Mickey named Horse of the Year at RDA Awards

Mickey, one of the equine residents at The Brae Riding for the Disabled group, has been named as Horse of the Year at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Gala Awards.

Clare Balding hosted the night of celebrations at Drapers Hall in London, where she announced Mickey as the RDA’s Horse of the Year 2016. Praised for his patience, generosity and hard-work, Mickey has proved invaluable to aiding riders’ development.

The horse has assisted in riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy sessions and, always determined to learn new skills, has recently completed training to become a vaulting horse.

His enthusiasm has been praised for inspiring the volunteers who work with him. Riders at the Brae RDA have gained much from their lessons; with vaulting helping to boost self-confidence, balance, motor skills, co-ordination and communication.

Volunteers from The Brae RDA accepted the award during the event, which attracted the likes of broadcasters Jonathan Agnew and Alastair Stewart, and Paralympians Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Ann Dunham, who had all started riding with RDA.

RDA is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities for therapy, well-being and enjoyment through horse riding and carriage driving.