last updated on October 08, 2009 10:09

Toni Terry, wife of Chelsea Football Club and England Captain John Terry, will be fulfilling her dream to ride at Olympia, The London International Horse Show (15-21 December) when she takes part in a specially choreographed pas de deux with trainer Vicki Thompson-Winfield, Olympic rider, 16 times National Champion, at this year’s show.

At Olympia on Wednesday evening (Dec 16), Toni will ride her own Grand Prix Schoolmaster horse, Diamond Fritz, alongside Vicki Thompson on Oldencraig Papillon, in a very special five minute performance, choreographed to a Michael Jackson collaboration. 

"I've always worked and I feel strongly about having my own career," said Toni. "That only ended when I fell pregnant. Before I felt I was John's wife and a mum first and foremost. Now I think I have something to say - especially about the equestrian world. My aim is to get to the top levels of dressage. I don't just want to be known as John's wife but also as a working mum."

Toni owns three horses kept at Oldencraig. In addition to Diamond Fritz there is Del Boy, a black Stallion named after the Only Fools and Horses character (one of her husband’s favourite programmes) and a Hanovarian Stallion called Beltoni, with whom she has enjoyed phenomenal success.

The five year old, ridden by Vicki, recently competed in the National Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh, winning the Shearwater Potential International Young Dressage Horse Championship.

Toni stresses the importance to concentrate on her riding and make it on her own merit. She has the utmost respect and admiration for others in the Dressage community saying: "There are people who have been doing dressage all their lives - sweat, blood and tears. I don't just want to come in and have an easy path. I want to work hard and deserve it."

Ahead of Toni’s performance at Olympia, commentator Nick Brooks-Ward will interview Toni in the main arena about her new found passion and vistors will have the chance to see some of her preparatory work shown on the big screen. Vicki will also ride Beltoni in the arena, so Dressage fans can take a look at the up-and-coming horse.

“I’m scared witless but enormously excited about performing at Olympia,” said Toni. “I attended the show last year and the atmosphere was incredible, so to realise my dream of actually performing there is amazing. I’m really looking forward to watching all the riders competing in the World Cup™ Qualifer and hope that someday, with a lot of hard work, I might get to that level.”

Ticket Information:
Tickets for The Olympia London International Horse Show are priced between £25 and £51 (£25, £35, £45, £51) with various discounts available for groups, seniors and children. Tickets include entrance to the Shopping Village but these can also be purchased separately without a show ticket for only £9. For further information and confirmed programme of events please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com. For tickets, call the box office on 0871 230 5580

Book a special Dressage competition package including two evenings at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage and overnight accommodation. Your accommodation is on the night of 15th December with the option to book an additional night on the 16th. Prices start from £112pp at the three-star Ibis Hotel Earls Court and £172pp to include two nights accommodation and breakfast.

To get a 10% discount on these prices call 0871 221 3700 and quote OLYMPIA (lines open 8am-11pm)