A local horse riding coach has been named The Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year.

Natalie O'Rourke, coach and founder at Park Lane Stables Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), has been awarded the gong in recognition of her outstanding contribution to disabled people through sport, inclusive provision, and community leadership.

Through inclusive, participant-led sessions that harness the transformative bond between people and horses, Park Lane Stables RDA supports people of all abilities to develop physically, emotionally, and socially - while fostering a sense of belonging and joy and delivering life-changing outcomes.

Ms O'Rourke said: "I'm totally overwhelmed to have won.

"The other nominees are incredible women carrying out amazing roles in their communities.

"This award is really for my team and for all the incredible women within RDA who show up every day for others.

"I'm so grateful my dad could be with me; he was the first to put me on a pony and has supported my passion for horses my whole life.

"The sessions we run at Park Lane Stables RDA aren't just about learning a skill - they're about creating moments of connection, and confidence, and a bit of pony magic that truly changes lives.

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"Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me, and special thanks to those who believed in me from day one and continue to support me."

Michael Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of RDA, said: "Natalie's achievement is thoroughly deserved and a credit to her leadership at Park Lane Stables."

"Her work exemplifies the very best of grassroots sport - high-quality, inclusive delivery rooted in safe, supportive community environments where the human–horse connection helps people build confidence, independence, and social connection.

"This award recognises not only Natalie's dedication, but the real difference she, her team and nearly 14,000 RDA volunteers make to the lives of disabled people and their families.

"Across the UK, RDA supports 39,000 disabled people every year, and this recognition highlights how national impact is driven by skilled grassroots leaders, like Natalie, who bring our mission to life in local communities every day."