For the Year Ended 20 21
& Consolidated
Mare and Foul Sonctuary 2,J2L
Contents
| Welcome from our Chair and Chief Executive 4 Objectives and Activities 5 The charity’s objectives 5 The charity’s activities 5 Structure, Governance and Management 6 Legal status 6 Organisational structure 6 Policies adopted for the recruitment, induction and training of trustees 6 Governance and management 7 Trustees’ indemnity 7 Risk management 7 Public Beneft 8 Our values 11 Our sanctuary for rescued horses 12 The need to provide sanctuary 12 The support we provide 14 Our impact in 2020-21 16 Our plans for 2021-22 17 |
A safe sanctuary for horse owners 18 Our impact in 2020-21 18 Our plans for 2021-22 18 A safe sanctuary for children, young people, families and adults 20 Our equine-centred approach to equine assisted learning 20 Supporting transferrable life skills 20 Our impact in 2020-21 22 Our plans for 2021-22 23 Sanctuary for life, thanks to our supporters 24 Our impact 24 Our fundraising practices 25 Our devoted staff and volunteers 26 A sustainable sanctuary 28 Our commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion 29 Our Financial Review 30 Key Risks and Uncertainties 32 |
Our Reserves Policy 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Our Investment Policy 33 |
||
| Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement 34 |
||
| Independent Auditor’s Report 35 |
||
| Statement of fnancial activities 38 |
||
3
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Welcome from our Chair and Chief Executive
In this financial year, Covid restrictions affected our operations and continued to create uncertainty around many aspects of our work. We maintained a focus on our core activities and ensured support of our employed and volunteer teams. We also made progress within our existing strategy, determined to move forward with our vision.
The trustees are confident that these achievements and the core work delivered across the charity in this year represent robust progress within our existing strategy and put us in a strong and stable position for the future.
This work was possible thanks to our supporters, both donors and volunteers, along with our employed staff who adapted to the changing environment and continued our work during this particularly uncertain year.
Sarah Jane Williamson Liz Gaffer Chief Executive Chair of Trustees
Key achievements included:
-
The creation of three specialist leads – Equine Care, Equine Training and Equine Support EAL – to grow and develop specific skills on our yards.
-
The introduction of our new Ethical Handling and Training of Equines Policy. This has been shared with specialist leads and sessions booked with sanctuary managers to ensure the full understanding and engagement of staff.
-
Taking part in a coalition of 50 animal welfare charities urging the Government to implement a new, all-encompassing animal health and welfare strategy. The coalition released a report – “Act Now For Animals” – that sets out key priorities for how we live and work with animals.
-
Completion of a capital redevelopment at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre. This will enable us to offer more opportunities for human-equine interaction through our equine assisted learning and equine assisted activities programmes.
Therapy International (HETI) Forum. This allowed us to become involved at a national level in important developments in the regulation of human-equine interaction.
-
Hosting the first South West Regional Equine Assisted Practitioners meeting. This was a key consultation meeting for the UK Human Equine Interaction Register.
-
The update of our brand identity. This has helped to raise our profile and cement our identity as a charity.
-
Hosting the UK Horses in Education and
4
Objectives and Activities
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected or abused.
We also ensure that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Most horses and ponies are given care for life through our network of knowledgeable carers. Those horses and ponies with more complex needs are cared for in our peaceful sanctuaries.
Our charity was founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and close companions of humans over the centuries, have a value and a purpose. They deserve our kindness and care.
Our equine-centred approach to humanequine interaction through equine assisted learning enables us to create a sense of sanctuary for people within our sanctuary for horses and ponies.
Objectives and Activities 2021
Structure, Governance and Management
Legal status
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is a registered charity (number 1141831) and a company limited by guarantee (number 7584914).
----- Start of picture text -----
6
----- End of picture text -----
and its aims by receiving a tour of the site and meeting management, staff and current trustees. Training in the work of trustees is also made available before appointment and through a trustee induction plan once appointed. There is an active programme of governance development for trustees.
Policies adopted for the recruitment, induction and training of trustees.
The existing trustees have the power to appoint new trustees. All new trustees are provided with Charity Commission published guidance on the responsibilities of being a trustee and a trustee job description. They are introduced to the charity
Organisational structure The charity is managed through the following areas:
- Sanctuary Care teams deliver the care, rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of the horses and ponies in sanctuary
have learning, developmental, skills acquisition and social outcomes, which also have a therapeutic effect. The Education team also works with the Sanctuary Care and Welfare Outreach and Advice teams to develop educational resources and events which improve general knowledge in equine care amongst the public and prevent future welfare cases
-
The Welfare Outreach and Advice team delivers direct support to carers of equines on loan from us and in private ownership. They also educate and advise the public to reduce future welfare cases and improve general equine knowledge
-
Income generation and communications including direct fundraising and management of our charity shops
-
The Education team delivers alternative education and training for children, young people, families and adults through humanequine interaction in the form of equine assisted learning, equine assisted activities and outdoor learning in nature with our rescued horses and ponies. These programmes
-
Management and administration including volunteering, HR, ICT, accounts and maintenance of our estate and landholdings
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
The board delegates specific responsibilities and activities to the four committees of the board: Equine Committee, Finance, Investment and Audit Committee, Rewards and Remuneration Committee and Fundraising Committee.
from claims arising from negligent acts, errors or omissions occurring whilst on charity business. The insurance provides cover up to £1,000,000 on any one claim.
Governance and management
The trustees meet at least bi-monthly and are in close contact with the senior management team. They receive regular updates and are able to respond accordingly.
Risk management
No major decisions or expenditure can be made without consultation with and approval of the trustees.
These updates include:
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. We have developed a risk management framework which identifies and manages all significant strategic and operational risk. A corporate risk register has been approved by trustees. Specific risks are managed by the relevant committees with strategic risks managed by the board as a whole.
-
Delivery plan performance reports with KPIs and benchmarking data.
-
Risk register reports and focused reviews of specific areas of risk.
Day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive who reports to the Board of Trustees bimonthly at meetings and at other times as required. There is regular, collaborative contact with the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
-
Annual updates on policies and performance in relation to GDPR, Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
-
Management accounts with budget variance reports and balance sheets.
Trustees’ indemnity
- The Chief Executive’s update of all key service areas and developments.
In accordance with normal commercial practice the charity has purchased insurance to protect trustees
----- Start of picture text -----
7
Structure, Governance and Management 2021
----- End of picture text -----
Public Benefit
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s vision is a world where we all understand and appreciate the connection between horses, ponies, people and nature. Our ambition is to lead the equine community in new thinking and better practice.
