Troldahl only found out she was nominated for the honour on Friday after reading it in The Irrigator and wasn't expecting to hear her named called out as the winner the following day.

Luckily, she was already attending the awards as her daughter Leah was nominated for the junior sportsperson prize.

Troldahl has been involved with the club for 10 years, holding a number of different roles, but despite her service, she was shocked to win the award.

"I read (my nomination) in the paper and that's how I found out," she said. "I had no idea.

"I got a really big surprise. I was very honoured to be nominated."

Among her many responsibilities, Troldahl helps organise competitions and training and rally days for the Leeton club and is also its chief instructor.

She also took on the role of zone secretary, helping co-ordinate other pony clubs from Hay, Griffith, Hillston and Narrandera.

Troldahl said she gets a lot out of her voluntary work at the club.

"I started off as new parent and I'd only be then there about 18 months and I was secretary for about three years and then instructor as well," Troldahl said.

"I've been on the zone committee as secretary for three years now.

"I've got all three kids riding, but then you take other kids along and help them.

"I really enjoy horses and I do love the friendship and seeing the kids mix with each other and their sportsmanship.

"We've got a really good committee down there."

Troldahl also said being part of a pony club means you have to be on your toes.

"They say never work with children and animals and I do both," she said.

"You've got to work what the horse is doing as well as the child. As soon you bring a large animal into the mix you have to be aware of a lot of safety issues."

Also up for the award were Patty Harrison from the Leeton-Whitton Crows and Leeton United's Lena Porcu.