Three long-standing RDA volunteers have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Lady Perdita Blackwood receives a CBE for services to disabled young people and charity in Northern Ireland. Pippa Hughes receives an MBE for services to people with disabilities and Jane Cepok has been awarded the British Empire medal for services to RDA, Pony Club and Equestrian Sport.

Lady Perdita was the founder of RDA in Northern Ireland, starting the first group, Cavallo RDA, in 1967. Julie Frazer, former Regional Chair for RDA in Northern Ireland said: “RDA Northern Ireland are delighted to hear that our founder, Lady Perdita Blackwood has been awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. I am sure when she started Cavallo RDA Group back in the 1960’s no one envisaged that it would still be going today or that RDA would have expanded its reach across the province in the way that it has. How many thousands of riders have been helped over the years all because of her determination and enthusiasm which started it all. Many congratulations to her for this very well deserved acknowledgement of her contribution to society.”

Pippa Hughes is the founder of Wyfold Carriage Driving group in Berkshire, where she was a trustee, coach and driving organiser. Jane Cepok was a coach at Auchterarder RDA in West & Central Scotland. She is also Strathearn Pony Club District Commissioner.

Ed Bracher, Chief Executive of RDA says: “Congratulations to Lady Perdita, Pippa and Jane. It is always a pleasure to see RDA volunteers recognised in this way – for the many years dedicated service they have given to RDA, to their local communities, and, most importantly, to the many riders and carriage drivers they have helped and supported along the way.”