Baker eyes Rio plans
Natasha Baker and Sophie Christiansen are set to be a major part of GB's 2016 Paralympic Games campaign.
Last Updated: 05/09/12 3:34pm
Golden girls Natasha Baker and Sophie Christiansen are set to be a major part of Great Britain's 2016 Paralympic Games campaign in Rio de Janeiro.
For 22-year-old Baker, the road to Rio starts next week - a day after she arrives home from London.
The double gold medallist already has a new horse - Bam Bam - in her team ready to prepare for defending her individual and freestyle Paralympic titles.
Perfect
Baker said: "Absolutely, I am thinking about Rio. I have already got my horse for Rio, and I am really excited about it.
"I get home next Tuesday, then I am off to (coach) Emile Faurie's next Wednesday to do some training.
"Bam Bam is only six, but he is a perfect horse. If you asked me to describe a perfect horse, I would describe Bam Bam. I think it is going to be a very exciting relationship."
Title
Baker will continue to compete on her London horse Cabral as she builds towards next year's European championship, but the long-term plan for Rio is already in place.
Baker and Christiansen won five gold medals between them at Greenwich, the highlights of Britain's 11-strong record haul that also featured a fifth successive Paralympic team title.
At the age of just 24, Christiansen already has seven Paralympic, three world and three European medals in her collection.
Family
Christiansen added: "I felt amazing standing on that medal podium. I loved every minute, especially knowing my friends and family were in the audience.
"Some of them had never even seen me ride before, let alone win a gold medal, so I am glad I could share it with everyone.
"For the team to win 11 medals is amazing - a medal in every single phase of every grade is incredible.
"It shows how good Great Britain is in that we can field top-class athletes in every disability phase. That is partly down to the Riding for the Disabled Association.
"Without the grass roots level, we wouldn't have the calibre of rider we do now. I just hope it inspires young riders that if they have the desire to compete, to go out and find out about para-dressage."
