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← Horse Sense Wirral

2023-10-31-accounts

Horse Sense Wirral

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended

31[st] October 2023

Registered Charity No: 1152111

Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] October 2023

Contents Page
Trustees and Advisers 1
Report of the Trustees 2 – 5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 - 10
Detailed Income and Expenditure 11

1

Horse Sense Wirral

Trustees and Advisers for the year ended 31[st] October 2023

Trustees:

Amy Pirie Shaun Pirie Rachel Tyrie

Correspondence Address:

Lodge Farm Neston Road Thornton Hough Wirral CH63 1JF

2

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] October 2023

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] October 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 9 and comply with the Charity’s Trust Deed and applicable law, including the Statement of Recommended Practice, “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP 2005).

History, Objectives and Activities of the Charity

Horse Sense Wirral became a registered charity on 20[th] May 2013 and, since successful registration, we have concentrated on increasing our public profile in order to increase income to stabilise our finances for the future. This includes holding public events, increasing online publicity and the distribution of collection boxes amongst local shops.

Our objectives are to relieve pain and suffering in animals, particularly horses and ponies, by providing ample love and care, including veterinary care when required, in order to be able to find them a new home when recovered. However, a number of ponies do have to stay within the sanctuary for life due to ongoing medical care and management.

Management and Governance Arrangements

The Charity is managed and governed by the Trustees detailed on the previous page.

Procedures and Policy for Grant Making

The Charity has a Finance Manager for the purpose of grant searching and applications. Our Trustees and Volunteers also regularly compose and send applications to local businesses, seeking donations of items required for repair works etc.

Financial Review, Investment Policy and Reserves

Over the last 12 months, we have tried various methods of raising money, including open days, pony and small animal adoptions, virtual fostering, online raffles, online shows, collection tins, online auctions, cake sales and recycling of old horse rugs. Fundraising has been particularly hard due to the high ‘cost of living’ increase. Those projects that have been successful, we will continue to operate into 2024 and also apply for grants to make improvements to the running of the charity. Along with the support of the public, these donations have enabled us to maintain the high standard of care we pride ourselves on.

Our main fundraising aim for 2024, other than day to day costs, is to continue a high standard in all aspects of rescue and animal welfare, as a charity.

Achievements and Performance of the Charity

In 2023, we installed an outdoor fishpond due to an increase in demand for taking large fish.

We installed a Vet Room in 2022, making it easier for our Vets to treat the animals on-site, keeping our costs down.

After Covid19, we have built up our volunteer numbers, getting back to pre Covid numbers.

3

Since rescuing a pony (Copper) in August 2019, we established a good relationship with the Guardians of the Carneddau Mountain Ponies, making ourselves available to help with any poorly ponies and we also attended the annual gatherings in November each year with our Vet, Luke Edwards of Leahurst Equine Practice, to perform health checks on the herd and remove any in poor condition or injured. These ponies roam free on rough terrain over thousands of acres. After finding several very poorly ponies, we started looking more closely as to what the problems may be. We worked with the Guardians and our Vets to research any change in the environment that may have affected their health. This enabled the Guardians to implement changes where possible to keep this rare breed healthy.

Our reputation takes us down many avenues; we are keen to advise horse owners on welfare issues to enable them to make changes, where necessary, to keep their horses healthy. We are also happy to work with other rescue teams and give advice to new rescuers, who like our principles, to give a good foundation going forward.

Our biggest achievements so far are:-

To save and turn around the lives of several Carnaddeu ponies, rehabilitate and rehome them.

To erect a purpose built duck house, with large pond, and erect more secure post and rail fencing.

Our Chair to be a finalist at the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Award ceremony held in London in 2014 .

To move to bigger, better equipped premises. Although a huge undertaking, we felt we needed to make the move in order to reach the demands put on the charity due to the current equine crisis. The premises are more easily accessible for the public and this has opened many doors already.

We are proud to be able to work very closely with Leahurst Equine Practice and their students, offering hands on experience.

