A NORTH Maclean teenager has been recognised for her efforts helping those in need.
Kylie Barham, 14, is the Riding for the Disabled Assocation of Australia’s (RDA) 2015 Junior Volunteer of the Year.
Kylie won the award for her ongoing efforts at the RDA’s Crowson Park grounds, where she has been volunteering since 2011.
A passionate horse rider herself, Kylie said it was important to make the sport accessible to others.
“It’s very nice to be acknowledged for the work that I have done, I was very surprised,” she said.
“It started off because I liked horses and it was a good opportunity for me to see the horses and help kids and develop skills like that.
“Probably most often I help groom the animals and saddle them up to start of the day and sometimes I sidewalk and sometimes I lead.
“Sidewalking in standing next to the horse while the riders are on and making sure they are happy.”
The Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia is a volunteer organisation that works to make horse riding available for anyone living with a disability.
It provides horses, trained volunteer helpers and coaches and riding and safety equipment for participants, who engage in a variety of activities including riding classes, competitive riding and camps.
Crowson Park Riding for the Disabled president Linda Gaffaney said Kylie was more than deserving of her win.
“She does a lot of our horse prep in the morning, she helps with the training of the horses and is very good with the way she interacts with our clients,” she said.
“She is such a polite and pleasant girl, she was chosen due to the glowing reports from volunteers and riders at the centre.”
Kylie received the award at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre in Caboolture on Saturday.