The 2025 Awards highlight the remarkable commitment, service, and impact of volunteers, coaches, participants, and equines who continue to go above and beyond to support the work of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). This article reflects some of the many awards presented across the year, showcasing the breadth of recognition given to individuals and groups who make a lasting difference.
RDA UK Awards
Annual & Coaching Award Winners
The Annual & Coaching Awards recognise individuals whose dedication and passion make a meaningful difference through their volunteering, coaching, and support of riders and equines.
The 2025 recipients are:
Katy Lake, Wyfold RDA – Young Coach of the Year Award
Kim Balchin, Cranleigh RDA – New Coach of the Year Award
Alice Sumersbee, Aim RDA – Coach Mentor of the Year Award
Anne Allen, Wellow RDA – Extra Mile Award
Frank Brookfield, Brook Cottage Farm RDA – Susan Dudley-Smith Award
Andi Bruce, Blairgowrie RDA – Coach of the Year Award
Summer Turnbull, Saxon RDA – Young Volunteer of the Year Award
Jan Calvert, West Norfolk RDA – Volunteer of the Year Award
Lesley Davies, Belvoir Vale RDA – RDA UK Volunteer of the Year Award
Victoria Cheshire, Wilton RDA – Participant of the Year Award
Lady, Shifford Carriage Driving Group RDA – Equine of the Year Award
Birt Spooner Cup
This award celebrates individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to RDA, creating a positive and lasting impact on both the organisation and its participants. The Birt Spooner Cup was first awarded in 1983 to the North West Region and has since continued to honour exceptional service to RDA and the equestrian community.
The 2025 recipients are:
The British Para Driving Team
External Awards
Presidents Awards
The President’s Award represents the highest level of volunteer recognition within the RDA. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service over a period of 30 years or more.
The 2025 President’s Award recipients are:
Avril Nicholl
Barbara Thomson
Frances Maskell
Gerry Green
Gillian Morrison
Julie Andrew
Linda Sobey
Maggie Moore
Mary Biggs
Pamela Jones
Sally Hall
Stella Lois Dales
Susan Jane Coote
Yvonne Watson
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2025
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour bestowed on local volunteer groups in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE awarded to an individual. It recognises exceptional voluntary work and significant positive impact within local communities.
2025 Recipient:
Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled
British Empire Medal (BEM) Awards
The British Empire Medal recognises “hands-on,” sustained local community service or innovative and impactful voluntary work over three to four years, where individuals have made a significant difference in their local area.
The 2025 BEM recipients are:
Susan Price, Chair of West Suffolk RDA
Louise Maria from REACH
Maureen Butler, North Pembs & Cardigan RDA
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Award
An MBE is a prestigious UK honour recognising outstanding achievement or long-term service to the community, often at a local or regional level, and celebrating individuals who set an example for others.
2025 Recipient:
Hilary Crawford, New Lodge RDA
UK Coaching Awards
Peter Tomlin, Park Lane Stables – Change a Life Award
Horse Scotland Awards
Millie Boo Smith – Youth Volunteer of the Year
Pride of Wales Award
Evelyn Smoothy – Child of Courage
Upcoming: Vote for Natalie O’Rourke
Natalie has been nominated for the Grass Roots Sports Women of the Year Award, and your support matters. A win would send a powerful positive message for disability sport and reinforce the mission to make horses accessible for everyone.
Voting closes soon, please take a moment to click through and vote.
