Gold medal Paralympian meets Mounted Branch
10 September 2012
The Metropolitan Police Service's horses that have been based at the Olympic Park during the Games have proved to be very popular with spectators and have enjoyed the attention that has been lavished upon them, but on Saturday 8 September they received some very special attention from none other than Gold Paralympic medallist Josie Pearson.
Having seen the horses making their way around the Park on a daily basis, Josie made it her mission after collecting her medal on Friday to spend some time with the horses and officers both from the MPS and those on mutual aid before the end of the Games.
Pearson not only has a love for the sport she won her medal in but before taking up discus she had dreamed of riding for the Paralympic equestrian team. Sadly, limited movement made competing difficult and Josie had to put that dream on hold. Nonetheless she still has a competition horse called George and three miniature Shetlands called Trilby, Galahad and Alfie.
Josie spent the time with the officers and the horses finding out about the day-to-day role of the MPS Mounted Branch and how the horses have helped engagement with spectators and visitors to the Park. Josie's gold medal was also brought along, much to the delight of the Mounted officers who were on duty.
Paralympic gold medallist, Josie Pearson, said: "I have a passion for riding and I have ridden since the age of four, I love everything about horses, the way they look and even the way they smell!
"I love the Met horses, they are ginormous! They are so calm and beautiful, they are amazing, magnificent horses and I feel very lucky that I have had the opportunity to meet them and the officers; it has been a very special day - a real treat. Winning my gold medal is one thing, and it has not quite sunk in yet but I was determined to come and see the horses, it was one of the things I wanted to do the most, I certainly felt at home surrounded by them all."
PC Charlie Legg, said: "The Met's Mounted Branch has been a part of the policing operation for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with up to 52 horses at any one time on the Park. We feel very honoured that Josie was willing to take time out of her busy schedule after winning her gold medal to come and visit us.
"To meet and congratulate a truly inspiring Paralympic athlete is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Josie has a genuine love for horses and it was very much apparent during her visit. We were so excited to meet her and she was just as excited to meet us and the horses.
"We were very fortunate as Josie brought along her medal which we were allowed to hold, much to the delight of us all. Josie's visit to the Mounted Branch has been a great way to conclude our time over at the Olympic Park."
- Josie Pearson and Mounted Branch