We are pleased to announce the nominees for the Birt Spooner Cup 2024.

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 2023, Anne Coney, Chair of the RDA National Championships, 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!

Gilly Roper

Gilly Roper has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for RDA for over four decades, serving in numerous national, regional, and group-level roles. Currently the National Lead for Endurance, Gilly has been instrumental in expanding endurance riding within RDA, introducing the discipline to riders and carriage drivers of all abilities. She has also played a pivotal role as the Regional Coach for Greater London, continuing to support the development of RDA coaches through training and assessments.

Gilly’s involvement with RDA spans a wide variety of roles, including County Coach, Group Driving Organiser, and member of several committees focused on participation, planning, and endurance. Her dedication to improving access and opportunities for disabled participants in equestrian sport is unwavering, and her leadership has been critical in raising the profile of endurance riding both within RDA and at the national level.

In her own words, Gilly is “passionate about providing as many opportunities as possible for disabled participants in equestrian sport” and strives for excellence in every experience that riders, coaches, and volunteers have. As a former endurance rider herself, she is particularly committed to the discipline’s inclusivity, saying, “Endurance is a very inclusive discipline—available to nearly all riders at entry level and is also available to carriage drivers.”

Under her leadership, RDA Endurance has become more prominent within the organisation and at the National Championships, growing in popularity with riders across the country. She has also fostered connections with Para Endurance GB, helping ensure that the discipline continues to thrive and has a competitive pathway for those who wish to pursue endurance at a higher level. Gilly’s passion for providing opportunities and making every experience positive shines through in her work. Looking ahead, she is confident in the future of RDA Endurance, stating, “I am sure we will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Natalie O’Rourke

Natalie O’Rourke has been an unwavering advocate for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for many years, dedicating her efforts to enhancing the lives of disabled individuals through equestrian sport. As the National Coach Developer and County Coach, she has played a pivotal role in training and developing coaches across the UK. Her leadership as a Group Trustee at Park Lane Stables has been instrumental in safeguarding its future, ensuring that vital equestrian therapy remains accessible to those who need it most.

Natalie’s commitment to saving Park Lane Stables from closure is nothing short of inspiring. In 2021, she spearheaded a monumental fundraising campaign that raised an incredible £1.3 million in just a few months. This effort ensured that the stables continue to provide essential equestrian therapy for disabled individuals, enriching their lives and promoting inclusivity within the sport. In recognition of her service, Natalie was awarded an MBE and authored the book Only Heroes and Horses, sharing her journey and the transformative power of equestrian therapy.

In her own words, Natalie expresses, “I am absolutely delighted and humbled to be nominated for The Birt Spooner Cup. I am so proud to be part of the RDA family and privileged to witness magic moments every day between humans and horses.”

Frances Lochrane

Frances Lochrane’s dedication and impact within the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) community spans an impressive array of roles, each marked by her commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment.

Frances has become an invaluable mentor and guide, not just within her own Region but across the organisation. Known for her supportive and collaborative approach, Frances is committed to empowering others in the RDA community, offering new leaders the confidence to grow and make meaningful decisions while providing thoughtful guidance when needed.

Beyond her mentorship, Frances has played a pivotal role in broadening RDA’s reach. She has been instrumental in establishing new RDA groups, including AIM, which has successfully launched with a team of young coaches and welcomed over 30 new riders across two sites. Her commitment to expanding accessibility further extends to her work with the Accessibility Mark program, encouraging local riding schools to adopt inclusive practices that enable more disabled riders to participate.

Frances’ collaborative spirit is well-known, as she is always ready to offer support to others when it’s needed most. Her generosity and dedication inspire those around her, and her leadership continues to shape the RDA community for the better. In response to her nomination, Frances expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition, “RDA means so much to me,” she shared, “and I feel deeply honoured to be nominated.

Having been involved in so many aspects of the organisation through challenging times, I know how we, as volunteers, work together to give our participants every opportunity to achieve their own goals. To witness, at the grassroots level, how we make a difference in their lives makes every day with RDA so very special.”

Pam Jones

Pam Jones has been a cornerstone of RDA for over 40 years holding various National, Regional and County roles. Pam has inspired countless riders and coaches with her calm, professional demeanour, encouraging self-reflection and growth among those she works with.

Her extensive experience in equestrianism and unwavering commitment to equine welfare define Pam’s coaching philosophy and have made her a beloved figure in the community. She has a remarkable ability to share her wealth of knowledge in an inspiring and supportive manner, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking her guidance. Described by peers as a “role model” and an “inspiring professional,” Pam’s dedication to RDA shines through in her willingness to go above and beyond for both riders and coaches.

