Hilary moved to NZ in 1990 from the UK with her husband Donald and two daughters- Who are now in their 30's, living in the Wellington region and providing Hilary and Donald with 3 adorable grandchildren! Hilary has lived in the Cambridge/Ohaupo area since 1996 and until very recently owned a horticulture sales and consultancy business (which hopefully means with a little more free time, we will be seeing more of Hilary on other riding days ;) ) 

If you have ever been down at RDA on one of our Saturday riding sessions, Hilary would be a very familiar face. Hilary has been with Cambridge RDA for over 15 years. Starting in 2006, once her daughters no longer needed sport transport. Hilary has had a lifelong love of horses and been riding since her teenage years. Amongst other volunteering roles through her life and different associations with RDA both here and previously in the UK.  Hilary dervies a great deal of pleasure from giving in many different forms.

Favourite Memory?
I recall, when a somewhat new volunteer, being in charge of a young boy who, at a Regional Games Day, completed a Dressage Test absolutely faultlessly without any assistance from me, just standing at the arena entrance.  It brought tears to my eyes!

What do you enjoy about RDA?
RDA gives me my fortnightly 'horse fix' and the ability to connect with both the riders and their families; the smiles on the faces of both when the children and young adults achieve something new and maybe something which many other people do not have the opportunity to do, is reward in itself for the time I spend with them.  Many friends have been made with fellow volunteers, riders and their families over the years.