----- Start of picture text -----
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s vision is a world We support the advancement We provide relief of those in
where we all understand and appreciate the
of animal welfare: need, by reason of youth, age,
connection between horses, ponies, people
and nature. Our ambition is to lead the equine ill-health, disability, financial
community in new thinking and better practice. • By rescuing and rehabilitating horses and or other disadvantage:
ponies that have been abandoned, neglected or
The trustees confirm that the Mare and Foal abused. We also ensure that horses and ponies
have a sanctuary for life. This offers indirect • By providing human-equine interaction
Sanctuary’s aims and objectives align with the public benefit through improving the welfare of through equine assisted learning, equine
Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. horses and ponies on behalf of the general public assisted activities and outdoor learning in
The trustees regularly review these aims and and direct benefit through the support of private nature with our rescued horses and ponies.
objectives for both current and future activities to owners or people considering becoming owners The direct public benefit is offered through
ensure our public benefit can be demonstrated of equines and to carers in our rehoming scheme. provision of human-equine interaction.
through charitable purposes defined by The
Charities Act 2011. • By focusing our rescue work in the South West • By providing access to nature and the
but playing our part nationally. We are members countryside through outdoor learning at our
of the National Equine Welfare Council and sites. The direct public benefit is access to
collaborate locally and nationally with the RSPCA the countryside which supports opportunities
and other equine welfare charities. This gives for biophilia, relief of distress and enhanced
direct public benefit through support of private recovery from physical and mental ill health.
owners.
• By supporting the development of life skills, in
• By giving non-judgemental advice and no- particular communication skills and relational
shame support to any horse or pony carer skills. This gives a direct public benefit through
through our Welfare Outreach and Advice team, provision of human-equine interaction and
in person and through an advice helpline staffed participants transferring these communication
by this team. This support brings about positive and relational skills into their day-to-day
welfare interventions which brings direct public interaction with others.
benefit through support of members of the public
who raise welfare concerns, private owners and • By contributing to the growing robust evidence
carers in the rehoming scheme. base for the benefits to people of human-
equine interaction through collaborative
• By providing equine advice, support and research. This provides an indirect public
welfare education to prevent welfare issues in benefit by improving the academic evidence
the future through educational content such as base and knowledge base about the benefit
The Confident Horse series online and through to people of human-equine interaction and
webinars. This offers direct and indirect public improving the future opportunities for these.
benefit through education and sharing of robust,
evidence-based practices.
• By campaigning and advocating for improved
equine welfare to influence legislation and
generate public awareness. This gives indirect
public benefit through education and influencing
welfare policy change.
8
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
----- End of picture text -----
Mare and Foal SanctuaryObjectives and Activities 2021
Myrddin’s story
10
We are the place for people who want to make a difference to the lives of horses, ponies and foals
Our Values
Our values of kindness, care and knowledge embrace equines and humans together. We are experts in rescuing, rehabilitating and retraining horses and ponies through a needs-led, behavioural approach based on current veterinary and equine sciences. We teach people how to look after horses and ponies and to respect animals in general. We also do this through local awareness raising campaigns and by providing advice, support and welfare education through programmed activities and by phone and email.
We aim to educate the general public, as well as those involved directly with equines, advising owners and carers, but also educating those who may contribute inadvertently towards the suffering. There are very few cases of deliberate cruelty, which is why the educational and advice work is so important. It is vital to share our knowledge to prevent welfare issues becoming a crisis or a case for prosecution.
11
Objectives and Activities 2021
Our sanctuary for rescued horses
The need to provide sanctuary
We provide lifelong, life-changing loving care and support to rescued horses and ponies.
Our rescue work is focused in the South West but as part of the National Equine Welfare Council we collaborate locally and nationally with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities.
At our sanctuaries, we love and value horses and ponies. As sentient beings, they deserve our kindness and care. Unfortunately, there is still a need to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses and ponies – and to educate people about how to care for them.
We work for all horses and ponies, but we have particular experience in:
-
Managing and training feral, semi-feral or unhandled horses and ponies
-
Coping with horses and ponies that others cannot deal with in terms of behaviour. We give them specialist recovery care and train them so that they’re suitable for loan homes in the future
-
Care of mares in foal and orphaned or abandoned foals
-
Creating a value for smaller, weaker, previously injured or older equines through appropriate recovery and training as companions or suitable for active life in agility, lead rein and ridden activities
-
Picking up the pieces when inexperienced people have inadvertently got into problems having bought ponies thinking that they are easy to care for because they are small. This can be the case when ponies are kept by inexperienced owners privately at home as opposed to at a managed livery yard, where excellent help and advice is usually available
For many equines we are the end of the line. We are the last option.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Inula’s story
Inula came to the sanctuary following a large multi-agency rescue in 2019 involving over 100 horses. We took her and her foal, Ilyssa, along with three other mares and two foals who had all suffered extensive neglect.
Our work began immediately to bring them all back to health. Inula then started to show signs of lameness. We decided to take x-rays to find out exactly what the problem was. The x-rays revealed a small, round airgun pellet which coincided with a lump on her pastern. It was clear that Inula had been shot in the hoof with an airgun at some point in her life.
The support we provide
Care for life is provided to hundreds of horses and ponies rescued by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
We currently have five peaceful sanctuaries in Devon and it is here that our dedicated staff provide expert and specialist care for life to around 170 of these horses and ponies whose needs mean that they cannot easily be cared for elsewhere.
Our network of knowledgeable Sanctuary at Home carers helps us care for more than 460 horses and ponies. This vital scheme enables space to be created at our sanctuaries for more horses and ponies in need, helps sustain our work to rescue other horses and ponies and enables us to connect more people together who love and value horses and ponies as much as we do.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Wilma’s story
Our Sanctuary for Rescued HorsesMare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
We are passionate about and committed to providing the best standards of equine care
The South Manor sanctuary was sold in 2020. The ponies were moved to their new homes with many housed in temporary stabling at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre.
Our impact in 2020-21
and welfare. Our new Ethical Handling and Training of Equines Policy was devised and shared with specialist leads, sanctuary managers and all Sanctuary Care staff to ensure full understanding and engagement. The purpose of this policy is to clearly outline our standards in relation to the handling and training of equines in activities relating to equine care, welfare outreach and human-equine interaction.
Highlights of our work to provide sanctuary to rescued horses and ponies in this period:
1038
Our total admissions for
There were 21 equines requiring admission to our sanctuary for welfare intervention. 21
anthelmintics
all years reached 1038
in 2021. This number includes foals born at the sanctuary, such as Solar. His mother arrived at short notice due to a loss of grazing. She was heavily in foal and Solar was born in summer 2021. He is the latest of over 40 foals born at the sanctuary.
This included a complex multi-agency rescue involving five horses and ponies. Covid restrictions meant that our rehoming scheme was halted for the duration of the national lockdowns - a vital scheme which creates space at our sanctuaries for new admissions.
We are reducing our use of anthelmintics (wormers) because resistance to some of the drugs we have available has become a real problem. Stage one of our new worming protocol was implemented and went well. We increased our worm egg count testing to quarterly and any horse with a high count is wormed.
At the end of this period, 169 horses were being cared for at our peaceful sanctuaries across Devon, and 462 were on loan to carers through our Sanctuary at Home scheme.
