Young Mullingar horse rider wins prestigious RDAI award

During its national conference in Adare, Co. Limerick, the national voluntary organisation, Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland (RDAI) presented 12-year-old, Lynn Frain from Mullingar, with its Rider of the Year Award 2017.

The award is presented annually to highlight the recreational and therapeutic benefits of horse riding and carriage driving. The Awards are sponsored by Wexford Insurances and were presented by Irish international pentathlon athlete, Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe.

Speaking at the presentation, RDAI Field Officer, Roisin Henry, said that Lynn was a worthy winner who had shown great ability, increased confidence and major progress since joining the Mullingar RDAI group only two years ago.

“Lynn, who attends the Presentation Senior School in Mullingar. sums up what exactly what the RDAI, our volunteers and our members are all about,” said Roisin.

“Lynn is a wheelchair user and has Spina Bifida, yet in the two years since joining us, through her dedication she has not missed one meeting. She enjoys the social interaction, the fun, and the joy that being part of one of our groups brings.

“Indeed, Lynn’s increase in confidence has been remarked upon and this is highlighted in the fact that she actually wrote her own nomination paper, which as we present her with the Award, was obviously excellent!”

“Also during the conference, Long Service Awards were also presented to 14 volunteers and four ponies.

Delegates then listened to an inspirational and motivating presentation by Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe, Goodwill Ambassador for RDAI who spoke about his discipline, the modern pentathlon and his journey to both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.

“A number of workshops were organised and in the afternoon, delegates were able to attend an Equine Assisted Learning presentation in Clonshire Equestrian Centre and visit the Co. Limerick Hunt Kennels,” concluded Ms Henry.