In 2025, 14 volunteers of the RDA have been honoured with one of the highest distinctions at RDA, the prestigious President’s Award. Amongst them is our very own Susan Jane Coote.
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. R
Comments from Michael Bishop, Chief Executive of RDA & Helena Vega-Lozano Chair of Trustees:
“The President’s Awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication of volunteers. Each recipient has devoted over three decades to enhancing the lives of our participants through RDA activities. Their commitment embodies the very essence of RDA, and the President’s Award is a well-deserved recognition of their invaluable contributions to our organisation. Recognising these outstanding individuals with the President’s Award highlights the remarkable impact that long-term volunteering has on our organisation. Their decades of service have not only transformed lives but have also set a standard of excellence and compassion that inspires us all.”
Read more about Susan’s story with the RDA:
“I started my RDA journey over 40 years ago in the 1980s volunteering at two groups Hope in The Valley who had physically handicapped children it was wonderful helping them mount and ride especially those who mounted from wheel chairs who became like everyone else when on board ,
The other group was Courtmeadow who had children with special needs some find things more difficult to cope with but with our help they learn to touch lead and hopefully ride and enjoy themselves
In the early 1990s I got a Highland pony Banner who helped at both groups for sometime, meeting The Princess Royal 1n 1997 at Hope in the Valley I left Hope in the Valley when I took on care of Courtmeadows loan pony Puppet a Connemara and both he and Banner were used for Ridding Sessions and RDA competitions for many years very successfully.”
I just love it all and it is still the highlight of my week.”
