Policewoman dreaming of the Olympics

Jun 28 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

POLICE officer Angela Hartas has not let her disabilities deter her from riding high. After making it into national championships she has now set herself the ultimate goal of competing with the British team in the 2012 London Paralympics.

But ahead of next month’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) finals she is now appealing for sponsorship to help her see her dream come true.

Miss Hartas, an officer in Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, will compete in the dressage category for the first time.

A rider for 25 years she admits it was her five-year-old Whisper Tetti – or Archie as he is affectionally known – who has given her a new lease of life after she was diagnosed with a number of medical problems.

Miss Hartas is suffering from a kidney condition and a shoulder injury and so is eligible to qualify as a disabled rider.

She said: “After losing two of my horses, and particularly because of the kidney problems and the resulting chronic fatigue, I have to admit if it wasn’t for the horse I have now I would have just given up. It has made me determined to do this now.

“It is my long-term aim to make it to the British team for the 2012 Paralympics and this is the place where I can show him off.

“He has only been mine for six months so I am thrilled to bits that he has even just qualified for it, and getting to the finals is just the ultimate. I used to show jump previously but I have never entered dressage before.

“If I get to the championships then there is the opportunity to get him seen and hopefully get on the Paralympic team.”

Miss Hartas, from Stockton, will compete in the dressage section of the championships on the weekend of July 12 at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.

She added: “Because I ride on my own horse I don’t get any funding.

“It’s going to cost me £500 to enter as well as travelling down there but I have been lucky that one person has provided me with a horsebox.

“Ideally it would be great to get professional training in before the championships.”

Supt Kay Blyth, of Sunderland Area Command, added: “PC Hartas is a keen sportswoman and we wish her every success in the championship and in her future sporting endeavours.”

If anyone can help, email Miss Hartas on angela@hartas.fslife.co.uk