NATASHA BAKER OBE

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.

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. 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. 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.

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!

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