Here's what her citation said: 

Judy Preston probably has RDA running through her veins like a stick of rock such is her commitment to RDA. She started small (by her standards) running an RDA group in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, and ten years later, was instrumental in opening the purpose-built RDA Unicorn Centre catering for hundreds of participants, learners and volunteers in the Teesside area. 

The Unicorn Centre would not exist without Judy. In 1991 she recognised the need for such a facility and with unwavering determination enlisted support from like-minded people, carried out research to demonstrate need, persuaded the local council to donate land and raised over a million pounds. This was achieved in just 9 years from conception to opening in 1998 by our President, The Princess Royal.  Judy managed the whole project with boundless energy, enthusiasm and sheer willpower.

Four years on, the Centre needed more space, and Judy successfully raised sufficient funds to construct new offices and a conference room and project-managed the construction.  

Judy is heavily involved with the Unicorn Centre as a coach and Trustee and taken on roles within the County and Region. She is one of RDA’s most enthusiastic and loyal supporters. Alongside all this she ran a busy "B&B "with her husband in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

As an experienced Coach she mentors and trains new coaches and as Training Advisor she’s assessed current ones throughout the Region and continues to do so for the Unicorn Centre. As a Trustee, she raises thousands of pounds for the Unicorn Centre with innovative grant applications. Currently she‘s focussing on sourcing £56k for a mechanical horse. She has the enviable “can do” attitude which has been evident throughout her service to RDA, and her ability to inspire and energise those she comes into contact with is exceptional.

No-one is more eligible for this Award than Judy Preston. Over the last 30 plus years she’s demonstrated unwavering loyalty to RDA: championing change, raising the bar, challenging doubters and fighting doggedly for inclusivity.  Her commitment, professionalism and tenacious character achieves amazing results, whether that’s raising thousands of pounds for a project, encouraging a nervous rider to ditch the lead rein for one circuit of the arena or persuading a volunteer to become a log book holder.  There are many “Judy’s” in RDA, but at the Unicorn Centre, she‘s “our Judy” and she’s the reason why the Centre exists today.