STEVEN Murphy first stumbled upon the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) just over a year ago.
In such a short space of time he has risen through the ranks and has just been awarded the Leon Mills young volunteer memorial award.
The RDA is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides the opportunity for people with disability to ride in a safe environment.
None of it would be possible if it were not for the volunteers such as Steven, who dedicate their time and effort into ensuring the best possible experience for the riders. The award was formed in recognition of Leon Mills who passed away some years ago and is intended to keep his memory alive.
Nominees come from all around the state and then go through a committee to decide the winner who is presented with the award for exceptional volunteering at the annual state games.
Steven started at the Collie RDA doing work experience cleaning and shovelling dirt. He has rocketed upwards and now helps new and disabled riders learn to ride, ensuring they have the best time they possibly can.
Steven had ridden horses before he was introduced to the RDA.
He is now on his way to becoming a level 0 horse riding instructor, the first level in a three level system.
"I came out riding a year ago or so and I just loved it," Steven said.
"So I stayed here to continue volunteering on Thursday and Fridays."
The 17-year-old has been excelling and is now beginning to handle the organisation's ad ministration work.
Unfortunately for Steven, he was working the day of the state games and wasn't able to be there to accept his award.
But after the games finished and he came in for shift on Thursday, he was presented with his young volunteer award.
"I was really excited when they gave me the award, it feels really good."
RDA secretary Vicki Lee said the entire club was thrilled to learn their own volunteer out of a pool of other fantastic volunteers had won.
"We were thrilled to bits," she said.
"We have seen Steven develop in personal growth and become the fantastic helper he is now."
