This year, 18 volunteers have been honoured with one of the highest distinctions at RDA, the prestigious President’s Award. The President’s Award is the pinnacle of volunteer recognition within the RDA, reserved for individuals who have shown unparalleled dedication and service for three decades or more.
RDA is proud to announce this year’s recipients, a group of incredibly deserving volunteers from across the UK. Read on to learn more about these remarkable individuals and their exceptional contributions.
Ann Nobbs
Chipping Norton RDA | Mid West | 42 Years’ Service
“I am delighted to accept the Presidents Award and feel overwhelmed I have been chosen for this honour.
I started helping at RDA when I was asked if I could bring my daughter’s 12.2hh pony and I have been helping ever since. I have enjoyed helping and seeing the happy faces and achievements of the riders and also the benefit of making new friends”
Ann Stevenson
Orkney RDA | Grampian & Highland | 31 Years’ Service
“I am delighted and amazed to have been nominated for the President’s award by my RDA group. I do not think I have done anything to deserve such an honour but I accept it with pleasure.
I was asked to volunteer at the Orkney group 31 years ago, when my youngest child had just started school. I started as a side walker and in those days, it was outside in a field, in all weathers. We now have a lovely indoor arena. I have supported riders of all ages from pre-school to adult. I love seeing the progress our riders make and how much pleasure they get out of their sessions..“
Barbara Baker
(Left)
The Foresters’ Horn RDA | North West | 43 Years’ Service
“I was totally overwhelmed by this amazing news and I will be delighted to accept this prestigious award. My 43 years as a volunteer , twenty of which were as Chair of The Foresters’ Horn Group, Wirral, have been utterly rewarding, fulfilling and joyful.
I would like to dedicate my Award to all my amazing fellow volunteers in The Foresters ‘ Horn Group and beyond who work tirelessly to keep the fabulous RDA going with such commitment and devotion“
Fay Pilgrim
(front)
Twinstead & Braintree RDA | East | 33 Years’ Service
“I would like to accept my nomination for the RDA President’s Award and am very honoured to do so. I actually began my RDA journey in 1970! I volunteered at an RDA group at Belfairs, Leigh on Sea, Essex as part of my Duke of Edinbugh award. Being a horse lover I was very happy to help and it gave me an insight into the fantastic effect that horses have on disabled people.
I have been with Twinstead and Braintree group since 1993 as both organiser and also Chair for some years. I have met some wonderful riders and volunteers over all this time and hope I can carry on making a difference for years to come.”
Frances Cape
East Fife RDA | Edinburgh & Borders | 36 Years’ Service
“RDA means the world to me. I get so much pleasure seeing the joy it brings to everyone involved. I’m honoured to receive this award. I’ve been fortunate over the years to have worked along side such dedicated, supportive individuals and wonderful horses!”
Jane Lankester
Erme Valley RDA | South West | 41 Years’ Service
“I have been a part of our local RDA group from our early beginnings; we are now most fortunate to have our own designated RDA Centre which is enjoyed by many and their families. Working with RDA means for me being a part of a team of dedicated helpers and a faithful horse to enable a participant, young /older, with all levels of ability, to learn to ride.
I endeavour to calm any anxiety and/or excess exuberance (!) they might have, to enable them to enjoy all the natural benefits from riding and the other activities available, as part of the community of which they are a member. Because of this, it is such an honour to be receiving this award”
Janette Sykes
Helen Atkin Group RDA | North Midlands | 37 Years’ Service
“I am both honoured and thrilled to receive the 2026 RDA President’s Award. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to share my lifelong love of horses and horse riding, enthusiasm and experience with so many riders for almost 40 years – most of them as a volunteer with equally committed colleagues at Helen Atkin Group RDA in Buxton, Derbyshire.
It has been a huge pleasure and privilege to contribute to the inspirational and invaluable work of RDA for so long, and to have played a pro-active role in the life-changing and positive impact it can have on disabled people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages”
Lynda Whittaker
Ravelrig RDA | Edinburgh & Borders | 35+ Years’ service
“I became involved with the Ravelrig RDA Group in 1986, when it was founded by my mother, Barbara Johnstone MBE. My time at Ravelrig continues to be rewarding and inspiring in my role as a coach, and I was delighted to be part of the team that made our new indoor riding arena a reality. Officially opened in 2025, this project fulfilled a 17‑year dream.
RDA has opened many volunteering opportunities for me, and I have been privileged to serve in County, Regional and National roles. Volunteering has developed my skills, created opportunities for my children, informed my career, and provided me with both fun and fulfilment. It has also allowed me to form lasting RDA friendships with people from all over the UK.
