The moment you’ve all been waiting for… our 2025 Annual & Coaching Award Winners!
We were truly blown away by the number of nominations this year. It’s a privilege to be part of such a fantastic community, filled with dedicated, inspiring individuals who make RDA what it is.
A huge congratulations to all our winners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was nominated. You are all making a difference.
Katy Lake
Wyfold RDA
Young Coach of the Year Award
“I am beyond honoured to be awarded a young coach of the year 2025 award! RDA has become a huge part of my life over the last few years and even whilst I’m away at university getting my degree I am look forward to coming home and teaching. I feel my riders successes as if they are my own and it is a pleasure to find ways to make them smile and help them achieve their goals!”
Kim Balchin
Cranleigh RDA
New Coach of the Year Award
“Thank you so much for awarding me the significant honor of ‘New Coach of the Year 2025’, which I am thrilled and delighted to accept.
To be honest I was completely amazed to be nominated in the first place and to have won is beyond anything I could have imagined! Horses have been an important part of my life and I truly look forward each week to combining my love of horses with volunteering to help children and adults achieve enjoyment, gain confidence and develop their personal skills.
The RDA is such an incredible charity which provides such a valuable resource to our community. To witness the positive impact the RDA has, developmentally, psychologically and physically while working with our riders, young and old, is truly humbling. Of course, this award should importantly recognise our totally fabulous horses, stable managers, fellow coaches and of course our volunteers, whose commitment and hard work is evident week on week and without whom I could not be the coach that I am.”
Alice Sumersbee
Aim RDA
Coach Mentor of the Year Award
“I’ve been passionate about RDA and RDA coaching for 9 years now: I know how important good mentorship can be and what a difference it can make to having a positive coaching environment. Developing your skills and feeling confident in your abilities as a coach isn’t always easy, but it’s much easier with the right support. Our RDA family needs good coaches to drive it into the future, so it means the world to me that RDA have recognised me as a mentor for other coaches.”
Anne Allen
Wellow RDA
Extra Mile Award
“I was totally shocked and embarrassed to receive the RDA Extra Mile Award. I felt completely staggered when I was told I’d won. I couldn’t have done it without everyone at Wellow RDA Group — from the amazing horses to the dedicated volunteers.”
Frank Brookfield
Brook Cottage Farm RDA
Susan Dudley-Smith Award
“I was surprised to be the winner of the Dudley Smith Award, I enjoy sharing my love for horses with the clients . After winning a first rosette at Windsor with Brook Cottage Farm RDA this award is the icing on the cake.”
Andi Bruce
Blairgowrie RDA
Coach of the Year Award
Summer Turnbull
Saxon RDA
Young Volunteer of the Year Award
“To be nominated was a surprise and to find out I had won is a huge honour; it makes me proud to represent my group (Saxon group) and I’m incredibly grateful for my coach and mentor, Kady. To me RDA has been my support network and safe space and as a volunteer and now coach in training I want to give what RDA has given to me back to participants and other volunteers.”
Jan Calvert
West Norfolk RDA
Volunteer of the Year Award
“I am surprised and delighted to receive this award. Over the years, I have seen the difference the RDA makes to the lives of the clients.
To see their confidence grow and the joy they feel at their achievement, whatever level that may be, enriches the lives of all those involved.
Whether volunteering with lessons, maintaining the Centre, helping with fundraising events, or making cakes for Tea with a Pony, all us volunteers are happy to be there to ensure this continues.”
Lesley Davies
Belvoir Vale RDA
RDA UK Volunteer of the Year Award
“I am so surprised and honoured to receive this wonderful award. I see everyday the very positive impact of RDA sessions on our participants, their families and our volunteers, all facilitated by our wonderful RDA horses. I encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to go for it, you will not be disappointed. You will get so much pleasure and fun from helping and working within the RDA Family.”
Victoria Cheshire
Wilton RDA
Participant of the Year Award
Lady
Shifford Carriage Driving Group RDA
Equine of the Year Award
“I was so proud and excited when telling my best friend and paddock companion, Pixie, about the award. Pixie is hoping to retrain as a driving pony and to become my RDA apprentice.
On Wednesday mornings as my transport arrives, Pixie becomes a little forlorn. I hasten to the gate, impatient to get on board and trundle down to our driving venue. There I meet my fellow RDA equines, Freddy and Tommy Zoom. We harness up ready to welcome our wonderful participants.
“Walk On “! The wheels start rolling as we ramble round the blissfully idyllic willow tree plantations observing the flora and fauna, serenaded by bird song and accompanied by breezes whispering through the leaves.
‘Trot On’! Round the village we go. Residents walking dogs and tending gardens wave cheerily. Even cyclists slow down and chat as they pass by.
‘Whoa and Stand’! My reward, my smiling, laughing and happy participants offer carrots or share poems that they have written about us.
This is My RDA”
Attributed to Lady of Shifford.
A massive congratulations again to all of our 2025 Annual & Coaching Award winners. RDA’s lifechanging work wouldn’t be possible without you.
