East Devon Olympic horse rider Mary King has described being awarded an MBE as "the icing on the cake after an amazing year".
The 51-year-old silver medallist who lives near Sidmouth, was awarded the accolade in the New Year Honours List for representing Team GB at the Olympic Games for the sixth time.
This summer at London 2012, King helped Team GB scoop the silver in the Eventing, which includes dressage, cross country and show jumping.
She said: "It's such an exciting honour to receive.
"I've been competing for such a long time now, for years I'd been hoping that some day I may get the award and opening the letter saying I'd been awarded it this year was such a thrill.
"It is the icing on the cake to what has been such an amazing year of my life.
"It's such a nice feeling to be recognised for what you do," she continued. "Hopefully it will inspire others, no matter what age, to keep striving to do well at what they love."
The 51-year-old silver medallist who lives near Sidmouth, was awarded the accolade in the New Year Honours List for representing Team GB at the Olympic Games for the sixth time.
This summer at London 2012, King helped Team GB scoop the silver in the Eventing, which includes dressage, cross country and show jumping.
She said: "It's such an exciting honour to receive.
"I've been competing for such a long time now, for years I'd been hoping that some day I may get the award and opening the letter saying I'd been awarded it this year was such a thrill.
"It is the icing on the cake to what has been such an amazing year of my life.
"It's such a nice feeling to be recognised for what you do," she continued. "Hopefully it will inspire others, no matter what age, to keep striving to do well at what they love."