169
equine behaviour
Our Equine Behaviourist, Anna Haines, presented at the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors’ virtual equine conference ‘Equine Behaviour Unwrapped’ on 28 November 2020.
We worked closely with Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Officer. Members from our Sanctuary Care and Welfare Outreach and Advice teams were asked to round up herds of strangles-symptomatic Dartmoor ponies from a 250-acre area around Bellever. This represents a positive shift in attitude from some key moorland communities to working
Staff teams in Sanctuary Care and Welfare Outreach and Advice settled into their roles following the reshaping of the teams over the autumn. specialist leads – Equine Care, Equine Training and Equine Support EAL – have already had an impact in bringing a more explicit focus to developing staff skills on
Her presentation showed the importance of understanding equine behaviour within the equine charity sector. Anna shared the film of the work we have done with pony Mouse. We were recognised for having a ground-breaking approach. As a result of this, we have been asked to provide training to a smaller sanctuary, Oak Tree Animals, based in Carlisle, and The Brooke.
into their roles following the reshaping
Officer. Members from our Sanctuary Care and Welfare Outreach and Advice teams were asked to round up herds of strangles-symptomatic Dartmoor ponies from a 250-acre area around Bellever. This represents a positive shift in attitude from some key moorland communities to working with the sanctuary. Treatment for the ponies was provided through National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC). We made a small financial contribution to this vet treatment from funding we had ringfenced for NEWC activity.
of the teams over the autumn. The three specialist leads – Equine Care, Equine Training and Equine Support EAL – have already had an impact in bringing a more explicit focus to developing staff skills on each of the yards.
reprofiling
rehoming
Following the discovery of subsidence at Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre, work started in 2020 on reprofiling the
Potential carers were once again able to meet ponies and horses ready for
rehoming after Covid restrictions eased
bank and improving the area outside of the arena. This work
was completed by Ryearch and the planting of the bank begun. Preparations were also made for the fitting of the rainwater harvesting containers for collecting rainwater from the arena roof. Final plans for the new replacement barn to provide a high intensity care unit were approved internally ready to go for planning permission.
in April 2021. All pre-visits to potential loan homes also restarted. Between November 2020 and October 2021 we rehomed 77 ponies and horses.
16 Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
We’re dedicated to developing deeper knowledge and better practice on how to give every horse and pony their best life
new animal health & welfare strategy
We were delighted to be among a coalition of 50 animal welfare charities urging the Government not to waste a oncein-a-generation opportunity to redefine our relationship with animals through a new animal health and welfare strategy.
The report – “Act Now For Animals” – was released in May and set out the sector’s priorities for creating a society which rebalances the way we rear, live and work with animals. Recommendations specifically affecting equines included limiting journey times to 12 hours, enforcing equine identification and registration and introducing licensing for sanctuaries and rescue centres.
Our plans for 2021-22
Highlights of our planned work to provide sanctuary to rescued horses and ponies next year:
----- Start of picture text -----
in equine
with smaller welfare organisations to
for holistic land
worming protocol to reduce
at our Coombe
other equine
17
Our Sanctuary for Rescued Horses 2021
----- End of picture text -----
A safe sanctuary for horse owners
----- Start of picture text -----
To lead the
equine community
in new thinking and
better practice
----- End of picture text -----
We know that there is not one right way of caring for equines, but we do have expert understanding of the physical, psychological and social needs of horses and ponies. We can educate people in meeting these in ways that are based on current veterinary and equine science, including behavioural science.
We give non-judgemental advice and noshame support to any horse or pony carer through our Welfare Outreach and Advice team, but we are also able to step in and make a formal welfare intervention when needed. We aim to keep equines with their owners whenever it is safe or practical to do so.
owners received support from us that resulted in their horse or pony being able to stay with them.
Our plans for 2021-22:
Our impact in 2020-21
Highlights of our planned work to offer a safe sanctuary for horse owners next year:
129%
Highlights of our work to offer a safe sanctuary for horse owners in this period:
Increase the range of our horse care resources online and through online and onsite workshops, expanding on our successful series - The Confident Horse.
1
We achieved a 129% increase in traffic to our website’s advice pages (www. mareandfoal.org/horse-advice).
Explore the potential for providing an Equine Research Bursary to allow grant giving to improve equine welfare standards.
2
There were 236 separate episodes of advice resulting in positive welfare 236 outcomes. This advice was given faceto-face, by phone and by email.
We launched The Confident Horse webinar series. Our Equine Behaviourist, Anna Haines, ran the first webinar in September 2021 around the subject of enrichment. This paid-for series tackled common issues for horse owners offering solutions in line with our ethical handling policy.
3 4
Achieve the Helpline Standard Accreditation for our non-judgemental horse welfare advice line.
Review training, equipment and facilities needed to provide training for emergency services in equine rescue.
We launched a new scheme to help owners to privately rehome their horses and ponies. The Help to Home scheme provides practical support for owners who need to rehome their equine and ensure the most suitable home is found. This includes help to advertise the equine for rehoming, pre-checks by experienced staff to assess the horse’s individual needs, support to prepare the horse for rehoming and screening applicants.
5 6
Hold events to engage local communities in our emerging work on sustainable approaches to horse care.
Our non-judgemental telephone service was made available to all horse and pony owners who need advice and support. The helpline is staffed by our Welfare Outreach and Advice team from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Identify, align and disseminate appropriate national campaigns to raise awareness of equine welfare.
Get involved in appropriate welfare advocacy and policy influencing with a national and local focus.
7
18
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Solar’s story
A safe sanctuary for children, young people, families and adults
We provide human-equine interaction through equine assisted learning, equine assisted activities and outdoor learning in nature with our rescued horses and ponies.
Our programmes are designed to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of children, young people, families and adults. We do this through an inclusive, phased approach which is person-centred, developmental, experiential and outcome based.
We create a sense of sanctuary for people within our sanctuary for rescued horses and ponies.
Our equine-centred approach to equine assisted learning
Equine welfare is at the heart of everything we do. We primarily deliver our equine assisted learning and equine assisted activities programmes with our rescued horses and ponies at our beautiful 80acre Equestrian and Education Centre at Coombe Park in Devon. This is also one of our larger sanctuaries for horses in training for rehoming and will be our new base for our high-support facility for equines who have sanctuary for life.
The rescued horses and ponies which are part of our Education team have been specially selected for their highly attuned, peopleorientated temperaments. Participants can relate to our rescued horses’ stories of overcoming trauma and their recovery and resilience. Their care is managed by a senior equine specialist who monitors the horse’s needs and welfare during education sessions.
We love seeing the difference horses and ponies make in people’s lives and the difference people make in their lives.
20
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
The story of Your Sanctuary
6
We started to deliver a new programme funded by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign to get more women into physical activity. We offered 1.5 hours of physical activity in caring for horses and ponies over six weeks in term time to enable parents to attend. There will be six cohorts in total. The first cohort was made up of participants who came to us through our #HopeForCovidHeroes frontline worker wellbeing sessions.
