Natasha Baker
Here we talk to Black
Country Saddles para
dressage rider Natasha
Baker about ‘magic
wands’ and influential
mentors. Natasha is
currently competing
at International
Paralympic Dressage
Grade II and
Elementary. Her
biggest wins to date
are two gold medals
at the London 2012
Paralympic Games
and three gold medals
at the 2013 European
Para-Dressage
Championships.
Tell us your phrase/motto/ethos
you live your life by, and why
you believe in it.
“Never blame the horse. Always look
at yourself, training
methods, tack and
equipment etc” Natasha Baker
22
Everything Horse UK Magazine • February 2014 • Issue 5
“Everything happens for a
reason” - every athlete has their
ups and downs but I believe that
you learn a lot from that, about
yourself and the people around
you. Sometimes you think “why
on earth is this happening” but
there is always a positive in the
end; no matter how long it takes.
I also have a lucky number 22
- We used to live at number 22,
I was 22 in London, we bought
the 22nd horse we tried… the list
goes on.
If you could wave a magic
wand and change one thing
about your discipline, what
would it be?
To take the turn on the haunches
out of my grade II individual test
– it’s a hard movement when
you can’t use your legs!
What first made you interested
in horse riding and how old
were you?
I had always ridden ponies
around the yard at home. My
mum used to ride so I always
had access but never anything
overly suitable. It was the Sydney
Paralympics that really inspired
me to get into Para Dressage and
I was 10.
What do you love most about
riding horses / the equestrian
industry?
Working with the horses I love
every day. Every day is different;
we work on different things and
every day they surprise me. I feel
like the luckiest girl in the world.
What do you dislike most about
riding horses / the equestrian
industry?
I don’t like to add up how much I
spend on the horses, in this case,
ignorance is bliss! But also the
wet, cold, windy days early in the
morning are not the best!
Which horse would you love to
have had the ride on, and why?
I think any dressage rider would
probably agree with Valegro - he
is just immense!
What are the key things you
think make a successful sports
horse, in your discipline, and
why.
and that’s going to work with me
on a day to day basis.
2) Paces - A horse can have
the best temperament but can’t
move! I need a horse that has
gold medal winning paces - walks
and trots for a 9 and has the
suppleness and presence to go
with it.
3) Trainability - I need a horse
that is going to adapt and work
with my disability, I can’t use my
legs when I ride so I need a horse
that’s going to take me forward.
What key things have you
learned from your most influential
equestrian mentor(s)?
Never blame the horse. Always
look at yourself, training methods,
tack and equipment etc.
Do you have a favourite piece
of tack?
Yes without doubt my bespoke
saddle made especially for me
by the team at Black Country
Saddles. I am very fortunate to
be sponsored by them and their
saddles are made to exacting
standards they are fantastic.
What’s the most common
negative aspect you see in
horses that are competing in your
discipline, and what do you think
causes this?
It’s not a massive negative but
what I think some riders strugg B