Speaking at the presentation at the association’s AGM and national conference in the RDS, Mrs Dilys Lindsay of the RDAI said that 15-year-old Jonathon was a worthy winner of the award.

“The Rider of the Year Award is presented to highlight the progress, increased ability and confidence that our members gain through the fun activity of horse riding,” she said. “Jonathon really impressed the judging panel with his story of what he has learned through participation with the RDAI. He is a student at St Anne’s school in Ennis and has been riding every fortnight for the past two years with our Clare group. He loves meeting people, and particularly likes when the group go riding outdoors.”

A new award, Volunteer of the Year, went to Kathleen Hoey from the RDAI’s Kells, Co Meath group. Kathleen was chosen at random to reflect the inclusive ethos of the association.

“Kathleen has been volunteering with the group for nearly nine years and rarely misses a day. She was nominated by her group because of her dedication and focus to her members,” said Mrs Lindsay.

The RDAI was established in 1969 and has more than 600 volunteers helping 750 people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of horse riding and carriage driving throughout Ireland. The organisation also recognised 24 volunteers and 13 ponies with long service awards.

Speakers at the conference included RDS president Matt Dempsey, Ireland’s 2013 leading eventing rider Joseph Murphy, Eileen Kirwan of the ASD unit in Mullingar’s Presentation Primary School and Helen Keogh from Spruce Lodge EC in Co Wicklow.

Mrs Lindsay thanked the RDS and sponsors Leaseplan Ireland, Wexford Insurances, Paddy Power and Dubarry for helping to stage the event. For information on volunteering with the RDAI, contact Niamh Kingston, national secretary on 01-2876503.