Our impact in 2020-21
Highlights of our work to provide safe sanctuary for children, young people, families and adults in this period:
five star
Our Head Of Education, Dawn Neil, participated in a research interview with University of Gloucestershire exploring the positive impact of the Changing Lives Through Horses programme. An important part of our work is seeing the difference horses and ponies make in people’s lives, as well as the difference people make in theirs. Now more than ever, we know that caring for horses and ponies and being with them in nature is good for our health, happiness and wellbeing.
Despite two lockdowns in this period, we were still able to work with 111 new individuals 179 delivering 179 sessions. The total numbers of delivery hours was 880.5.
The sanctuary received a successful Riding School Licence Inspection on 21 April 2021. We were delighted to achieve a Higher Standard and five-star rating.
We continued to work with educational
organisations to offer human-equine interaction through equine assisted learning (EAL) projects such as Your Sanctuary and our Inspire, Explore and Empower programmes.
We hosted the first South West Equine Assisted Practitioners’ regional meeting on 16 October 2021 which was also one of the consultation meetings for the UK Human Equine Interaction Register, being led by a steering group of HETI UK members. There were 28 participants from 14 Equine Assisted Service providers based in the South West.
28
outdoor learning space
HETI forum
In 2021, our education officers developed an area of woodland at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre to use as an outdoor learning space with the help of some of our participants. We also purchased gardening
tools, gardening equipment, planters, a water butt and a small storage shed with funding from the Post Code Local Trust and a wildlife camera and denbuilding kit were purchased using funding from the Hedley Foundation. Dawn Neil said, “Having the woodland area as an additional learning space is wonderful, enabling the young people we support to simply be children! They are more relaxed, independent, willing to take risks, show responsibility and take notice and real care of the environment.”
We hosted the UK Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) Forum on 25 November 2020. This was the first online HETI UK Forum and we were honoured that three members of the HETI international executive committee also attended from the US, France and Finland. We gave the keynote presentation on building an equine team for EAL in an equine welfare charity. At the end of the event, Dr Marilyn Sokolof, international executive committee member based in the US, gave the vote of thanks and remarked on the sanctuary’s unique equine-centred approach.
Staff stepped up the training of EAL horses for group sessions and more one-to-one sessions after restrictions lifted. In many ways 2020-2021 was a more challenging period for the Education team than the previous year as there were multiple lockdowns. This presented obstacles in terms of participant numbers.
As federation members of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) UK, we took part in the development of a national initiative to offer one-to-one equine facilitated wellbeing sessions for frontline NHS staff who needed space and time to process their experiences after working through the Coronavirus pandemic. The #HopeForCovidHeroes initial pilot delivered the specialist equine-assisted wellbeing programme of ground and mounted sessions to 18 frontline workers over six months. The #HopeforCovidHeroes project was organised and provided through HETI UK’s participating members: God Unlimited Outdoor Therapy (Gul), Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities (ACPEA), Riding for the Disabled Associated (RDA), Horseback UK and Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy (FCRT).
More horses and ponies from across the sanctuary were identified to take part in groundbased activities as part of the Inspire phase of our EAL activities.
22
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
We’re unlocking a world of natural, wild beauty where ponies and people who were struggling can enjoy life again.
Highlights of our planned work to provide a safe sanctuary for children, young people, families and adults through equine assisted learning and equine assisted activities next year:
We will contribute to the evidence base
We will contribute to the evidence base for the benefits of equine assisted services 1 through research collaboration with an academic institution or wider collaborations with other EAS providers
We will deliver the full range of original EAL programmes 2
We will deliver the HETI Frontline Workers national equine-assisted 3 wellbeing project with results to inform an independent clinical evaluation
We will deliver Wellies for Wellness
nature-based learning with our rescued 4 horses and ponies to families in partnership with local organisations
We will further develop our learning spaces including the woodland area 5 and garden at Coombe Park
A Safe Sanctuary for Children, Young People, Families and Adults 2021
Sanctuary for life, thanks to our supporters
colouring books that have been donated to one of the sanctuary charity shops. The books were swapped by Home-Start volunteers who came over regularly to the sanctuary’s Reuse and Recycle Centre and were then sold on later to generate much needed income. We also attracted some positive press coverage over this period with articles in Horse and Hound, Horse and Rider and many local publications covering stories such as Sandy and Solar and our work controlling strangles on Dartmoor. We also featured in the BBC’s Escape to the Country series and enjoyed coverage of our frontline worker project on BBC Spotlight.
In 2021 Supporter Services had a backlog of donations. This was due to an increase in numbers of donations for our calendar, newsletter and adoption purchases and fewer staff available due to Covid and national lockdowns. We were able to resolve the issue for future mailings and are committed to responding to our supporters within five working days wherever possible. We are committed to working with the local community and joined forces with Home-Start Teignbridge to provide books for families during the pandemic. The collaboration between the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and Home-Start provided families in the Teignbridge area with pre-loved books, puzzles and
We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts to carry out our work and we are indebted to the individuals, organisations and companies for helping to sustain our ability to offer sanctuary for horses and ponies.
inspire course
Our impact £20,000
We launched our new online gift shop at www. mareandfoal.org/shop with our range of Mare and Foal Sanctuary gifts and goodies. With every purchase shoppers support the charity.
The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust
continued their generous support with a grant to support our Inspire course, which helps learners experience the many benefits of equine assisted learning and equine assisted activities outdoor in nature with our rescued horses and ponies.
We would like to thank the Hobson Charity who awarded us a grant of £20,000. Lady Hobson OBE and her fellow trustees responded to our urgent appeal for funding during the Coronavirus pandemic with an award to contribute to our essential veterinary costs, medicines and treatments.
£5,000
A big thank you to Mole Valley Newton Abbot for donating rugs to our Coombe Park sanctuary. We were especially grateful for the rugs in miniature sizes to fit our Shetlands and smaller ponies. In February, the Jain Animal Sanctuary donated £300 to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary. This year marked 15 years since their first donation in 2006 and their continued support is greatly appreciated.
We are pleased to say that the Pet Plan Charitable Trust has awarded us with a £5,000 donation. With the help of this grant the sanctuary will be able to create a new home for some of the ponies from South Manor which will be more suitable for their complex health care needs.
We would also like to thank the Hedley Foundation, who gave us £1,000 to purchase equipment for our outdoor learning programme at Coombe Park. The programme aims to improve young people’s health, happiness and wellbeing by being outside with horses and ponies in nature.
open days
Throughout the year, we maintained our programme of fundraising and digital communications and emphasised the impact of the donations and gifts we received through our newsletters, online content and virtual and onsite events.
The pandemic has brought many challenges for the sanctuary and one thing we’ve really missed is being able to welcome people to visit us. During the lockdowns we launched our Lockdown Diaries Live sessions, which gave people the opportunity to meet our friendly team and enjoy a virtual tour of our sanctuaries.
