Team GB has secured a fourth medal on the second day of equestrian competition at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Natasha Baker and Keystone Dawn Chorus scored 76.265% to secure the silver medal in the Grade III behind Denmark’s Tobias Thorning Jorgensen riding Jolene Hill, who finished on 78.971%.
In third came Rixt van der Horst and Findsley from the Netherlands, who scored 75.765%.
The medal is a special one for Natasha as it is the first time her horse Keystone Dawn Chorus (‘Lottie’) has travelled overseas to compete. Before the Games the mare had never left the UK.
“I have to train my horses to different aids and am reliant on my voice,” said Natasha on how she communicates with the mare.
“I train my horses to the smallest of noises or words so they know exactly what I’ve asking. It can be a simple sound so they know I want to go more forward, or a command like ‘trot‘ under my voice, so they know exactly what I mean.”
Today’s result guarantees Natasha’s place in the Individual Freestyle competition on Monday.
The silver medal comes after Team GB won three medals yesterday. Sir Lee Pearson took an historic 12th Paralympic gold in the Grade II, cementing his position as the world’s most decorated equestrian Paralympian.
Lee described the win as “very, very emotional”.
Georgia Wilson took bronze in the Grade II, while Sophie Wells claimed silver in the Grade IV.
The Grade I saw the highest scores of the competition so far, with the gold medal being cinched by USA’s Roxanne Trunnell and Dolton with 81.464%.
They were closely followed by Latvian rider Rihards Snikus on King of the Dance with 80.179%, and Italy’s Sara Moganti on Royal Delight with 76.964%.
There are still plenty of medals up for grabs in the upcoming days.
Tomorrow (28 August) sees the commencement of the Team Test to Music, with the Grade I, II and III classes. The Grade IV and V classes will begin on Sunday (29 August).
Monday (30 August) will be the final day of equestrian competition at the Paralympics, with the Individual Freestyle classes for all the grades.
Featured image: Natasha Baker riding Keystone Dawn Chorus GBR. Silver medal position © FEI/Liz Gregg
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