Double Dressage Dream for Baker

Congratulartions to Natasha Baker, Para Dressage rider, who has won two gold medals at the Paralympics this week.

Natasha was paralysed at just 14 months old, when she contracted the traverse myelitis visus. Traverse myelitisan is a neurological disorder caused by an inflammation of the spine and affects the nerve endings. The virus left Natasha paralysed, from the waist down, but this hasn't stop her from achieving her dreams.

Physios encouraged Natasha to take up riding at an early age, to help with the pain she expereinced in her back. Having found she was a natural, weekly lessons commenced. Afterr gaining confidence, Natasha began competiting in competitions run by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) when she was 9 years old.The head trainer spotted her talents and took her under his wing, giving private lesson,  and the rest has become history!

London 2012 is Natasha's first appearance in the Paralympoic Games, not that you would be able to tell! Despite claiming to improvise during her routine, due to falling behind with the music, Natasha not only won two gold medals, she broke a Paralympic record by notching up a score of 82.8 per cent!

Well done Natasha!