Open Days eventually took place at all our yards from August 2021 onwards. People attending were a mix of new supporters, adopters and longer-term supporters. The format of the Open Day was designed to boost supporter engagement and stewardship to maintain our long-term relationship with the supporter.
----- Start of picture text -----
24
----- End of picture text -----
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Erryn’s story
Our fundraising practices
The majority of fundraising income is generated from individual donors.
obtain our supporter’s feedback on the frequency of communications and ensure that we are meeting their expectations. In 2021, our survey suggested 94% of our supporters felt the sanctuary’s contact throughout the year was ‘about right’ and 98% of responders ‘definitely’ or ‘probably would’ continue supporting us into the next year. In addition to direct marketing, our Fundraising team engages in digital fundraising, sending informative news updates and fundraising appeals by email (where donors have opted in to receive marketing by email), organises events, runs our adoption scheme, supports fundraisers in the community and sources grant funding.
Our direct marketing includes sending fundraising appeals, informative newsletters and an annual calendar. This work is led and undertaken by our Fundraising team. The production and fulfilment of these mailings is supported by a contracted third party, with whom we manage and regularly monitor the work undertaken. Each mailing enables us to demonstrate our work and the impact it has on the horses and ponies we rescue, and provides a response mechanism for the donor, including options to donate and update their communication preferences, containing clear instructions on how to be removed from our mailing lists. Each year, we also undertake an annual survey to
Sanctuary for Life 2021
Our devoted staff and volunteers
Staff remained at work through the national lockdowns, with only the shops staff on full furlough. Some staff were on part-furlough, for example. Some of the Education team were still running some oneto-one inclusion sessions but unable to deliver the full range of courses.
We carry out an annual staff survey to constantly monitor and evaluate how we can support and develop our workforce. We were pleased that 96% understand our mission and goals, and 97% understand how their role contributes to the success of the charity.
We had 144 employees working at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary at the end of this period. Their dedication to the cause and the skills and experience they bring to their roles is the reason this year’s report reads so positively, despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Annual appraisals and professional development plans are completed for all staff. We also run a staff-led annual awards scheme to recognise those who demonstrate our values of kindness, care and knowledge in their daily work.
26
Lucy’s story
Lucy is a member of the Sanctuary Care team based at our moorland rescue facility in Yelverton. She joined us through the merger with South West Equine Protection (SWEP) in 2018 and has been involved with rehabilitating and training some of our most challenging moorland ponies. Her work with bay mare Wilma has been transformational.
Wilma was defensive and her behaviour was very unpredictable. She developed a strong bond with groom Lucy, whose calm approach has given Wilma the confidence she needs. Lucy began weight-bearing training with the help of a teddy bear. It was hoped that one day Wilma could go out on loan to a knowledgeable carer through our Sanctuary at Home scheme. Wilma was finally ready to be rehomed in 2021 and now has sanctuary at home with GB para dressage rider Anna-Mae Cole. Lucy is now working with two more challenging ponies - Tikka and Breeze. Tikka is a 13-year-old moorland mare who is very nervous around people and Breeze is a nine-year-old Dartmoor gelding who struggles with unwanted behaviour. Thanks to Lucy’s expertise and commitment to the sanctuary’s values of kindness, care and knowledge, Tikka and Breeze will now have the chance to come into their own. “I was told from a young age I have a way with horses,” explains Lucy. “Working with the more challenging horses allows me to broaden my knowledge so that I will be able to help more equines live a happy and long life. You build a very strong bond with each individual because they put so much trust into you - that in itself is an amazing experience.”
27
A sustainable sanctuary
The charity is developing a 25year rolling sustainability plan for exemplary equine welfare and site management which promotes nature conservation and preserves resources.
We are beginning to experiment with allowing our hedges to grow higher to provide natural shelter for horses, returning our grazing to traditional hay meadows, which are grazed for part of the year, and which will continue to give us our own hay crop whilst promoting biodiversity and habitat restoration. We are also looking at how we can combine the
need for more intensive grazing as the numbers of horses in sanctuary grows with more holistic approaches to grazing and land management. We are considering how we can move to sustainable energy sources. We will also be reviewing our approach to the types of vehicles we use for welfare activities.
28
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We have identified the need to develop an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan.
The trustees recognise that the board is more effective if it includes a variety of perspectives, experiences and skills. We also recognise that often people from groups which identify with the protected characteristics of the Equalities Act 2010, as well as people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, are those who also have had less access historically to involvement with horses and ponies, outdoor learning and nature-based activities. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is ideally located to offer opportunities for people from the Torbay and Plymouth coastal conurbations, which have higher levels of economic deprivation, to access horses, ponies and nature-based activities.
29
Our Commitment 2021
Our Financial Review
The charity is heavily reliant upon donations from its supporters .
Donations and gifts of £2,118,896 (2020 £2,174,465) were received in the year, this pays for the day-to-day shelter and food for the equines in our care and other charitable expenditure.
We also received £3,316,621 (2020 £1,687,147) of legacies during the year which makes a huge difference. Over recent years, it has been this legacy and regular donation income that has allowed the charity to increase its capacity and diversify its use of the sites it owns. We are extremely grateful to all of our loyal supporters who share our values and goals.
Following the easing of restrictions, we were able to recommence our retail and education activities as well as welcoming visitors to our open days on all sites. Our finance and investment committee continued to meet regularly throughout the year with close monitoring of both income and expenditure being undertaken.
Total expenditure of £4,905,880 (2020 £5,103,911) was incurred during the year, we regularly review our expenditure to ensure we get the best value possible.
The surplus for the year was £1,881,165 (2020 deficit £425,890).
Overall expenditure in the year was down on the previous year by £198k 3.9%. This decrease predominantly relates to expenditure on the Coombe Park development - a large project spanning 2019/20 and 2020/21 periods which covered essential remedial work to our site with a total cost of £860,340.
Wages costs rose by 4.7% in the financial year because of the April 2021 pay rises and lower than usual levels of sickness during the pandemic.
We also incurred higher than previous recruitment costs due to the challenging job market in the later part of the period. All other costs were closely controlled and most were consistent with previous years.
