lives, and change can push them into places they don't want to go. And I was shocked, along with Joanna, at a decision her father made, one that created problems for the family.
This is a story with a bit of romance and family drama, a book that makes you look deep into what's really going on in the minds of the characters involved. The problems in this story are very real, not the usual exaggerated problems you'll find in so many stories. It has a nice Christian message, without being preachy.
I think my favorite part was learning about horse therapy. It was an interesting topic and something I'd never heard of before. But it makes sense. Using animals to help people discover things about themselves. If dogs can be therapeutic and comforting, why not horses.
This is a story with a bit of romance and family drama, a book that makes you look deep into what's really going on in the minds of the characters involved. The problems in this story are very real, not the usual exaggerated problems you'll find in so many stories. It has a nice Christian message, without being preachy.
I think my favorite part was learning about horse therapy. It was an interesting topic and something I'd never heard of before. But it makes sense. Using animals to help people discover things about themselves. If dogs can be therapeutic and comforting, why not horses.
January 17, 2019
Review to follow.
December 16, 2021
Joanna, Challenger and the Barknadoes
Oh the bonds between us, between parents and children, between friends, between lovers, between
animals, between animals and people. All of these bonds are pivotal to life and to this story. What a masterful telling of this tale of love, heartache and joy.
Oh the bonds between us, between parents and children, between friends, between lovers, between
animals, between animals and people. All of these bonds are pivotal to life and to this story. What a masterful telling of this tale of love, heartache and joy.
January 13, 2019
Joanna and her father have gotten into a bit of a rut in their lives around the country manner, when Joanne’s old friend Diana shows up and pushes them all out of their comfort zone.
I liked how thoughtful this book is in dealing with Joanna’s inner turmoil as she faces changes in her life and makes decisions about what she really wants. It’s quite uplifting as she finds her path through some of the situations forced on her by others. It struck me how well the narrative shows the joy of small pleasures and the grounding that some things can give you when you’re riding out the storm.
For all that it’s still a lovely, light read that moves along easily. A great book when you need a bit of balm for the soul.
I liked how thoughtful this book is in dealing with Joanna’s inner turmoil as she faces changes in her life and makes decisions about what she really wants. It’s quite uplifting as she finds her path through some of the situations forced on her by others. It struck me how well the narrative shows the joy of small pleasures and the grounding that some things can give you when you’re riding out the storm.
For all that it’s still a lovely, light read that moves along easily. A great book when you need a bit of balm for the soul.
March 23, 2019
A good story
An interesting read. The story revolves around Joanna as she is running an equestrian event but refused to participate in them because of her deceased mother who pushed her love to win races no matter what on her, causing her to injure her horse Challenger when she was younger. An old friend and competitor meets with her about opening an equestrian therapy school on Joanna's property but she has an agenda that causes a lot of strife drama. There's plenty of drama and arguing will causes the horses to react and act out, especially when everyone goes through horse therapy and counseling. What more can you ask for because animals do reflect our emotions back at us, we only need to listen and learn. I highly recommend this one!
An interesting read. The story revolves around Joanna as she is running an equestrian event but refused to participate in them because of her deceased mother who pushed her love to win races no matter what on her, causing her to injure her horse Challenger when she was younger. An old friend and competitor meets with her about opening an equestrian therapy school on Joanna's property but she has an agenda that causes a lot of strife drama. There's plenty of drama and arguing will causes the horses to react and act out, especially when everyone goes through horse therapy and counseling. What more can you ask for because animals do reflect our emotions back at us, we only need to listen and learn. I highly recommend this one!
June 2, 2019
Challenger is a horse, the one that Joanna had injured while competing in a major show event in order to win to gain the approval of hr mother. She has felt guilty about this ever since. After the death of her mother, and the loss of her best friend she burrows herself in running a horse show and sharing her life with her widowed father. Then both the old friend and the horse reappear in her life.
This interesting book may be read on many levels – as a story – as an allegory – as a guide to re-thinking life. It covers many facets of finding ourselves and our attitudes to life. It was not what I was expecting, much deeper, but it was certainly food for thought. An excellent book for young people.
This interesting book may be read on many levels – as a story – as an allegory – as a guide to re-thinking life. It covers many facets of finding ourselves and our attitudes to life. It was not what I was expecting, much deeper, but it was certainly food for thought. An excellent book for young people.
April 13, 2019
This is a great, feel-good story. Joanna and Diane used to be good friends when they were younger, competing on their horses, but lost touch when Diane moved away. Now she's back in Joanna's life, and the two women have to adapt to all the changes that occur.
This is a story with family drama, romance and, of course, horses. I loved how the author included horse therapy for the characters - the techniques were very interesting. There's also the addition of some boisterous dogs and a hunky dog trainer for some lighter moments!