We have also been awarded several grants, which has enabled us to demolish the old barbed wire fencing and rebuild with post and rail, for the horses safety, and so we are more accessible for the public on open days.

We have converted one of our barns to an arena, to make more suitable for our needs, giving us year round cover for rehabilitating the horses. We update our website and media sites regularly, which not only reaches the general public but allows us to publish animal welfare guidance and information to help educate and inform the public.

The charity offered its services, free of charge, to victims of a nearby gas explosion in New Ferry in 2017, to temporarily house any family pets affected. Working with the emergency services to enter the "No go zone" to rescue or to feed any pets too scared to come out of the rubble.

Our income and public support is steadily growing, since achieving Charity status.

Over the years we have built on a successful training program, working with schools, colleges and universities. We offer work experience throughout the year and, through recommendations, are receiving more requests to work alongside these establishments.

We have also built a strong relationship with vulnerable volunteers. We find those with mental health issues, such as OCD, PTSD and Anxiety, adapt well working with the animals and their tutors/guardians see a vast improvement.

4

Risk Assessment

We have a risk of infectious diseases, to which we stay alert, and we call upon the professional knowledge of Leahurst Veterinary Practice to reduce the likelihood of such diseases spreading.

There are also risks of accidents as we work with horses (especially young and unhandled) which we take steps to avoid as best as we can by alerting everyone who comes into contact with the horses of the potential dangers and health and safety procedures we require i.e. protective hats/footwear. All our Volunteers are required to sign a contract of employment, which also outlines the safety procedures required.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the Charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the Charity, and which remain available in case of need. The Trustees regularly discuss the portfolio and future requirements of the Charity. The Trustees believe that it is prudent to ensure that there are sufficient funds to provide financial flexibility for the current running and future development of the Charity’s objectives and unforeseen events.

Future Plans

The Trustees intend to continue to fulfill the objectives of the Charity by increasing publicity and fundraising. Our aim in 2024 is to continue to raise awareness and to educate and give support to the general public on welfare matters. Our aim is to be the best we can in our field.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

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:

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 Reports) Regulations 2008 and 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.

5

Independent Examiner

The Trustees have appointed Keith Penny to undertake the independent examination of the Trust for the financial year ending 31[st] October 2023.

Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year were:

Amy Pirie Shaun Pirie Rachel Tyrie

New Trustees are appointed by Deed of Appointment by the continuing Trustees.

The Trustees received no emoluments during the year. There are no other employees.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 5[th] July 2024

Amy Pirie Trustee

6

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Horse Sense Wirral

Charity Number 1152111

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st October 2023 which are set out on pages 6 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Date: 6[th] July 2024

7

Horse Sense Wirral

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st October 2023

Restricted
Funds 2023
Unrestricted
Funds 2023
£
£
Incoming resources
Incoming resources
from generated funds
Voluntary income:
Fundraising activities
other donations received
33,000
142,356)
Liveries and Storage
-
12,325
)
Total Incoming resources
33,000
154,681
)
Resources expended
Charitable Activities
Charitable activity costs
27,000
157,933)
Governance costs
Professional fees
-
-
)
Total resources expended
27,000
157,933
)
Surplus/(Deficit) in Year
6,000
(3,252)
Funds brought forward
16,543
15,347
)
Funds carried forward (Note 3)
22,543
12,095
)		 Total
2023
£
175,356
12,325
187,681
184,933
-
184,933
2,748
31,890
34,638		 Total
2022
£
166,174)
10,786
)
176,960
)		 Total
2022
£
166,174)
10,786
)
176,960
)

179,974)
-
)
179,974
)

(3,014)
34,904
)

31,890
)

All activities of the Charity are continuing.

8

Horse Sense Wirral

Balance Sheet

at 31st October 2023

Notes
Fixed Assets
2
Current Assets
Debtors, Prepayments and
Stock
Cash at bank and in hand
Current Liabilities
Net Current Assets
Total Assets Less
Liabilities
Funds
Unrestricted funds
3
Restricted funds
3
Total Funds		 £
16,305
8,393
24,698
12,103		 2023
£
22,043
12,595
34,638
12,595
22,043
34,638		 £
34,323
4,869
39,192
23,845		 2022
£
16,543
15,347
31,890
15,347
16,543
31,890

9

Horse Sense Wirral

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st October 2023

1. Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Charities SORP 2005 (Accounting and Reporting by Charities) and comply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 issued under the Charities Act 2011.

Grants and Donations Received

Grants, donations and similar incoming resources are included in the year to which they relate.

Investment Income

Investment income is recognised in the year in which it is receivable.

Taxation

The Trust is a registered charity (number 1152111) and in the opinion of the Trustees, the exemptions from the charge to tax on income and capital gains under Section 505 ICTA and Section 256 TCGA 1992 are satisfied. Accordingly no liability to taxation arises.

Resources Expended

Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Cash Flow

The trust is exempt from the requirements to include a cash flow statement as part of its financial statements on the basis that it is a small reporting entity.

Fund Accounting

Details of the nature and purpose of each fund is set out in note 3.

10

Horse Sense Wirral

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st October 2023

2. Fixed Assets

Cost as at 31stOctober 2022
Additions
Cost as at 31st October 2023
Depreciation - at 31stOctober 2022
-
in Year
Depreciation as at 31st October 2023
Net Book Value at 31st October 2023
Net Book Value at 31stOctober 2022		 49,889
9,500

59,389
33,346
4,000

37,346
22,043
16,543
3
.
Movement in
Reserves
Year Ended 31st
October 2022
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Restricted funds
Fixed assets
Bedding & Vet’s Fees
Movement in Reserves
Year Ended 31st
October 2023
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Restricted funds
Fixed assets
Bedding/Vet’s
Fees/Fencing		 At
1.11.2
1
Incoming
Resources
Resource
s
Expended
Surplus
(Deficit
)
Transfe
r
At
31.10.2
2
16,711
161,960
162,274 (314)
(1,050)
15,347
18,193
2,700(2,700)
1,050)
16,543
_
15,000
15
,000
-
)
____
-
34,904
176,960
179
,974
(3,014)
-
)
31,890
At
1.11.2
2
Incoming
Resources
Resource
s
Expended
Surplus
)
(Deficit
)
Transfe
r
At
31.10.2
3
15,347
154,681
157,933(3,252)
500)
12,595
16,543
10,000
4,0006,000)
(500)
22,043
-
23,000
23
,000
-
)
-
)
-
31,890
187,681
184
,933
2,748
)
-
)
34,638

Contingencies and Commitments

There were no contingent liabilities or financial commitments at 31st October 2023.

5. Trustee Expenses and Remuneration

No expenses or remuneration were paid to any of the Trustees.

Amy and Shaun Pirie live on the site, rent free. The house is used as offices and by volunteers.

11

Horse Sense Wirral Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st October 2023

2023
2023
Restricted
Unrestricted
£
£
Grants, donations and
fundraising
33,000
142,356
Liveries and storage
______
12,325
Income
33,000
154,681
Bank Charges
2,690
Vet Fees
9,000
37,286
Feed Bedding and Laundry
9,000
47,833
Rent
-
36,000
Insurance
-
2,631
Event Costs
-
6,116
Fencing and Repairs
5,000
6,033
Printing and Stationery
-
978
Travel
-
1,050
Sundry
-
464
Phone
-
2,184
Utilities
-
14,668
Depreciation
4,000
-
Expenditure
27,000
157,933
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
6,000
(3,252)		 2023
Total
£
175,356
12,325
187,681
2,690
46,286
56,833
36,000
2,631
6,116
11,033
978
1,050
464
2,184
14,668
4,000
184,933
2,748		 2022
£
166,174
10,786
176,960
240
53,640
54,744
36,000
2,119
6,650
6,748
934
819
307
1,700
13,373
2,700

179,974
(3,014)