If you’re in the market for a little Monday motivation and inspiration, this beautiful short documentary sharing the story of Natasha Baker, five-time Paralympic Dressage gold medalist and five-time Para-Dressage European Champion, has it in spades.
Natasha was stricken and diagnosed transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder affecting the spinal cord, at 14-months-old. The disease, which in Natasha’s case was caused by an abnormal immune response to a virus, caused permanent nerve damage affecting her balance, a leaving weakness and a lack of sensation in her legs. Always a horse-crazy child anyway, Natasha was thrilled when her doctor told her parents about the local the local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) where she was then able to ride more regularly and begin showing.
Natasha first learned of Paralympic Dressage the summer of Sydney 2000 — the first year the Paralypmics were televised — and the rest, as they say, is history. Enjoy this FEI TV video that tells Natasha’s story from her early childhood memories to achieving her dreams.