I am truly humbled by the small part I play within a much larger team supporting our RDA participants at both group and national level.””
Nicola Mearns
Drum RDA| Edinburgh & Borders | 39 Years’ Service
“This striking green and gold envelope arrived, I thought it was an October wedding invite. I was gobsmacked but delighted and truly honoured to be nominated for this Award. I have loved being a volunteer for tbe RDA and my life has been richer being part of the Drum RDA family. I get to be around our magnificent equine friends, but also be involved in and witness all participants, whether riders, young volunteers, new coaches flourish in confidence, ability and socially. We all benefit being a part of this special organisation so for me its a win win! “
Patricia Wright
Strathbogie RDA| Grampian and Highland | 35 Years’ Service
“My brother was a rider with our Group for over 25 years and so it seemed natural for me to join RDA in 1990 and it has been my Passion ever since. I see RDA as a small cog in a wheel, giving riders opportunities to grow, learn new skills and gain in confidence, which sets them up for life!
It is so rewarding to meet riders years after they have left the Group and see how RDA has impacted their lives. I have been a Trustee and Treasurer of Strathbogie Riding for the Disabled since 1993.”
Pauline Harrison
Slaley RDA | North | 33 Years’ Service
“Receiving this award has come as a complete surprise, but one I am thrilled to receive. RDA is a charity that I have been passionate about for many years. It not only provides multiple benefits to its participants through the varied activities it offers, but also helps their whole families.
Being a volunteer with RDA means being part of a team of like-minded people who do their best to enable others to achieve their goals. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful Region of wonderful Groups who are a joy to work with. ”
Pauline Hemus
Wellow RDA | Mid West | 39 Years’ Service
“Volunteering with the RDA has not only given me so much pleasure, but has allowed me to contribute to the enjoyment and life-affirming sense of achievement that so many children and adults experience when given the opportunity to be around ponies and horses, whether riding or with Shetland pony therapy.
I have gained so many personal and valuable skills in many aspects of my life for which I am so grateful and let’s not forget the many friends I have made along the way!”
Rosamund Smith
Centre of England RDA | West Mercia | 41 Years’ Service
“There is a great sense of satisfaction when you see the pleasure on the children’s faces as they realise how much they can achieve while they are riding. We often work with children who struggle to communicate but their broad smiles after a successful session let us know how much it has meant to them.”
Sally -Anne O’Neill
(Right)
East Park RDA | South East | 33 Years’ Service
“RDA has been such an important part of my coaching journey, delighting, challenging, inspiring and teaching me so much over the years. It has been a privilege to coach within RDA and to support the organisation in a variety of roles.
I am truly honoured to receive the President’s Award, and my heartfelt thanks go to the whole RDA family. “
Sally Merrick
Windsor & Ascot Driving Group | South | 33 Years’ Service
“Having volunteered and organised for 33 years, and now Chairman of Windsor and Ascot Driving Group ,I feel the most important point of RDA is not only the joy of ponies and driving but the social side of meeting up regularly, get-togethers, parties at Christmas etc. Some members have quite lonely lives and our friendships are important. “
Susan Johns
Erme Valley RDA | South West | 33 Years’ Service
“‘It has been an immense privilege to have been involved with Erme Valley RDA from its inception 41 years ago. During that time I have been part of a Committee and as a hands on volunteer assisting the group to grow from a few riders a week in a local riding school to dozens of participants a week in a purpose built centre.
It’s a joy to see participants, gain confidence and skills not only in riding but in all the associated activities. It feels like we are one big family working together for a common aim.’ “
Valerie Blake
Arrow RDA | Greater London | 39 Years’ Service
“I am deeply honoured and truly grateful to have been nominated for this award. As Group Organiser for the Arrow Riding Centre, I have spent 39 years building the centre into what it is today, whilst watching magic happen with our fantastic participants, which makes this recognition especially meaningful for me”
Midge Hargreaves
Bramshaw RDA | South | 42 Years’ Service
“I joined RDA Harrow Weald group in 1980 after taking early retirement and after moving to the New Forest, joined Bramshaw Group in 1986. I have found RDA to be a very worthwhile and progressive organisation helping people to fulfil dreams and achievements , widening their social circles , adding physical and mental benefits and generally enriching lives whether you are a rider, driver or volunteer. You also get to see results first hand and make lifelong friends
I am very honoured to accept the award as I know there are hundreds of deserving people within RDA and I am pleased to accept on behalf of my wonderful group who do most of the work.”
