Colchester woman recognised with BEM in King's Honours

Carol Hipkin, 80, of West Bergholt, is the co-founder and group chief instructor of the Colchester Riding for the Disabled charity, better known as Colchester RDA.

Mrs Hipkin has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to young people through the group.

The horse lover started the organisation alongside Catherine Illingworth and Colonel Tim Illingworth and others, at the former Old Garrison Riding School, in Colchester, in 1987.

Proud - Carol Hipkin with her letter that informed her about the BEM (Image: Newsquest)

Now based at Fletchers Farm Riding School, in Fordham, the organisation helps children with disabilities grow in strength and confidence while having fun and forming bonds with ponies.

Mrs Hipkin was nominated by the team at Colchester RDA.

Receiving the letter through the post on May 10 was a “bittersweet moment” as beloved husband Brian had died on March 28, and was aware of the nomination.

Mrs Hipkin said: “I froze on the spot when the letter came through the letterbox. I was surprised, and never expected anything like that.

Couple - Carol Hipkin and husband Brian (Image: Newsquest)

In her element - an old photo of Carol Hipkin and her horse Count Truvador (Image: Newsquest)

“It was unbelievable. I read the letter so many times. I’m very proud.”

Mrs Hipkin has been passionate about horses all her life.

She has fond childhood memories of growing up near a farm where she would stare in awe at an old cart horse.

 She then went to a riding school from the age of ten.

She spent her adult life competing in national competitions such as show jumping, cross country and dressage, on her white horse Count Truvador.

Trophies - Carol Hipkin and the awards she has won over the years (Image: Newsquest)

Precious memories - Carol Hipkin and her horse, Count Truvador in the 1980s (Image: Newsquest)

Impressive - a better look at the awards (Image: Newsquest)

Art - a West Bergholt artist's painting of Carol and her horse (Image: Newsquest)

Every Monday morning, Carol is part of the Colchester RDA team, helping children with physical and learning disabilities to ride the ponies, and building their fitness and developing new skills.

She said: “RDA makes such a huge difference to disabled people - they come alive when they are on a horse."

“It is just something I love doing. The amazing young people I’ve met along the way because of the horses, push themselves beyond their limits to ride, and gain muscle and confidence."

To find out more about the Colchester RDA, head to colchesterrda.co.uk