Pearson leads the way after equestrian opener

“He was cheeky and in child mode – it was a bit like being in a car race without an accelerator.”

Lee Pearson began his bid to become the most successful British Paralympian of all time in fine style despite the wind and pouring rain at Greenwich Park on Thursday (30 August).

Pearson is bidding to extend his haul of nine goal medals at the Games, and he secured Great Britain its first team points in Grade Ib with a fine performance on Gentleman.

The first two days of competition are all about the team, with riders in each grade competing in the team test.

Pearson has taken pole position after day one, but Austrian Pepo Puch is close in second, with Joann Formosa of Australia in third place.

“He warmed up fine but when we went into the ring he heard the crowds cheering and said ‘Oh do we really have to work today?’” Pearson said of his ride Gentleman.

“He was cheeky and in child mode – it was a bit like being in a car race without an accelerator.”

Natasha Baker performed a magnificent test riding Cabral to take top spot in Grade II, but as she is not in the qualified five for the British team, her points will not count towards the team total.

Her performance has marked her out as one to watch for the individual medals though, and she has a comfortable lead on Germany’s Britta Napel at present.

Napel’s points do count for Germany, however, while in third place is Canadian rider Lauren Barwick, the 2008 Paralympic freestyle champion.

“This is my first Paralympics and my first outing,” Baker said.

“The crowd were really great. I felt good yesterday, but this morning the nerves really set in and all I wanted was to get it over and done with.

“Now I want to get back in the ring and do it all over again.”

Canadian Barwick was also satisfied with her opening day performance.

“My mare did the best she could,” Barwick said.

“It’s an amazing environment and I’m very pleased. It’s very different at this Paralympics because the crowd makes a huge difference, but I’m very pleased with today.”

Friday sees Grades Ia, III and IV have their team tests, after which a provisional team score is compiled ahead of the individual events.