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.”