Pam has coached riders at all levels, including past and current para dressage Olympic competitors, and takes immense pride in their achievements. The result of Pam’s support has meant one parent reflected on her daughters journey, saying, “Pam made her believe she could do it. I am so proud to say that she is now cantering, jumping, and competing; she is living her pony dream. It started with Pam, and I don’t think she would be the rider she is today without her. I never dreamed I’d see her jump a course. She is the kid she used to watch and wish she could be”

Despite her recent attempt to retire, Pam has continued to coach and mentor, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the RDA community. In her own words, Pam reflects on her journey: “Through my RDA years, I have been extremely lucky to have met and worked with inspiring people both abroad and in the UK, which have enriched my life and my coaching skills.”

Pam exemplifies the spirit of compassion and excellence that the RDA strives for, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those she has touched.

Gerry Green

With over 30 years of dedicated service to RDA Gerry Green is a volunteer whose kindness, wisdom, and support have made an enduring impact at Clwyd Special Riding Centre and beyond. Known for her empathy and deep knowledge, Gerry has dedicated herself to helping riders of all abilities thrive. Her calm presence and wealth of experience have earned her the reputation as the “safest pair of hands” during sessions, bringing reassurance to riders, families, and fellow volunteers alike.

A particularly meaningful photo from 25 years ago captures Gerry holding the hand of a young rider— a little girl who, now grown, still rides with the RDA at Clwyd. For Gerry, this image symbolises the journey she shares with each rider: “If I hold your hand and you hold my hand, we can do this.” Over the years, her contributions have spanned coaching, pioneering a new vaulting group, and organising countless riding holidays for the local community as well as groups from as far as Hong Kong and Russia. Gerry’s adaptability and dedication have brought the joy of equestrian sports to people from all walks of life.

Whether through RDA riding, vaulting, or hippotherapy, there isn’t a child (or now adult) at Clwyd that Gerry doesn’t know or care for. Her influence spans generations, from riders’ first lessons to competing as Paralympians, each step marked by her encouragement and humor.

“The joy of being part of someone’s progressive journey is immeasurable,” she reflects. “I feel privileged to have supported children right from their very first riding session through to them leaving school—even to proudly watching them compete at the Paralympics”. She adds, “Volunteering is not just about giving to others; it has enriched my life too.”

Gerry’s lifelong commitment to the RDA is summed up best by a fellow volunteer’s words: “I wish I was half the volunteer that Gerry is—she’s everything an RDA volunteer should aspire to be.”

(Image credited by British Equestrian / Jon Stroud Media.)

ParalympicsGB Para Dressage Team

This year, the ParalympicsGB Para Dressage Team stands as a nominee for the Birt Spooner Award, recognising their inspiring influence on riders, volunteers, and supporters alike, particularly through their remarkable showing at the 2024 Paralympic Games. With each of the squad having a connection to RDA they are a testament to the power of grassroots opportunities and support. The team features world-class athletes, including Mari Durward-Akhurst, Georgia Wilson, Natasha Baker, and Sophie Wells, all of whom have showcased exceptional talent and dedication on the international stage.

The team’s presence at the Games was not only a momentous achievement but also a powerful motivator for RDA participants and volunteers, demonstrating what is possible with perseverance and commitment. India Collins-Davies, a coach with RDA’s newest group, Aim RDA, shared how witnessing the elite competition in Paris renewed her sense of purpose as a coach, while watching the high standards set by the ParalympicsGB Para Dressage Team inspired her own coaching and her riders.

Observing the global level of competition also highlighted the importance of grassroots organisations like RDA, which have consistently nurtured world-class athletes and supported inclusive access to sport for all abilities.

Ultimately, the team’s journey inspires current and future generations of RDA riders to dream big. While not every RDA participant will reach the Paralympics, the squad’s achievements affirm RDA’s mission to champion each rider’s unique potential. From volunteers to supporters and athletes, the ParalympicsGB Para Dressage Team has uplifted and energised the RDA community, making them a deserving nominee for the Birt Spooner Award.

Georgina Sharples, Para Dressage Performance Manager for British Equestrian’s World Class Programme and Team Leader at Paris 2024, encapsulated the team’s sentiments beautifully: “I speak on behalf of the whole ParalympicsGB para dressage team—athletes and support staff—when I say what an honour it is to be shortlisted for the prestigious Birt Spooner Cup. Many of our World Class Programme para dressage athletes would not be where they are today without the support of their local RDA Groups, which served as a starting point for their love of equestrian sport and the feeling of inclusivity that horses can offer to people with disabilities. They’ve been able to carry that passion to the very pinnacle of our sport and, hopefully, serve as an inspiration for any RDA members who have dreams of representing their country one day.”

The nomination for the Birt Spooner Award serves not only as recognition for the team’s achievements but also as a powerful reminder of the crucial role grassroots organisations like RDA play in the development of future equestrian stars.

The recipient of the 2024 Birt Spooner Cup will be announced and celebrated at this year’s RDA AGM on 4th November, held at Saddlers’ Hall in London. We extend our best wishes to all of the nominees and a huge thank you for your continued dedication to RDA.