Date of Birth
December 1989
Born
Lives
Middlesex
Trains
Oxon
Competition Grade
Grade II
Background
Natasha has been surrounded by horses all her life and began riding at her local RDA (South Bucks). After watching the Paralympic Games on TV in 2000 she announced to her parents that that was what she wanted to do and has been aiming for it ever since.
Natasha made her senior Championship debut in 2011, when she represented Great Britain at the European Championships. After producing two great tests, Natasha returned with two individual gold medals.
Natasha is part of Team Visa, a sponsorship programme that helps the best young athletes in Europe as they strive to fulfil their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. 16 UK athletes were selected and mentored by former Olympic and Paralympic Champions and given the wisdom and motivation needed to train, qualify and win medals at an international level; Natasha’s mentor on the programme was triple Olympic Gold medallist, Sir Steven Redgrave.
Disability
Natasha has transverse myelitis (inflammation of a section across the spine), which she contracted when she was 14 months old and the nerve damage is permanent, leaving Natasha with a severe weakness and the inability to feel her legs.
She uses a stick to walk short distances and her electric scooter, bright pink and named Jordan, for longer distances.
Championship history
2012 Paralympic Games: Individual and Freestyle Gold (II) (Cabral)
2011 European Championships: Individual and Freestyle Gold (II) (Cabral)
2010 World Equestrian Games - Reserve (Cabral)
For more information about Natasha, visit her website www.natasha-baker.com
More information on Natasha can also be found on the British Dressage website