Volunteer Recognition
The extraordinary commitment of RDA Volunteers should be recognised and rewarded whenever possible. There are many ways to recognise and reward the achievement of volunteers, both within your Group and at a national level.
You may have your own ways to reward the people who help your Group, but you might also like to have your volunteers recognised by RDA UK too.
President’s Awards
This prestigious award honors volunteers who have shown extraordinary dedication to RDA for over 30 years and is presented annually by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Nominations for the 2025 President’s Award are now open! To find out more please see our President’s Award 2025 page.
55th Anniversary Limited Edition Over & Above Certificates
In celebration of our 55th Anniversary Year, this special limited-edition award honors volunteers who have gone above and beyond to positively impact an individual, their group, or the wider RDA community. Whether by demonstrating innovative thinking, offering invaluable support during challenging times, or going the extra mile, these volunteers embody the RDA values and the spirit of selflessness and dedication.
A limited number of certificates are available until the end of the year, and the award is open to all volunteers—whether at the group, county, regional, or national level. This award focuses on the impact made, rather than length of service.
To read about RDA’s first recipient of the 55th Anniversary Over and Above award here.
To order your limited edition certificates – click here.
RDA UK Awards
As well as recognising volunteers extraordinary commitment at Group, County, Regional level you may like to consider the RDA UK Awards.
The volunteer of the Year Award, President’s Award, Over & Above Award and Long Service Awards are all a great way to say ‘Thank you’.
Every year we recognise our dedicated Volunteers, Participants and Horses, in a number of different RDA UK awards.
Young Volunteer Recognition
Many RDA Groups accept volunteers from 12 years of age and there is lots on offer for younger volunteers.
Check out the Young Volunteers Page .