Paralympics
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. 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 an 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 gold in the Team Competition.
Tokyo 2020 was Natasha’s third Paralympics however this time she was riding her new partner Keystone Dawn Chorus. After a relatively short time together they delivered and brought home gold in the Team Competition and double silver Individually.
In 2021 Natasha was recognised in the New Years Honours List and was awarded an OBE by the Princess Royal for her services to Equestrianism.
Early Years
Having contracted a virus, Transverse Myelitis at just 14 months old, Natasha was left with permanent nerve damage, severe weakness in her legs,
loss of balance and sensation.
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 2006 had a string of National and International titles to her name.
When riding Natasha is unable to use her legs so she instructs her horses entirely through verbal commands and seat movements.
Horse Power
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 Keystone Dawn Chorus (“Lottie”) in March 2019 and she was purchased by Child’s Farm, Christian Landolt and the Baker family. Together they have already had tremendous success at Tokyo 2020 and now they firmly have their sights set on the Paralympics in Paris 2024.
Outside of Horses
Natasha is passionate about telling her story and 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!
In 2017, Natasha was given an opportunity to commentate at the European Games for FEI TV and now is a regular for both able-bodied dressage and para having commentated at World and European Championships and World-Cup Finals. She has also presented Award Ceremonies globally and is a regular face on TV.
Results
• 6 Paralympic Gold Medals
• 2 Paralympic Silver Medals
• 1 World Championship Gold Medal
• 3 World Championship Silver Medal
• 5 European Championship Gold Medal
• 2 European Championship Silver Medal
Team Baker
Lorraine Baker
Lorraine (mum) is Natasha’s full time International groom. Lorraine goes with Natasha to all of her competitions and training, looking after the horses and getting them ready to compete.
Phil Baker
Phil (Dad) also works at the yard whilst being replied upon to drive the horsebox, do the cooking and video Natasha’s tests.
Lisa Hopkins
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.
Claire Gallimore
Claire has trained Natasha since 2019, soon after Lottie was purchased. Claires method of training is not only for the horses body but also their mind to achieve a relaxed performance. She has represented Team GB at 5 Europeans from ponies to U25 Grand Prix.
Marc Jaconelli
Marc is Natasha’s husband and is hugely supportive of Natasha and her horses. Marc attends as many competitions as possible and is hugely helpful with competition preparation. He is a professional vehicle appearance specialist so always ensures the horsebox is clean and tidy!
Christian Landolt
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 owned Cabral, Sookie St James (both medal winning horses) and now has a part ownership in Keystone Dawn Chorus.
Joanna Jensen
Joanna owns Childs Farm and met Natasha in 2012 through the RDA. They became good friends and when Natasha was looking for a horse in 2018, Joanna jumped at the opportunity to be involved and now owns half of Keystone Dawn Chorus. Childs Farm are big supporters in Natasha’s journey.
Horses
‘Lottie’ Keystone Dawn Chorus
DOB: 2011
Sex: Mare
Breeding: British Hannoverian (DiMaggio)
Colour: Bay
Owners: Child’s Farm, Christian Landolt & the ‘Baker family’
Major Achievements:
• 2 Individual Paralympic Silver Medals – Tokyo 2020
• Paralympic Team Gold – Tokyo 2020
• Reserve National Champion Novice Silver 2019