Income
----- Start of picture text -----
Charitable
activities activitiesTrading Other
1% 6% 3%
Investment
income
<1%
Donations Legacies
and gifts 54%
35%
----- End of picture text -----
Expenditure
----- Start of picture text -----
Raising
funds
27%
Charitible
Activities
73%
----- End of picture text -----
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary:
| Income Legacies Donations and gifts Investment income Charitable activities Trading activities Other Total |
2021 £ 3,316,621 2,118,896 25,820 64,039 392,750 199,987 |
2020 £ 1,687,147 2,174,465 59,735 15,699 373,615 331,191 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,118,113 | 4,641,852 | ||
| Expenditure Raising funds Charitible activities Total |
2021 £ 1,306,269 3,599,611 |
2020 £ 1,362,767 3,741,144 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,905,880 | 5,103,911 | |
Year Ended 31 October 2021
Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating Income & Expenditure Account)
| Income Note Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investment income 6 Total Income Expenditure Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total Expenditure Net gains on investments Proft on disposal of fxed assets Net income / (expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds at 1 November 2020 Total funds at 31 October 2021 |
Total Funds 2021 £ 5,635,504 25,820 392,750 64,039 |
Total Funds 2020 £ 4,192,803 15,699 373,615 59,735 |
|---|---|---|
| 6,118,113 | 4,641,852 | |
| 1,306,269 3,599,611 |
1,362,767 3,741,144 |
|
| 4,905,880 | 5,103,911 | |
| 339,274 329,658 1,881,165 |
36,169 425,890 |
|
| 1,881,165 | 425,890 | |
| 12,549,350 | 12,975,240 | |
| 14,430,515 | 12,549,350 | |
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, relating to small companies.
31
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Key Risks and Uncertainties
Specific Key risks:
Loss of key staff – In the later part of the year we experienced high levels of staff turnover, combined with a challenging recruitment environment. We have invested in our recruitment and retention activity including a salary review, improved performance management processes and reviews of satisfaction through our staff survey. We are also reviewing development pathways at all levels of the organisation.
Fall in donor income and retained reserves – Economic conditions and increased competition for donations and voluntary support will potentially reduce income below the levels required to continue to provide our core services. We are developing our income diversification including digital income streams and online engagement and we have produced plans for how the charity could operate in different income scenarios.
Safeguarding – Inadequate application of policy, procedures, training and awareness could present a safeguarding risk to staff, volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries. We have appointed a team of trained staff to lead on safeguarding. They have ensured all staff receive adequate training and regular training updates. Awareness raising activities have been carried out throughout the sanctuary and we consider our policies
and procedures to be fully embedded. We are actively involved with local networks for education and care providers and take part in additional safeguarding training opportunities.
Data governance – Failure to maintain upto-date data protection and information governance arrangements, in line with legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements, may result in a mishandling of data. We have a data protection officer and have undertaken a review of data we hold, our storage procedures and have implemented a data handling policy.
Maintenance of site infrastructure – high turnover of staff in our estates team and the lack of available external building contractors has resulted in slippage in our site maintenance which could over time lead to a fall in value of property and health and safety issues. We are recruiting to strengthen the estates team and are undertaking robust planning processes to ensure the backlog is cleared promptly.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Our Reserves Policy
The trustees consider the need to deliver our core services and to hold sufficient reserves to ensure sustainability in the light of uncertain and fluctuating income streams and cashflows.
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level which equates to approximately nine months budgeted expenditure (excluding retail expenditure) this being around £3,750,000. In arriving at the “free reserves” amount the trustees take the view the designated development fund and the designated property fund are not free reserves. These funds are linked to the charity’s fixed assets at the start of the year and capital programme for the year and the realisation of these funds would require disposal of property, land and other assets which could be time consuming.
The trustees believe that this will provide sufficient free reserves to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise and the charity has retained in excess of this figure at 31 October 2021.
The designated property fund for the group ended the year with a balance of £6,613,885. This reserve is to reflect the funds tied up in capital investments in farms and associated equipment.
The designed charity development fund has increased to £952,269. This reflects the sanctuaries plan for future growth and the support required to facilitate this development within the organisation.
Our Investment Policy
The trustees have the power to administer and manage the assets of the charity. They have delegated the preparation of advice on the invested parts of these assets to an investment subcommittee comprising of two trustees, the Director of Finance and the Chief Executive.
The Sanctuary appointed Rathbones to act on their behalf to professionally manage allocated funds on a discretionary basis and have entered into a formal written agreement with them. The sum invested with Rathbones has increased and now stands at around £3.4 million. This amount will be reviewed bi-annually by the Finance, Investment and Audit Committee.
The Charity has highlighted to its fund manager that investment decisions must be made with an awareness of the charity’s sensitivity to animal testing and animal-related issues which may cause pain or suffering.
The fund manager meets at least yearly with the charity’s Finance, Investment and Audit Committee, when the amount invested and the stated investment objective will be reviewed.
The investment objective is to reduce the level of finance investments in the period of our corporate strategy 2019-2023. In the meantime, we should attempt to preserve the invested sum through a balanced and diversified investment portfolio adopting a medium/low risk approach.
We are developing a programme related investment approach. As we transition between the approaches the amount invested in this portfolio as a percentage of total available funds should not be limited but will be kept under review.
33
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
The Trustees are responsible for keeping
accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 26/04/2022 and signed on their behalf by:
Elizabeth Gaffer Chair of Trustees
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Mare and Foal Sanctuary (the ‘Charity’) for the year ended 31 October 2021, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating Income and Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity as at 31 October 2021 and of the Charity’s results for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements
that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
-
the information given in the Strategic Report and Trustees’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
the Strategic Report and Trustees’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
35
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Continued
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Trustees’ Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Charity, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
certain disclosures of Trustees remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities set out on page 11, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
As part of our audit planning we obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that is applicable to the entity and the industry/ sector in which it operates to identify the key laws and regulations affecting the entity. As part of this assessment process we discussed with management the key laws and regulations.
The key laws and regulations we identified were those that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act and SORP. We discussed with management how the compliance with these laws and regulations in monitored and discussed policies and procedures in place.
We also identified the individuals who have responsibility for ensuring that the entity complies with laws and regulations and deals with reporting any issues if they arise.
As part of our planning procedures, we assessed the risk of any non-compliance with laws and regulations on the entity’s ability to continue trading and the risk of material misstatement to the accounts.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify noncompliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures involved the following:
-
Enquiries of management and those charged with governance regarding their knowledge of any non-compliance with laws and regulations that could affect the financial statements
-
Reviewed legal and professional costs to identify any possible non compliance or legal costs in respect of non compliance
reflected in the financial statements as we are less likely to become aware of instances of noncompliance. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
PKF Francis Clark,
Statutory Auditor
Sigma House Oak View Close Edginswell Park Torquay Devon TQ2 7FF
Date: 17/05/2022
- Reviewed Board minutes
Use of our report
As part of our enquiries we discussed with management whether there have been any known instances, allegations or suspicions of fraud, of which there have been none.
