We are pleased to announce the nominees for the Birt Spooner Cup 2025.

As one of the most prestigious honours within the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) community, the Birt Spooner Cup recognises exceptional dedication, service, and contributions that have significantly advanced the mission of RDA and para-equestrianism.

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 honor exceptional service to RDA and the equestrian community. Over the years, recipients have included Lady Perdita Blackwood in 2007, the British World Equestrian Games Para Dressage Team in 2010, and Max Stainton in 2018, who became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to trek to Everest Basecamp on horseback. Most recently, in 2024, Natalie O’Rourke MBE, founder and manager of Park Lane Stables, was recognised for her significant contributions.

The Birt Spooner Cup embodies the spirit of those who work tirelessly to ensure that equestrian activities remain accessible, inclusive, and transformative for people of all abilities.

We extend our congratulations to this year’s nominees!

Stephen Wainwright 

Clwyd special Riding School

Steve has been a volunteer with various groups based at Clwyd Special Riding Centre, for over 35 years.

North Wales, Regional Chair Di Porter, says “Steve truly is the epitome of an RDA volunteer. Our groups are very lucky to have him, he is a true role model, especially for some of our younger male riders and he is so very highly valued and appreciated”

“Volunteering at the Clwyd special Riding School is a privilege, especially supporting the riders and helping provide a valuable service to the Clwyd RDA community. It was a lovely surprise to receive the nomination and I am very touched and honoured to be nominated.”

Adrienne Heriot 

Wyfold Group Riding for the Disabled

After a career in teaching and a lifelong love of horses, Adrienne joined RDA and quickly became a Trustee, then Chair – a role she held for nearly 10 years.

She guided Wyfold through major changes and her leadership ensured the group’s survival during challenging times. Today Wyfold is thriving with more horses, participants, and volunteers than ever.

Adrienne says:

“RDA is like a huge, supportive family. The rewards are endless – I still feel a thrill when a rider achieves something new.”

Sue Mack

Lowlands Farm Group & Mid West 

RDA UK Volunteer National Championships

Sue has been a leading influence behind the success of the Countryside Challenge for many years. Known across the UK for her dedication, Sue has supported countless groups and regions through training sessions, helping participants begin their competition journey and achieve incredible milestones. Her unwavering commitment to RDA has opened doors for so many to engage in RDA activities.

“I feel very honoured to even be considered for this award for just being involved with something I am passionate about. ”

“It has been a privilege over the last thirty-seven years to be part of the  ‘RDA Family’,  helping not only our participants achieve their goals, but to improve their confidence, self-esteem and make lasting friendships from grassroots levels onwards.”

“What I have also gained is immeasurable!”

The British Para Driving Team

Following their recent achievement in Germany, where they secured a team bronze medal at the 2025 FEI Para Driving World Championships, the British Para Driving Team has been nominated for the Birt Spooner Cup.

The squad includes Deborah Daniel, Jayne McGarvie, Emily Ham, Tracey Spencer, Louise Blanch, and Amanda Shirtcliffe, with several members starting their journey with RDA, including Deborah, Jayne, Tracey, and Louise.

This nomination for the Birt Spooner Award is in recognition of the collective inspiration this group has been in encouraging more people with disabilities to experience the freedom and therapeutic benefits of driving as well as lasting service to the RDA community over many years.

Carol Kendall

Charlton Park RDA

For 35 years, Carol has run a small RDA Group in an area of a public playground in a poor part of London, helping to provide RDA activities to the wider community.

“For 35 years, Charlton Park RDA has been my life’s proudest achievement. I’ve been a full-time volunteer, caring for our horses 24/7 while raising my children and running my own business to stay flexible for the group. The joy and pride I’ve felt from coaching children and working with wonderful horses and people is immeasurable. To be nominated for this award is truly special”

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon founded the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in 1989, creating the first major stable for disabled riders in London.

Her journey began in the 1970s as an accomplished horsewoman volunteering with disabled riders in East Sussex.
Starting with three abandoned Shetland ponies and a piece of scrubland, she built a centre that has transformed lives through riding therapy—helping disabled children gain confidence, overcome fear, and develop balance and skills.

Sister Mary-Joy was later awarded the British Empire Medal for her outstanding service to disabled and disadvantaged children.

“The RDA is a family where lives are changed through trust, love, and the power of horses. I see children and young people find strength and happiness in their riding and in being with their equine friends. To witness these moments of transformation is to see miracles unfold before my eyes.

This nomination is important to me because it celebrates RDA and the lifelong difference that RDA makes in so many lives.”

The recipient of the 2025 Birt Spooner Cup will be announced and celebrated at this year’s RDA Annual Gathering & AGM on 27th November, held in Coventry. We extend our best wishes to all of the nominees and a huge thank you for your continued dedication to RDA.