HORSE-mad Preston teenager, Antonia Pickles, is riding high in Atlanta, after her dreams of attending this year's Olympics have been turned into reality.

Antonia, 17, has jetted overseas to the Games, as groom for renowned British Equestrian Dressage Team hopeful, Joanna Jackson, and her top class horse, Mester Mouse.

Mum Marie says Antonia has been crazy about horses since she was four.

Marie said: "They have always come before boys, and still do!

"On the condition she could look after a horse herself, we bought Snoopy, her first pony, when she was nine. After that she spent every spare minute of the day down at the stables." Antonia, of Bradkirk Farmhouse, Wrea Green, is currently a 'live-in working pupil' at Joanna Jackson's Chatburn home.

Marie said: "Being chosen to go to the Olympics is a great thrill and the chance of a lifetime."

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