Motivational SpeakersNatasha Baker OBE is a Six-time Paralympic Equestrian Champion & Five-time European Champion
At just 14 months old, Natasha contracted the Transverse Myelitis virus. This resulted in permanent nerve damage, loss of balance and sensation, and severe weakness in her legs.
At the age of 9, Natasha’s physio recommended she joined 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 Paralympic gold medallist.
In 2002, Natasha’s riding talent was spotted and she was selected for the World Class Programme.
Within just three years, Natasha had a string of National and International titles to her name.
Natasha is unable to use conventional aids when riding, therefore she instructs her horses entirely through verbal commands and seat movements.
The Paralympic Games
In 2012 at the London Paralympic Games, Natasha’s childhood dream of winning an equestrian Paralympic gold medal became a reality.
Not satisfied with just one gold medal, Baker took another gold two days later in the Freestyle dressage setting another Paralympic record.
As a result, was awarded an MBE by the Queen.
Four years later, with a few European and World medals under her belt, Natasha’s bond with her horse, Cabral (aka JP), had grown even stronger as they entered their second Paralympic Games – Rio 2016.
Natasha retained her Individual and Freestyle gold medals, before going on to win a third gold in the Team competition.
Unfortunately, early in 2017, JP died suddenly from an infection. A yearlong search for a new horse was pursued, with Natasha finally discovering ‘Mount St John Diva Dannebrog’ aka “Diva”.
At the 2020 Tokyo Games, won Team Gold and two Individual Silver medals with Keystone Dawn Chorus. As a result, Natasha was awarded an OBE.
