The mother of horserider Natasha Baker — who is also her groom — told how they use their close relationship to their advantage, as Baker was going for a second gold.
Lorraine Baker said her daughter, entered the final of today’s Grade II individual freestyle dressage test — which allows riders to choose their own routine and music — “remarkably relaxed” after becoming the winner of the dressage event and Britain’s first equestrian gold medallist on Saturday.
Mrs Baker, who rode competitively before becoming Natasha’s groom, said their mother-daughter relationship translates well to rider and groom.
She said: “It works really well, we spend a lot of time together, we have quite a laugh, quite a giggle.
“We’ve both got quite a lot of respect for each other. When each member of the team is happy that’s when you get the results.
“It really does mean absolutely everything. To win gold at any Paralympics is very, very special, but to win at a home Games ... the crowd were absolutely amazing, I’ve never seen anything like it.
“She loves riding to her music, she is quite musical. She’s remarkably relaxed which is quite incredible, but now she feels she wants to go out and do her best.”
Natasha, 22, suffers a rare neurological disorder that interrupts communication between the nerves in her spine and the rest of her body.
She has been riding since she was young on the family farm in Uxbridge, and told her parents that she wanted to compete in the Paralympics and win gold after being inspired by watching three-time champion Lee Pearson.
She started competing in international competitions at 13 and last year won double gold at the European Championships.
