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Life lessons: Natasha Baker — ‘Lots of riders put so much pressure on themselves and forget why they do it’ *H&H Plus*

Polly Bryan Polly Bryan

    • The Paralympic gold medallist on keeping an open mind, the value of TRT training and which grand prix horse would be perfect for para dressage.

    Grade III rider Natasha has won five Paralympic gold medals, as well as double silver at the 2018 World Championships. She is currently aiming for the Tokyo Paralympics with Keystone Dawn Chorus, and is also an FEI dressage commentator.

    Before going into the arena, I remind myself that this is fun, and I do this sport because I enjoy it. Lots of riders put so much pressure on themselves and forget why they do it.

    Thinking this way before going in also helps me breathe, and of course our horses pick up on everything that we as riders are feeling. If we’re nervous and tense, our horses will recognise this, and they will act differently, too. It’s really important to know your horse and to be able to adapt your riding and your routine to how they might be feeling on a particular day.

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