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Natasha's childhood dream of winning gold at the Paralympics became a reality when she triumphed on Cabral in front of her home crowd at the London 2012 Games.
And there was more glory to come as she landed an incredible second gold in the Freestyle event just 48 hours later, setting a second Paralympic record.
Her double gold achievement was recognised when she was awarded the MBE by the Queen.
The Rio 2016 Games saw Natasha cement her place as one of Britain's finest ever Paralympians when she and Cabral retained their London golds and added an unprecedented third in the Team Competition.
Having contracted a virus, Transverse Myelitis at just 14 months old, Natasha was left with permanent nerve damage, loss of balance and sensation and severe weakness in her legs.
But that was never going to stop her. At the age of nine, she joined the local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and immediately showed incredible natural talent and a passion for the sport.
Watching the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, she set herself the goal of one day becoming a gold medallist.
In 2002 Natasha was selected for the World Class Programme and by 2005 had a string of National and International titles to her name.
When riding Natasha is unable to use conventional aids so she instructs her horses entirely through verbal commands and seat movements.
The defining moment of Natasha's career came in 2009 when she discovered Cabral at Christian Landolt's yard. Together Natasha and Cabral (“JP”) developed a unique bond leading to them winning 11 gold medals.
Tragically, Natasha lost Cabral in 2017 to an infection and the hunt for a new partner began.
She came across Mount St John Diva Dannebrog - or Diva for short! - and the relationship was instant. After just eight months together Natasha and Diva won double silver at the World Equestrian Games.
With Tokyo 2020 being Natasha’s next target and her aim for Paralympic victory, beating her own records and winning as many gold medals as possible, Keystone Dawn Chorus (“Lottie”) was purchased in March 2019 by Child’s Farm, Christian Landolt and the Baker family.
Natasha works tirelessly to change the perception of disability, to inspire the next generation of Paralympic athletes and to show the world that despite any challenges, incredible things can be achieved!
| Year | Position | Horse | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Gold | JP | European Championship - Individual & Freestyle |
| 2012 | Gold | JP | London 2012 Paralympic Games - Individual & Freestyle |
| 2013 | Gold | JP | European Championship - Team, Individual & Freestyle |
| 2014 | Gold | JP | World Equestrian Games - Team |
| 2014 | Silver | JP | World Equestrian Games - Individual |
| 2014 | Silver | JP | World Equestrian Games Individual |
| 2015 | Silver | Sooki | European Championship - Individual & Freestyle |
| 2016 | Gold | JP | Rio 2016 Paralympic Games - Team, Individual & Freestyle |
| 2018 | Silver | Diva | World Equestrian Games - Team & Individual |
| 11 Gold | 5 Silver | 0 Bronze |
Winning five gold medals at two Paralympic Games all on one horse is unbelievable. JP was incredibly special, I'll never forget him!
Having grown up on the family farm Natasha has always been surrounded by horses. She has had the continual support of her friends and family, affectionately known as “Team Baker”.
Lorraine (Mum) is Natasha’s full time International Groom. Lorraine runs the yard at home but also travels with Natasha to all competitions and training. Lorraine has a strong bond with all of Natasha’s horses and prepares them impeccably for competition.
Phil (Dad) has retired from engineering to work at the yard full time. He maintains the fields and stables as well as driving ‘Daphne’ the 18tonne horsebox to International competitions. He is a pro with a fork and broom and is always relied upon to provide a silly joke.
Shelby is Natasha’s home groom and is in charge of the yard when Natasha and Lorraine are away. Shelby will attend some competitions and training events. Shelby also rides Natasha’s horses and has her own pony at the yard.
Lisa has been training Natasha since 2013 and visits Natasha’s yard to teach her twice a week. Lisa also travels to Natasha’s competitions both Nationally and Internationally to train and warm-up her horses. She has represented Great Britain Internationally at Grand Prix.
Dorothy has always been incredibly supportive of Natasha's riding since she started at the RDA. Without the support of her Nan and Grandad (who has now sadly passed away) Natasha would not be the successful rider she has become.
Christian and Natasha first met in 2009 when she visited his yard on the lookout for a new horse. They have since become great friends and Christian has provided Natasha with
a huge amount of support throughout her career so far. Christian owns Cabral, Sookie St James and Fireball.
Marc is Natasha’s boyfriend and is hugely supportive of Natasha and her horses. Marc comes to as many competitions as possible, is hugely helpful with competition preparation and films all the action.
Kate is Natasha’s weekend groom and also covers the yard with Shelby when Natasha and Lorraine are away. Kate is also a fantastic dog groomer and attends to Poppy, the ‘Skye Terrier’.
Emma & Zoe both work part time at the yard and cover when Natasha & Lorraine are away at competitions. Both are incredibly passionate about horses and originally came to us through a work experience program with the Berkshire Agricultural College, we loved them so much we couldn’t let them go!
| DOB: | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Mare |
| Breeding: | Hanoverian (Don Schufro / Brentano II) |
| Colour: | Liver Chestnut |
| Owner: | Mount St John |
| DOB: | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Breeding: | Danish Warmblood (Furstenball) |
| Colour: | Bay |
| Owner: | Mr Christian Landolt |
| DOB: | 2007 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Mare |
| Breeding: | Oldenberg (San Amour/Don Schufro) |
| Colour: | Black |
| Owner: | Mr Christian Landolt |
| DOB: | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Breeding: | Polish Warmblood |
| Colour: | Dark Bay |
| Owner: | Mr Christian Landolt, Mr & Mrs P. Baker & Mrs D. Alder |
| DOB: | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Breeding: | Danish Warmblood |
| Colour: | Chestnut |
| Owner: | Mrs Jean Scharf |
| DOB: | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Breeding: | Holstein |
| Colour: | Bay |
| Owner: | Mr & Mrs P. Baker |
| DOB: | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Breeding: | Miniature |
| Colour: | Appaloosa |
| Owner: | Miss Yazmin Paige |
| DOB: | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Sex: | Mare |
| Breeding: | British Hannoverian (DiMaggio) |
| Colour: | Bay |
| Owner: | Child’s Farm, Christian Landolt & the ‘Baker family’ |
I have surrounded myself with the best team possible. They are dedicated to push me every day to work harder, continually improve and keep my horses in peak condition, ensuring we are at the top of our game.
At the age of 10 I was inspired by the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. I have tremendous support from my followers and it would be a dream come true if I could inspire others
to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Hard work, dedication and the passion for riding has enabled me to fulfil my dreams. I couldn't be more driven to succeed on my road to Tokyo.
Commercial and media enquiries:
366 Group Limited - jo@366group.co.uk
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