Across the sporting system in Scotland, there are local heroes and volunteers who are invaluable to the delivery of sports of all kinds. horsescotland recognised the work of some long-serving local heroes as part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
At the Supra Conference, hosted by RDA West and Central Scotland, horsescotland were able to witness first hand the benefit of their support not only to the RDA in Scotland but to all 35 of their member bodies.
What is the horsescotland member body support programme?
The RDA Scotland is just one project which has been partially funded by horsescotland's Member Body Support Programme. This is a programme which helps to support full and club member projects aimed at increasing levels of participation.
The Supra Conference
The conference, themed 'Help our horses to help us', was packed with informative talks, demonstrations and displays to help improve understanding that equine welfare is key to the success of all RDA activities. Volunteers were also presented with long-time service and outstanding contribution awards.
Mary Dunlop, RDA West and Central Scotland regional secretary, said: “We believe we sent every delegate home with greater awareness of the relationships between horse, participant and volunteer.
"The conference offered something for everyone and gave us the opportunity to recognise the achievements of some of our longest-serving volunteers.”
Award presentation
The 230 attendees, a mixture of volunteers, participants and coaches, were thrilled to welcome the RDA President, HRH The Princess Royal.
Her Royal Highness presented 14 volunteers with their long-time service awards, amounting to an extraordinary combined total of 470 years of service. Five volunteers recognised for outstanding contributions in 2019 received Volunteers of the Year and Over & Above awards.
This project, like many run by horsescotland-supported member bodies, highlights the importance of volunteers in the equestrian sector in Scotland. Their dedication and tireless effort ensures a huge number of equestrian events take place each year.
Find out more
- About horsescotland
- About the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
- About the "Focus on" series on Sport First
