Baldivis volunteer recognised for dedication

Kind and encouraging are attributes which earned a 16-year-old volunteer the Riding for the Disabled Association WA Leon Mills memorial award.

The inaugural RDA WA Riding Develops Ability Awards, held earlier this month, recognised the work of coaches, volunteers and horses and the achievements of riders.

Ezra Hill, who has been a RDA Peel client since he was six years old and a volunteer horse leader for the past two years, was surprised to learn he was the recipient of the award.

The award recognises the commitment and pride of young members and was created in memory of Leon Mills, a RDA rider, volunteer and trainee coach who died in a car crash on Australia Day in 2006.

According to RDA WA, Mr Mills was heavily involved in the Collie branch for more than 14 years.

Ezra said for the past two years, he had enjoyed helping coaches and clients in lessons by leading horses, brushing down animals, packing away and cleaning.

"If you don't have a leader, it would be hard for the coaches to conduct the lesson and the child wouldn't get what is required from the lesson," he said.

Josh Powell, whose five-year-old autistic daughter Georgia is led by Ezra, said he had noticed a positive change in her development as a result of his help.

"When she started, she wouldn't talk to anyone and was extremely shy, but she has blossomed like a flower," he said.

"She loves every second of it, responds when asked questions and is so much more confident.

"It was Ezra's kind and calm nature that has been a huge factor in Georgia coming out of her shell.

"She has found a trusted friend in Ezra and now asks for him every time she goes riding and I personally think this he is a great young man."

Coach Jess Kneale agreed, saying he was "invaluable" to the organisation and a "great role model".

"He is kind, caring and encouraging, and has brought the best out in some clients," she said.

"We could not run without him."

When she started she wouldn't talk to anyone and was extremely shy, but she has blossomed like a flower. Josh Powell