We also evaluated the risk of fraud through management override including that arising from management’s incentives. We determined that the principal risks were related to the overstatement of profit through the manipulation of cut-off, in respect of both income and expenditure.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements. This risk increases the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions
This report is made solely to the Charity’s Members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s Members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and its Members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Sharon Austen FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
37
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary:
Year Ended 31 October 2021
Balance Sheet
| Fixed assets Note Tangible fxed assets 11 Investments 12 Current assets Stock Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand 14 15 Liabilities Creditors - Amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Creditors - Amounts falling due after one year 17 Net assets Funded by: Restricted funds 18 Designated funds 18 General funds 18 Total funds 18 |
2021 £ 6,613,885 3,390,189 |
2020 £ 7,328,506 3,031,641 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,004,074 41,652 1,830,255 2,719,983 |
10,360,147 29,874 1,198,273 1,165,065 |
|
| 4,591,890 (158,623) |
2,393,212 (178,418) |
|
| 4,433,267 | 2,214,794 | |
| (6,826) 14,430,515 |
(25,591) 12,549,350 |
|
| 5,000 7,566,154 6,859,361 |
21,499 7,899,377 4,628,474 |
|
| 14,430,515 | 12,549,350 |
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, relating to small companies.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 26/04/2022 and signed on their behalf, by: Elizabeth Gaffer , Chair of Trustees
Statement of Cashflows
| Note Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash fow from operating activities: Net income / (expenditure) Adjustments to cash fows from non-cash items: Depreciation 11 Investment management fees Returns on investments and servicing of fnance Proft on sale of fxed assets Revaluation of Investments Interest paid Interest received (Increase) in stock (Increase) / Decrease in debtors 14 (Decrease) in creditors 16 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash fows from investing activities Interest income Proceeds from the sale of fxed assets Acquisitions of tangible fxed assets Cash provided by / (used in) investing activities Cash fows from fnancing activities New HP lease Capital repayment of HP lease Interest paid Net cash (used in) / provided by fnancing activities Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
2021 £ 1,881,165 238,863 22,119 (41,393) (329,658) (339,274) 876 (65) (11,778) (631,982) (19,795) |
2020 £ (425,890) 259,337 20,284 (42,405) (36,169) 802 (157) 489,820 (42,300) |
|---|---|---|
| 769,078 | 223,636 | |
| 65 967,760 (162,344) |
1,646 (191,030) |
|
| 805,481 | (189,384) | |
| (18,765) (876) |
63,421 (18,990) (802) |
|
| (19,641) | 43,629 | |
| 1,554,918 1,165,065 |
77,881 1,087,184 |
|
| 2,719,983 | 1,165,065 | |
38 Company Registration Number: 07584914
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Notes and Accounting Policies
Year Ended 31 October 2021
1 . Accounting Policies
a) Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items being recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the notes to these accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. The functional and presentational currency is sterling.
b) Going Concern
As set out in the Trustees report under section 11 (Finance Review) including the reserves policy, the charity has free reserves in excess of the policy level. Based on forecast financial information and current cash reserves, in the directors’ option it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on the going concern basis.
c) Fund accounting
Restricted funds comprise funds subject to specific trusts that must be applied for specific purposes.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
d) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The key critical judgement and estimate that the trustees have made in the process of applying the company’s accounting policies and that
has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is in respect of legacy income recognition. For those legacies which are probable, and therefore are included within income, but for which the final amount is not confirmed, the trustees have decided to generally recognise 90% of the expected income and deduct a further £5,000£15,000 for those legacies including property, except when specific circumstances apply.
e) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.
Gifts donated for resale are included in income when they are sold. Donated services or facilities, are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable. No income is recognised where there is no financial cost borne by a third party.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
39
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
f) Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources:
Raising funds are those costs incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. They include the costs incurred in operating the charity’s shops.
Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the welfare, grazing and stabling of horses and ponies.
Irrecoverable VAT is included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the appropriate expenses heading.
h) Operating lease agreements
Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
i) Finance lease agreements
Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability using the rate implicit in the lease. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
j) Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. The company holds the following financial instruments, all of which are considered to be basic:
- Short term trade and other debtors and creditors
m) Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amount payable by the company to the pension fund in respect of the year.
g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Fixed assets are included at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is not charged on freehold land.
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset less its estimated residual value over the useful economic life of that asset on a straight line basis as follows:
k) Investments
Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the period.
l) Financial Instruments
Freehold buildings 2%/4%/10% per annum Motor vehicles 20% per annum Furniture, fittings and equipment 20% per annum IT Equipment 33% per annum Database 20% per annum
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments.
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Charitable Status
5. Income from other trading activities
Year Ended 31 October 2021
2 . Charitable Status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The charitable company was incorporated in England and Wales.
Income from donations and legacies
3.
| Donations and gifts Legacies Other Government Grants Total |
2021 £ 2,118,896 3,316,621 199,987 5,635,504 |
2020 £ 2,174,465 1,687,147 331,191 4,192,803 |
|---|---|---|
Donations income includes £11,961 (2020: £91,499) of restricted income.
4. Income from charitable activities
| Adoptions Shows and rides Total |
2021 £ 24,398 1,422 25,820 |
2020 £ 14,788 911 |
|---|---|---|
| 15,699 | ||
| Income from other trading activities 5. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Shop takings Coombe Park facility hire Cafe and Gift Shop Education Total |
2021 £ 362,661 30,089 |
2020 £ 367,968 119 310 5,218 |
| 392,750 | 373,615 | |
6.
Investment Income
| Rent Investment income Interest receivable Total |
2021 £ 22,581 41,393 65 |
2020 £ 17,328 40,761 1,646 |
|---|---|---|
| 64,039 | 59,735 | |
7. Analysis of expenditure on raising funds
| Advertising Other costs Printing and postage Database management Banking charges Investment management fees Wages and salaries Charity shops – overheads and cost of goods sold Support costs Total |
2021 £ 23,970 38,735 273,691 16,761 20,065 22,119 381,465 498,060 31,403 |
2020 £ 24,991 43,458 318,020 50,335 18,623 20,284 356,141 499,095 31,820 1,362,767 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,306,269 | 1,362,767 | |
41
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary:
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating Income & Expenditure Account) Year Ended 31 October 2021
8.
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
9. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Animal feed and general welfare Veterinary and Farrier fees Passports Rent Other property costs Repairs, maintenance and cleaning Motor and travel (including staff fares) Telephone Sundry expenses Wages and salaries National Insurance Pension costs Trustees’ indemnity insurance Support costs Total |
2021 £ 145,353 309,550 - 2,689 24,870 121,369 26,302 10,712 19,831 1,182,562 87,987 21,093 1,807 1,645,486 3,599,611 |
2020 £ 167,544 270,263 1,919 4,987 45,969 267,199 27,614 12,291 16,369 1,138,965 85,068 14,342 1,635 1,686,979 3,741,144 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,599,611 | ||
All expenditure on charitable activities is incurred for the provision of sanctuary and welfare.
| Motor, travel and subsistence Bank and credit card charges Establishment costs Postage, printing, stationery and offce Telephone and communication Sundry expenses Light and heat Repairs and renewals Professional fees Wages and salaries National Insurance Pension cost Recruitment costs Depreciation Auditor’s remuneration Other accountancy fees Total |
Raising Funds £ 13,378 3,813 7,765 580 3,928 1,389 550 |
Charitable Activities £ 17,147 12,020 69,453 8,546 16,722 56,381 26,866 443,178 614,675 45,734 10,964 16,664 12,000 2,873 53,400 238,863 |
Total 2021 £ 17,727 12,020 82,831 8,546 20,535 56,381 30,794 450,943 54,789 614,675 45,734 10,964 12,000 2,873 17,214 238,863 |
Total 2020 £ 31,601 9,915 92,205 6,242 18,825 29,893 13,455 560,574 32,080 598,315 41,580 7,987 259,337 10,000 6,935 1,718,799 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31,403 | 1,645,486 | 1,676,889 | 1,718,799 | |
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
One employee earned (excluding employers pension and NIC) more than £80,000 and less than £90,000 (2020: none) and no employee earned (excluding employers pension and NIC) more than £70,000 and less than £80,000 (2020: one employee).
