Natasha Baker raising the profile for Para Dressage

atasha will keep us updated of her training, Competitions and commitments as a rider heading towards the Olympics

Its been a brilliant start to 2012, if somewhat busy! Both horses had a quiet Christmas and New Year so it was straight back to it on January 1st as I had a competition with JP the weekend after. They came back really well after their break and were feeling super. We went to Vale View in Leistershire for my 1st competition of the year, it was a qualifier for the Winter Championships. I did two tests on the day, he was a little tense going into the arena but soon settled and we achieved 76% and 72%. I was happy as I knew there were a few little mistakes and plenty more in the tank for later in the year!

Bambams training is going well. I took him along with JP to Emile Faurie’s for a few lessons and he was really pleased with his progress. We worked a lot on the engagement of his hind quarters and used spiralling in and out of a circle to achieve this. I then took him to a competition and achieved 70% in his second competition!!

I had Performance Squad Training this month where I had the opportunity to re-do my freestyle floorplan and music. I’m really excited about what we have put together and can’t wait to ride it. I also caught up with the vets, physios, psychologist, saddler and trainers which is invaluable, especially this year!

I have been busy with appearances too; I did a shoot in December for Hello! Magazine that came out on 30th January. It was a great opportunity to promote para dressage and raise my profile in such a glamorous magazine! I also did a motivational talk for the London Eye on behalf of EDF Energy talking about my sport and what it means to have the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.