New Forest pony wins top RDA Gala Award
A pony who has helped disabled riders achieve their competitive ambitions for the past 19 years was the worthy recipient of the Dame Emma-Jane Brown Award at the RDA Gala Awards dinner at Plaisterers’ Hall in London earlier this month.
Millersford Forrester, a New Forest pony from South Bucks RDA, has taken part in all levels of para-equestrianism during his long and illustrious career, from grass-roots riding through to international paralympic qualifers.
Among the numerous elite disabled riders who have started their serious competitive careers with him are Natasha Baker (pictured right and top alongside representatives of South Bucks RDA and awards presenter Clare Balding) and Ricky Balshaw.
The RDA Group said: “Forrester, who has achieved so much and gives pleasure to so many, deserves recognition for his extraordinary service to disabled riders. He is also an outstanding example of the temperament and versatility of the New Forest pony.”
The other pony to receive an award was Denby from Wenlo RDA, who won the RDA Horse or Pony of the Year award. This pony left behind his wayward ways and stepped up to the task when the group lost their previous pony Buckthorn.
Since starting his new career, Denby has helped one rider to walk after being in a coma, and another to become junior disabled sports person of the year in his county. His award was collected on the night by the Wenlo RDA team (pictured above).
Claire tweeted in jest afterwards: “I was quite disappointed neither [of the ponies] bothered to come.”
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.