Seventeen-year-old Natasha Adkinson is currently on the world Class Programme silver squad and has just made the transition from Junior to Young Riders with an eye firmly on a Paralympic appearance.
She is currently taking A Levels at school in Sheffield and travels down to Buckinghamshire each week to ride her current partner Prince Charming – otherwise known as ‘Wolfie’ – who belongs to the South Bucks RDA .
As if that wasn’t enough, Natasha and her family made the huge move from Inverness in Northern Scotland to South Yorkshire in order to make training and competing easier.
“I was flying down to Buckinghamshire each weekend to train,” said Natasha. “It was hard work so we made the decision to make the move to be closer to the trainers and the competitions.”
Bawtry in South Yorkshire was chosen as it’s where Natasha’s grandparents live.
Natasha, who suffers from Vacterl Syndrome, a condition which limits spinal mobility and makes the joints loose and prone to dislocations, started riding at the age of seven and was given her first pony at nine.
During her time at Pony Club Natasha competed at the Novice Championships and was named the Scottish Schools Equestrian Champion.
Following a four-month visit to New Zealand, Natasha made the decision that dressage was going to be her future.
“The lady I was staying with was a dressage trainer and she told me to go for it. I was still unsure about dressage, but she said I had talent so when I got back to Britain I joined the BYRDS squad.”
Through the RDA Natasha met Clive Milkins who continues to train her and who she credits with her Para success.
After a year of competing in Para Dressage Natasha was encouraged to apply for the World Class programme and she and ‘Wolfie’ made onto the silver start squad meaning as well as coaching, they also receive physio, strength and conditioning and nutritional support.
Natasha said: “The change in Wolfie has been amazing. I was given the ride a few days before the 1* International at Millfield last year as my intended mount went lame. I was worried that we didn’t have enough time to get to know each other, but he was brilliant then, and he continues to improve.”
It’s clear from the way her eyes light up that this is one very special horse and one with whom Natasha had a deep bond.
“He is really kind; he can be unpredictable, but he is willing and he will keep on trying until he can’t give any more.
“This is his first big show and so far he’s been great.”
Like many of the riders competing at the Bishop Burton College CPEDI 1*/2*/YJ Natasha has her sights set firmly on a Paralympic appearance at Rio 2016.
“My coach always says to me that it’s a long term goal. I am only 17 and I have long riding career ahead of me and the most important thing now is to get the basics right.”
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