The key management personnel comprises five people (2020: five). The aggregate employee benefits payable to the directors for the year (including employers pension and NIC) was £301,715 (2020: £291,848). No remuneration was paid to trustees.
Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, 10. and the cost of key management personnel
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Total |
2021 £ 2,443,773 181,827 43,592 2,669,192 |
2020 £ 2,351,809 167,241 31,171 2,550,221 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees (headcount) during the year was:
| Charity shops Provision of sanctuary and welfare Fundraising Total |
2021 Number 25 88 18 |
2020 Number 23 92 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 131 | 131 | |
The number of FTE equivalent employees during the year was:
| Charity shops Provision of sanctuary and welfare Fundraising Total |
2021 Number 17 |
2020 Number 19 |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 73 | |
| 14 | 13 | |
| 111 | 105 | |
11. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 November 2020 Additions Disposals At 31 October 2021 Depreciation At 1 November 2020 Charge for the period Disposals At 31 October 2021 |
Freehold Property £ 8,523,593 75,653 (752,763) |
Motor Vehicles £ 233,672 81,799 (43,720) |
Furniture, Fittings & Equipment £ 331,095 4,892 (41,307) |
IT Equipment £ 45,944 |
Database £ 52,470 |
Total £ 9,186,774 162,344 (837,790) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,846,483 | 271,751 | 294,680 | 45,944 | 52,470 | 8,511,328 | |
| 1,398,683 159,152 (130,293) |
115,215 44,056 (28,088) |
276,585 20,340 (41,307) |
15,315 15,315 |
52,470 | 1,858,268 238,863 (199,688) |
|
| 1,427,542 | 131,183 | 255,618 | 30,630 | 52,470 | 1,897,443 | |
Net Book Value
| At 31 October 2021 At 31 October 2020 |
6,418,941 | 140,568 | 39,062 | 15,314 | 6,613,885 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,124,910 | 118,457 | 54,509 | 30,629 | 7,328,506 | ||
The net book value of assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:
| Furniture, fttings and equipment IT Equipment |
2021 £ 11,972 15,314 |
2020 £ 14,612 30,629 |
|---|---|---|
43
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
12. Fixed Asset Investments
| Market value At 1 November 2020 Additions at cost Additions to shares Sale of shares Revaluations Charges At 31 October 2021 |
Listed Securities £ 2,937,295 - 619,768 -524,408 339,274 - |
Unlisted Securities £ 94,245 41,393 (619,768) 524,408 - (22,119) |
Other investments £ 101 - - - - - |
Total £ 3,031,641 41,393 - - 339,274 (22,119) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,371,929 | 18,159 | 101 | 3,390,189 | |
13. Stock
| Stock 13. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Animal supplies and goods for resale | 2021 £ 41,652 |
2020 £ 29,874 |
14. Debtors: Due within one year
| Other taxation and social security Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Legacies receivable |
2021 £ 21,955 16,816 813 188,629 1,602,042 |
2020 £ 34,197 332 64 160,366 1,003,314 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,830,255 | 1,198,273 | |
15. Cash at Bank and in Hand
| Cash at Bank and in Hand 15. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2021 £ 2,719,983 |
2020 £ 1,165,065 |
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Notes and Accounting Policies
Year Ended 31 October 2021
18. Funds
16. Creditors: Due within one year
| Net obligations under fnance leases and hire purchase contracts Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Other creditors |
2021 £ 18,840 92,675 44,293 2,815 |
2020 £ 18,840 138,817 20,761 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 158,623 | 178,418 | ||
Restricted funds
- Funds received for specific purposes including facility improvements works, environmental upgrades and to fund essential vet fees.
Property and fixed asset designated fund
- The Trustees have separately identified funds tied up in property and other tangible fixed assets, as these funds, by their nature, are not freely available for the day to day use of the charity. The transfer into this fund represents the movement in fixed assets during the year.
Charity development designated fund
- The balance of £578,450 at 01/01/2020 represented planned capital spends for the completion of the work at Coombe Park. The amount carried forward of £952,269 represented planned capital spend and future significant capital plans e.g., Cornwall Farm.
17. Creditors: Due after one year
| Creditors: Due after one year 17. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net obligations under fnance leases and hire purchase contracts | 2021 £ 6,826 |
2020 £ 25,591 |
|
| 6,826 | 25,591 | ||
Remaining funds (i.e. those not designated or invested in fixed assets).
- Represent the free reserves of the charity.
45
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
18. Funds (continued)
| Restricted funds Trust income Designated funds Property and fxed asset designated fund Charity development designated fund General funds General free reserves Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
Brought Forward £ 21,499 7,320,927 578,450, |
Income £ 11,961 44,978 |
Expenditure £ (28,460) (238,863) (238,863) |
Transfers In/Out £ (797,837) 328,841 |
Gains (Losses) £ 329,658 329,658 339,274 668,932 668,932 |
Carried Forward £ 5,000 6,613,885 952,269 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,899,377 | 44,978 | (468,996) | 7,566,154 | |||
| 4,628,474 | 6,061,174 | (4,638,557) | 468,996 | 6,859,361 | ||
| 12,527,851 | 6,106,152 | (4,877,420) | 14,425,515 | |||
| 12,549,350 | 6,118,113 | (4,905,880) | 14,430,515 | |||
19. Operating Lease Commitments
| At 31 October 2021, the Charity had total future minimum lease payments as follows: In less than 1 year Within 2-5 years Over 5 years During the year lease payments totalling £112,759 (2020: £85,575) were recognised as an expense. |
2021 £ 81,890 268,400 86,021 |
2020 £ 85,575 155,644 26,000 267,219 |
|---|---|---|
| 436,311 | ||
20. Related Party Transactions
During the year the charity paid travel expenses totalling £666 (2020: £1,318) to two (2020: three) trustees.
21. Pension
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The contributions paid from unrestricted funds by the charity to the fund during the year totalled £43,592 (2020: £30,171).
46
Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2021
Xantus and Jacky’s story
47
Honeysuckle Farm Haccombe-with-Combe Newton Abbot TQ12 4SA
www.mareandfoal.org 01626 355969 supporters@mareandfoal.org
Registered Charity Number 1141831 in England and Wales © Mare and Foal Sanctuary 2022