Gold award for local young equestrian volunteer

A PONY Club centre member who volunteered for the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has received a gold award from a young equestrian scheme.

Sophie Morgan, of Noss Farm, Wick, celebrated her success during the Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA) presentation which was held down in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Just six candidates achieved the gold award with 18-year-old Sophie, who attends Pony Club at Horsin' Around, a riding school at Lyth, the only Scottish recipient.

The certificates were presented by Equestrian Team GBR para riders Georgia Wilson and Julie Payne during the National Dressage Championships which were taking place at Stoneleigh.

The candidates submitted self-motivated projects to show the leadership skills developed through the 60 hours of volunteering.

They all said they had a great time and Sophie felt one of the the things she enjoyed most was seeing the riders she worked with at the RDA develop.

Keen to continue her volunteering, she said: "I love the feeling that I am able to do something to help the local community and help kids who may not be as lucky to have as many opportunities as I have been given.

"I am also motivated by the fact that through volunteering I may be inspiring younger riders to start YELA and volunteer for events themselves."

Sophie, who is now studying forensic science at Abertay University, Dundee, helped at the Lyth stables while taking part in the scheme working up through the progressive awards, starting with bronze and then her silver.

She said that YELA had made her gain more independence and prepare her for university: "I am now a lot more confident in tackling challenges that are outside of my comfort zone."

While taking part in the scheme she also helped raise money for charity by doing sponsored events along with her trainer Natalie Oag, of Horsin' Around, including climbing both Ben Bhraggie and Morven which raised around £200 each for Children in Need.

YELA is an award scheme developed in conjunction with the RDA to recognise the time and effort young volunteers give to equestrianism and shape their experience, so they become equestrian leaders of the future.

Launched in 2011, the award already has over 2800 young people, aged between 13 and 25, registered.

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