Celebrating our 2026 Annual & Coaching Award Winners

The moment you’ve all been waiting for… our 2026 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.

Rachel McBride

Omagh RDA

Young Coach of the Year Award

An outstanding young coach whose passion, dedication and belief in people and has transformed lives across Omagh RDA. Starting with no equestrian background, Rachel has spent the last decade developing her knowledge and skills, becoming a respected coach, leader and role model. She inspires riders to achieve ambitions they never thought possible, helping participants grow in confidence, independence and success, including producing National Champions. Whether coaching, organising events, securing funding or quietly tackling the jobs no one else sees, Rachel’s commitment is unwavering. Her impact reaches far beyond the arena, creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and ensuring every participant feels valued, supported and able to thrive.

Katie Newman

Wyfold RDA

New Coach of the Year Award

Katie is a compassionate and dedicated coach whose calm encouragement and genuine care help riders build confidence and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Through her patient, supportive approach, Katie has helped riders regain confidence after setbacks, overcome anxieties and develop new skills, from riding independently to mastering rising trot. She works collaboratively with fellow coaches, values every volunteer, and creates an environment where riders feel safe, supported and ready to succeed. Katie’s kindness, commitment and belief in every participant make her a hugely valued member of Wyfold RDA and an inspiring coach for riders and volunteers alike. 

Christina Grieve

Gaddesden Place RDA

Coach Mentor of the Year Award

Christina has had an extraordinary impact on coach development across RDA, supporting and inspiring countless coaches through her expertise, encouragement and commitment to excellence. As Regional Coach for the East Region, mentor, assessor and long-standing coach at Gaddesden Place RDA, Christina has helped shape generations of coaches. Her pioneering online Coach and Pre-Coach training programmes, established during the Covid lockdowns and still thriving today, have become a benchmark for coach development across the UK. Renowned for her practical wisdom, gold-standard approach to safety and risk management, and her ability to build confidence as well as knowledge, Christina’s influence can be seen in coaching practice throughout the RDA community. Her dedication has left a lasting legacy and helped raise coaching standards nationwide.

Christina Freeman

Lytchett RDA

Extra Mile Award

Tina has shown extraordinary dedication, leadership and selflessness in securing the future of Lytchett RDA during one of the most challenging periods in the group’s history. Faced with the loss of its long-standing home, Tina quietly and tirelessly led the search for a new venue, managed a complex relocation, supported volunteers and participants throughout the transition, and ensured the group continued to thrive. Alongside this, she has mentored new coaches, organised county-wide RDA activities, and dedicated countless hours to supporting riders, families and volunteers. Tina’s unwavering commitment, humility and determination have not only safeguarded the future of Lytchett RDA but have enriched the lives of everyone involved, making her a truly exceptional ambassador for RDA. 

Claudia Nisbet

Berwickshire Group RDA

Susan Dudley-Smith Award

Claudia has transformed a vision into a life-changing reality by establishing RDA Carriage Driving at Berwickshire RDA, making the group one of only a handful in the UK to offer the activity. Through remarkable determination, Claudia trained her own ponies, gained the necessary qualifications, secured a carriage through dedicated fundraising, and built the programme from the ground up. Her commitment has created new opportunities for participants who can no longer ride, enabling them to continue enjoying the physical, social and emotional benefits of equine activity. Thanks to Claudia’s passion, innovation and tireless dedication, RDA Carriage Driving is now enriching lives and opening new doors for participants across the group. 

Lynne Blore

Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA

Coach of the Year Award 

Lynne is an exceptional coach whose expertise, passion and unwavering belief in people have transformed the lives of countless children and adults through RDA. An Advanced Coach in both riding and equestrian vaulting, Lynne combines outstanding technical knowledge with a remarkable ability to make every participant feel valued, capable and included. Whether introducing young people to equestrian sport, supporting volunteers and coaches, or developing national champions, she inspires others to achieve far beyond what they thought possible. Her positivity, resilience and commitment have created opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities to build confidence, friendships and life skills, making Lynne a truly inspirational role model and a driving force for inclusion within the RDA community. 

Kitty Dixon

Otley and Dales RDA

Young Volunteer of the Year Award

Kitty has been a dedicated RDA volunteer since the age of 12 and is now one of her group’s most valued young leaders. At just 20, she inspires riders and fellow volunteers alike through her kindness, encouragement, and commitment to both equine welfare and rider development. From supporting anxious riders and running stable management sessions to helping train RDA ponies and serving as a Trustee, Kitty’s passion, knowledge, and generosity of spirit make a lasting difference every day. 

Jade Riley 

Wilton RDA

Volunteer of the Year Award

Jade is an exceptional RDA volunteer whose kindness, empathy and determination make a lasting impact on riders, fellow volunteers and horses alike. Through her calm and intuitive approach, Jade helps riders build confidence, overcome anxieties and achieve goals they never thought possible. She is equally dedicated to the welfare and development of RDA horses, patiently supporting new ponies as they settle into their roles. Despite managing significant health challenges of her own, Jade gives her time, energy and expertise with unwavering commitment, embodying RDA’s belief. She is a truly inspiring role model and a cherished member of the RDA family. 

Helena Stewart

Muirfield Riding Therapy

Participant of the Year Award

Helena is a truly inspiring participant whose courage, determination and love of horses have led to extraordinary achievements. Over the past year, Helena has progressed from learning to ride independently and mastering rising trot to becoming a Regional, National and Para Dressage Champion. Despite living with a rare genetic condition, autism, severe anxiety and complex health challenges, she approaches every lesson with determination, positivity and a smile that brightens the day of everyone around her. Helena’s remarkable accomplishments, both in and out of the arena, are a testament to her resilience and show just how much can be achieved through perseverance, confidence and a passion for riding. 

Paddy

Aim RDA

Equine of the Year Award

Paddy is a remarkable 23-year-old Thoroughbred whose journey from racehorse to eventer, schoolmaster and now RDA star has changed lives. With his calm temperament, beautiful paces and intuitive understanding of his riders, Paddy helps participants build confidence, balance and independence, including some with the highest support needs. Whether in the arena, on a hack, at a dressage competition or taking centre stage in a musical ride, he brings patience, versatility and kindness to everything he does. Paddy is a shining example of the extraordinary impact an equine partner can have, and a much-loved member of the RDA family. 

A massive congratulations again to all of our 2026 Annual & Coaching Award winners. RDA’s life-changing work wouldn’t be possible without you.

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