EQUESTRIAN STAR MOURNS HORSE’S DEATH

EQUESTRIAN STAR NATASHA WON 11 GOLD MEDALS WITH JP

UXBRIDGE’S famed Paralympic equestrian superstar Natasha Baker is mourning the death of her beloved gold medal-winning horse.

Ms Baker has revealed that JP, the horse that helped her achieve 11 gold medals, Paralympic records and international titles, was put down over the weekend after falling ill from an infection.

JP and Ms Baker most recently won three gold medals together in the 2016 Rio Paralympics in September and she said she will treasure the memories she shared with him.

In a touching statement posted on her website, Ms Baker said: “This weekend I suddenly lost my soul mate, my best friend and my dancing partner.

“JP was a horse like no other, a true legend. He was discovered by fluke and I instantly knew he was ‘the one’.

“He made my dreams come true over and over again. We’ve had the best journey together and he has given me memories I will treasure forever. “I cannot thank him enough.” Ms Baker suffers from transverse myelitis, which has left her with permanent nerve damage and sever weakness in her legs.

She contracted a virus when she was just 14-months-old and is unable to use her legs while riding.

JP contracted clostridia bacteria from a small wound.

The bacteria is common in horses and foals and can cause sudden death.

Ms Baker, 27, said: “JP gave me his heart and we took on the world.

“We defied the odds and he gave me absolutely everything he had.

“He had the kindest soul and his heart was made of gold.”