We caught up with Natasha Baker MBE for an insight on her Para Dressage journey so far, before she heads out to the World Equestrian Games in her quest for 3 more Gold Medals on the beautiful MSJ Diva Dannebrog.
Where did you find your love for riding?
It’s all my mum’s fault!! Mum used to ride and I was brought up on a farm so horses have always been a big part of my life. Mum never wanted to be a pushy parent so I did everything else children do but I never enjoyed anything as much as I did riding. So after a lot of nagging mum took me for lessons at the RDA and I’ve never looked back.
How did you find the transition from RDA to para?
The sport has changed so much since I moved from RDA to para-sport riding. There was never open and restricted back then so I was straight into the deep end competing against Nic Tustain who was the Paralympic champion!! I always used to aim to be a few marks closer to her every time I went out, I started at around 58/60% and she was always in the mid 70’s% so I knew I had a long way to go but it was very satisfying closing the gap. I started on RDA ponies and moved onto competition ponies that I had on loan until my parents bought my first horse when I was 14. Because we had the stables at home it made sense to bring him back. We built an arena at home and started training with an able-bodied coach and that’s when I started competing internationally.
How did you source your first para horse?
I always like to try and find horses through word of mouth. Charlie was with Pammy Hutton and she had bred him herself. Our team trainer at the time, Hilary Hughes, was good friends with Pammy and so she put us in contact. He was only 7 but had done a bit of everything and was a great transition horse. He won me my first international title and also taught me how to fall off and get back on, he was a little cheeky!!!
Who was your horse of a lifetime?
Without a doubt JP (Cabral). He won me 11 gold medals and a silver in only 5 championships, he made my dreams a reality and had an absolute heart of gold. We had such a special bond. He was a sensitive boy and needed his hand holding but he trusted me with every part of him and gave me 110% every time. We went through the most magical times together, London 2012 being the most special, we shared moments that I cannot explain to anybody. He was one in a lifetime and I miss him every day.
How does it feel to represent team GB?
It’s a huge honour to represent your country. I can remember when I was given my red collar and union flag on my jacket, it was such an incredible feeling, I was just so proud. You work so hard for so long to get there, it makes it all worthwhile. I remember trotting into the stadium in London 2012 and because I had a union flag on my jacket and saddle cloth everybody was cheering and shouting, that was pretty epic!
Introduce our readers to your home team
Mum (Lorraine) runs the livery yard at home but is also my competition groom. She comes to all of the competitions both at home and abroad and looks after my horses (and me!!).
Dad (Phil) also works down the yard and maintains our land. He comes to the majority of competitions as my top supporter and also is the horsebox driver abroad.
Marc (my boyfriend) is chief videographer and photographer at competitions, he is very hands-on with the horses and is still learning!
Lisa Hopkins is my trainer and we’ve been working together since July 2013. She’s ridden to Grand Prix and gives me so much time and support.
Shelby (head girl), Lisa, Kate and Emma all run the yard and cover when mum, dad and I am away.
Then I have an army of practitioners such as horse and human physio, chiropractor, saddler, farrier, sports psychologist etc… I couldn’t do it without my team and I am so grateful for all their hard work and support. At the end of the day, I am only in the arena for 5 minutes but without ‘Team Baker’ I couldn’t be there at all!
Who do you train with?
Lisa Hopkins, we’ve been working together since 2013 but we’ve know each other a lot longer. She trains with Carl Hester and has ridden to International Grand Prix so has a wealth of knowledge and skills. She’s the most incredibly chilled person I know, when the pressure is on and we are at these huge competitions she’s the most calming influence I could ask for. We work so well as a team and I feel lucky to call her a friend.
Who is your equestrian hero?
Lee Pearson. I’m sure his head grows a cm every time I say that! I was so inspired by the team in the Sydney 2000 Paralympic games and that’s when I announced to my parents that I wanted to win a Paralympic Gold medal. It was seeing that, despite his disability, Lee could make these horses dance and, as a 10 year old, I was transfixed! Now we are on a team together and I can call him a good friend.
What is your can’t live without piece of horsey kit?
I have so many but I love my Pikeur candela breeches! I can’t ride in anything else. They are so comfortable and they have the grip seat to keep me in the saddle and the high waist to cover my tummy!!
Do you have any good luck charms or pre-event superstition?
I used to be terrible, down to lucky socks, lucky hairnet etc. But after working closely with the sports psychologist I’ve got my self out of those ways, it can be dangerous if you forget something! I make my own luck and if I ride my best in every competition, the results will speak for themselves.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To win as many gold medals as I can and to enjoy my journey!
I love riding, I love building a partnership with my horse, teaching them new things and learning something new every day. I love putting that into action in the white boards, continuously improving every month, every year and I love standing on the podium having the gold medal put around my neck. There’s no feeling like it.
