15/06/2026
🎉 Honouring Two Extraordinary Champions of RDA
We are absolutely delighted to congratulate two remarkable members of the RDA community, Doug Smith, a long-standing volunteer with RDA UK, and Di Redfern, Chair of South Bucks RDA, who have both been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List for their outstanding services to disabled riders.
Through decades of dedication, leadership and service, Doug and Di have helped shape RDA, transform lives and create opportunities for countless disabled people through the power of horses.
Doug Smith, a former Mounted Policeman whose riding career ended following a double spinal fracture in 1995, has dedicated more than 35 years to RDA after first becoming involved with the charity in the late 1980s. During that time, he has supported the organisation at every level, from coaching and regional development to national leadership, while playing a key role in the growth of the National Championships, championing equine welfare and helping guide RDA through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside his work with RDA, Doug has made a significant contribution to para equestrian sport internationally, including involvement at multiple Paralympic Games, World Para Dressage Championships and Special Olympics events.
Doug said: "To receive this award for doing something I love, and that is also so worthwhile, is an absolute privilege. RDA was my salvation after my accident, and I have found great purpose in giving back, sharing what is possible and helping others discover what they can achieve."
Di Redfern has been a dedicated RDA volunteer since the 1960s, playing a significant role in the development of both South Bucks RDA and the wider RDA movement. Passionate about ensuring disabled riders receive high-quality, individualised coaching and support, she has championed generations of riders while embodying the RDA principle that "It's what you can do that counts."
Beyond South Bucks RDA, Di has made a major contribution to the development of talented riders, the Para Equestrian squad and future generations of coaches through her innovative coaching, mentoring and support. Her award recognises more than six decades of service, during which she has helped countless riders gain confidence, develop new skills and achieve ambitions they never thought possible.
Di said: "I am honoured to receive an MBE and would like to thank everyone associated with South Bucks RDA and RDA UK – the work we do is a true team effort.
These honours recognise not only decades of dedication, leadership and service, but also the profound and lasting impact Doug and Di have had on riders, volunteers, families and communities across the RDA movement. We could not be prouder to see their extraordinary contributions recognised in this way.
💚 Michael Bishop, CEO of RDA UK, said: "On behalf of everyone at RDA, I am delighted to congratulate Doug and Di on this wonderful and richly deserved recognition. Their commitment, compassion and unwavering dedication have transformed lives and helped shape our organisation for the better. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved, and their MBEs are a fitting tribute to the lasting difference they have made to so many disabled people."