With touching scenes, poignant moments, and heart-lifting events, this is a lovely story to read when you want to get away from everything.
This is a story with family drama, romance and, of course, horses. I loved how the author included horse therapy for the characters - the techniques were very interesting. There's also the addition of some boisterous dogs and a hunky dog trainer for some lighter moments!
With touching scenes, poignant moments, and heart-lifting events, this is a lovely story to read when you want to get away from everything.
January 31, 2019
Beautiful rural family drama, especially for horse and animal lovers!
I loved the setting, and the author really brings the manor house and stables to life. The story itself is quickly paced and I couldn’t stop turning the pages fast enough. The emotions run high, with happy and sad moments both.
The characters are also richly detailed, and I really felt for them as I read their stories unfold.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it centered on horse therapy. Wonderful story! Five stars!
I loved the setting, and the author really brings the manor house and stables to life. The story itself is quickly paced and I couldn’t stop turning the pages fast enough. The emotions run high, with happy and sad moments both.
The characters are also richly detailed, and I really felt for them as I read their stories unfold.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it centered on horse therapy. Wonderful story! Five stars!
December 19, 2018
It was an enjoyable read overall. There were times I wasn't quite sure where it was going. This is an exploration of relationships, identity & self awareness. Family, horses, history & romance. It also explores Faith.
April 20, 2019
A Feel Good Read
I enjoyed this story, which revolved around the struggles to accept and adapt to changes in your life.
The story encompasses family drama, friendships, love, and animals: horses being the most prevalent. Recommended reading.
I enjoyed this story, which revolved around the struggles to accept and adapt to changes in your life.
The story encompasses family drama, friendships, love, and animals: horses being the most prevalent. Recommended reading.
May 30, 2021
Challenger
I liked the book it took a little time to get into it. Some of the words used I wasn’t sure of, they sound like it’s from England or Australia. But I did like the ending & the animals were fun till one died.
I liked the book it took a little time to get into it. Some of the words used I wasn’t sure of, they sound like it’s from England or Australia. But I did like the ending & the animals were fun till one died.
October 26, 2019
Lovely grownup horse book
The tale had lots of maturity and personal growth all do every nicely. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
The tale had lots of maturity and personal growth all do every nicely. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
November 18, 2019
Challenger is a novel revolving around equine assisted therapy as well as family and relationship dynamics.
Joanna, the protagonist’s, past comes back to haunt her with the appearance of old friends, both two legged and four. But, has she taken on far too much?
Challenger is an easy read which is full of drama, confusion, upset and joy. Invaluable insights into fraught relationships come through the use of therapeutic horses. Anna cleverly shows how well this very special therapy can work with life’s little problems. A clear, accurate account of ‘mirroring’ is given in this book which really highlights its effectiveness, too.
All in all, this book is guaranteed to give pleasure and with its perfect setting, characterisation and realistic portrayal of life, is definitely not one to miss.
Joanna, the protagonist’s, past comes back to haunt her with the appearance of old friends, both two legged and four. But, has she taken on far too much?
Challenger is an easy read which is full of drama, confusion, upset and joy. Invaluable insights into fraught relationships come through the use of therapeutic horses. Anna cleverly shows how well this very special therapy can work with life’s little problems. A clear, accurate account of ‘mirroring’ is given in this book which really highlights its effectiveness, too.
All in all, this book is guaranteed to give pleasure and with its perfect setting, characterisation and realistic portrayal of life, is definitely not one to miss.
December 15, 2020
Too little dog and horse story
I am so tired of being bludgeoned about the head and shoulders with evangelical Christian mumbo jumbo each time I pick up a book to read. Enough already. Or at least be honest enough in the description that readers are forewarned.
I am so tired of being bludgeoned about the head and shoulders with evangelical Christian mumbo jumbo each time I pick up a book to read. Enough already. Or at least be honest enough in the description that readers are forewarned.
Read
January 26, 2026I hope you’re doing well.
I came across your book on AllAuthor and wanted to say well done—it’s always inspiring to see authors share their work.
I enjoy connecting with writers, so please feel free to follow me back so we can chat more easily.
Can I have your WhatsApp number?
I came across your book on AllAuthor and wanted to say well done—it’s always inspiring to see authors share their work.
I enjoy connecting with writers, so please feel free to follow me back so we can chat more easily.
Can I have your WhatsApp number?
March 29, 2019
Horse and dog lovers unite!
If you are into horses, Challenger is a great read. There's even a dose of joy for dog lovers as well. A nice, fast, read.
If you are into horses, Challenger is a great read. There's even a dose of joy for dog lovers as well. A nice, fast, read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews