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Having dreamt of winning a Paralympic gold medal from the age of ten Natasha’s childhood dream became a reality when she took her place on the podium in front of an impassioned home crowd at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Not satisfied with just one gold she delivered again in the Freestyle event two days later, setting another Paralympic record. Natasha became just one of only 25 British Paralympians to be awarded an MBE by the Queen.
Four years on and with a few European and World medals under her belt Natasha’s bond with Cabral ("JP") had grown even stronger as they faced their second Paralympic Games, Rio 2016. Determined to beat their London medal haul Natasha retained her Individual and Freestyle gold medal before going on to win a third gold 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.
Having grown up in a ‘horsey’ family it was when Natasha was 9 that her physio recommended she applied to the local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Showing a natural talent and huge passion for the sport it was whilst watching the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games that she set herself the goal of one day becoming a gold medallist.
In 2002 Natasha was talent spotted and 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.
One of the most defining moments of her career came in 2009 when she discovered Cabral at the yard of Christian Landolt. Together Natasha and Cabral developed a unique bond leading to them winning 11 gold medals - "JP" was her horse of a lifetime.
After tragically losing Cabral in 2017 to an infection, Natasha is focussed on an exciting young prospect called Fireball (“Freddie”). She is aiming to continue her Paralympic success in Tokyo 2020, to beat her own records and to win as many gold medals as possible.
Natasha works tirelessly to change the perception of disability, to inspire the next generation of Paralympic athletes and to show the world that despite people's challenges, incredible things can be achieved!
| Year | Position | Horse | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Gold | JP | Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Team event |
| 2016 | Gold | JP | Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Grade II Individual |
| 2016 | Gold | JP | Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Grade II Freestyle |
| 2015 | Silver | Sooki | European Championships Individual |
| 2015 | Silver | Sooki | European Championships Freestyle |
| 2014 | Silver | JP | World Equestrian Games Individual |
| 2014 | Gold | JP | World Equestrian Games Team |
| 2013 | Gold | JP | European Championships Individual |
| 2013 | Gold | JP | European Championships Freestyle |
| 2013 | Gold | JP | European Championships Team |
| 2012 | Gold | JP | London 2012 Paralympic Games Grade II Individual |
| 2012 | Gold | JP | London 2012 Paralympic Games Grade II Freestyle |
| 2011 | Gold | JP | European Championships Individual |
| 2011 | Gold | JP | European Championships Freestyle |
| 2011 | 1st GII & Gold | JP | European Championships Team |
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. Lorraine is also training Gabbie to be a competition groom.
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.
Gabbie is Natasha’s home groom and is in charge of the yard when Natasha and Lorraine are away. Gabbie will attend some competitions and training events. Gabbie rides Natasha’s horses and also 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 Gabbie when Natasha and Lorraine are away.
| 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 |
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:
Natasha Baker
E: natasha@natasha-baker.com
Equestrian and livery enquiries:
Manor Farm Liveries
www.manorfarmliveries.co.uk
