Passion celebrated
Three Horsham Riding for the Disabled volunteers have been recognised for their efforts and dedication to the organisation.
Jan Croser, a long-time volunteer with the RDAS Horsham centre has been recognised with a national accolade.
The Horsham centre is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that develops the abilities of people with disabilities through equestrian activities including horse riding, carriage driving and equestrian vaulting.
Mrs Croser has been involved with RDA at a local, state and national level for more than 40 years
She was awarded the Michael Field Memorial Award late last year.
The award is the most prestigious national volunteer award RDA Australia can offer.
People who are nominated for the award display tenacity, determination, commitment and selflessness.
Mrs Croser was a founding member of the RDA Horsham centre in 1981 and has since fulfilled the roles of president, vice-president and treasurer on the committee of management.
She has also been head coach, horse manager, executive member and involved in fundraising.
Mrs Croser is a life member of the Horsham centre and was awarded honorary life membership with RDA Victoria in 2013.
She has served on the RDAS state and national boards of management,
spending two years as chair of RDA Australia and continues to volunteer with the organisation in 2023.
The Horsham centre also capped off the year by awarding two life memberships to Reg and Marlene Bloomfield.
The pair started volunteering with RDA Horsham centre in 2009.
Mrs Bloomfield is the catering officer and has also assisted riders with fitting helmets and boots along with helping with the carriage driving reception.
Mr Bloomfield began volunteer
ing as a side walker for clients with balance issues. He leads horses at each rally.
He later focused his attentions on the maintenance of the arena after each of the centre’s rallies as well as looking after the RDA paddocks where the horses were kept, along with maintaining the feed storage shed and grounds.
While Mr Bloomfield is stepping down from his role as maintenance officer, Mrs Bloomfield is continuing in her volunteering role, entering her 14th year of involvement.