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2025-08-31-accounts

KNOWN AS DIGSWELL PLACE RDA Charity Number: 1163233

DIGSWELL PLACE GROUP RIDING FOR DISABLED CIO

Trustees' Annual Report

From 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025

Another record year for sessions delivered

This year the Digswell Place team delivered a record 2,144 equine therapy sessions from our purpose-built Yard.

A fantastic achievement, 2,144 life changing experiences delivered for participants through the special bond between horse and human. It’s thanks to the extraordinary Digswell Place community that this is possible; 132 volunteers, a wonderful equine team, dedicated Yard team and all underpinned by strong support from our local community.

Thank you to everyone involved in Digswell Place for making this possible and for helping to enrich so many lives through horses in such a special place. Sue Clarke Chair Trustees Digswell Place Group RDA

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 1

1. Objectives & Activities

Purpose - What we do

The purposes of the charity are set out in the RDA Member Group Constitution:

The objects for which the CIO is established are to promote the objects of the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving a charity registered under charity number 244108 ("RDA") by providing disabled people with the opportunity to ride to benefit their health and well- being in the Welwyn, Hatfield, Stevenage, Hertford, St. Albans and surrounding area.

Digswell Place RDA is a member group of RDA UK.

Our Activities

Operating from purpose-built volunteer led facilities, provided exclusively for charitable purposes; we offer outdoor riding and equine based therapeutic activities for children and adults with disabilities . Where there is capacity and with consideration to our Equine Welfare Policy, we support any adult or child with a mental or physical disability who may benefit. Participants can be referred by medical professionals, educational bodies or apply direct. Applicants are assessed in line with RDA UK practices and policies, to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for them to participate.

Ridden and non ridden activities offered

In addition to riding therapy, non ridden activities are offered for those who may not want to ride, or who are outside our safety criteria for ridden activities. Demand for these services grew post Covid and continue to be relevant for future development.

Every therapeutic activity delivers tailored benefits for individualparticipant needs: Every therapeutic activity delivers tailored benefits for individualparticipant needs: Every therapeutic activity delivers tailored benefits for individualparticipant needs:
Therapeutic Riding
Physio and physiological benefits
through the movement of the
horse and acquiring a new skill.		 Horse care
Quality time with horses grooming,
leading and learning horse care
and equine welfare knowledge.		 Tea with a Pony
A safe and supportive activity for
people with disabilities or long-
term conditions, such as dementia.
Aids mobility, core strength and
balance
Improves general fitness and
health
Opportunities to progress and
compete		 Promotes physical and emotional
wellbeing
Skills development		 Multi -sensory
Good for memory, alertness &
engagement
Intergenerational for participants,
families & carers
All underpinned by additional benefits: All underpinned by additional benefits: All underpinned by additional benefits:
Learning opportunities Social development skills Outdoor exercise
Challenges & encourages
achievement.
Achievements recognised through
RDA accredited awards.
Lessons include fun learning
activities alongside equestrian skills.		 Confidence building through learning
new skills.
Combating anxiety through
connecting with horses & ponies.
Interaction with other participants,
carers, volunteers and coaches.
Involvement in fundraising &
Digswell Community activities.		 Two outdoor schools
surrounded by fields and
trees.
Hacks in local woods give
access to nature for those
whose mobility may make
such activities challenging.
Safe walkway for non ridden
activities.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 2

We provide up to100 therapeutic sessions per week in two outdoor arenas or in the adjacent woods. Sessions are run by 13 RDA UK Accredited volunteer coaches and 132 volunteer helpers, all trained to RDA UK standards. Attendees come from local specialist schools, children supported in attending from mainstream schools & colleges together with private adult attendees.

Our equines are at the heart of what we do

Our specially trained horses and ponies are loved by all at Digswell Place, and every care is taken to ensure their health and wellbeing:

We are a volunteer led organisation

Without our 132 volunteers we could not achieve our charitable aims, their commitment enables us to operate at the level we do. Volunteer helpers prepare the horses and ponies, lead the ponies, sidewalk and Coach. As well as ensuring the day-to-day needs of their allocated ponies are met, minders contribute a small amount to the upkeep of their pony and volunteer in session/fundraising roles. Members of the Management Committee and Trustees are also helpers, coaches, participants and pony carers. The volunteer maintenance team keeps the Yard safe and serviceable by maintaining fencing, paddock & facilities.

As an inclusive organisation, our RDA UK insurance covers volunteers up to age 90. Whether directly involved with horses and participants or with tea making, fundraising and ground activities there's plenty of opportunities for volunteers to develop and continue their time with the Group.

Powered by strong community support

Many volunteers have been involved since our early years and happily share their experience with new and younger volunteers. Strong links between our volunteers and the local community support us in fundraising and profile-raising activities.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 3

Involvement benefits volunteers too

Learning new skills
Equine skills not a prerequisite to joining		 •
Learn or improve equine skills
•
RDA UK accredited training provided
•
Access to specialist training to support
participants
•
Progression opportunities within the
Groupand across RDA nationally
Socialising
Intergenerational across participants & other
volunteers		 •
Meeting new people
•
Combating social isolation
•
Working as part of a team
•
Helping at & attending fundraising
events
Outdoor exercise
Reaching those who may not otherwise access
exercise facilities		 •
Interacting with horses
•
Preparing ponies and clearing stables
•
Walking in the woods or the arena with
participants
•
Maintainingthe Yard and fields

All new volunteers undergo an application process, reference and DBS checks in line with RDA UK Safeguarding Policies. In addition to our own volunteers, when able, we welcome placement students, and host working parties to assist with larger maintenance & facilities projects.

Supporting the core volunteer base we have; a freelance advanced Coach, a full time employed Equine Manager and 2 part time Grooms. These paid roles are critical to the charity in ensuring continuity in delivering its charitable aims and public benefit.

Every session provided is subsidised by our own fundraising

The true cost of providing a session is not passed on to our participants. We aim to be an affordable, inclusive and accessible organisation. The cost of each session provided is around £43, participants are asked to contribute 27% of that cost at £14 per session, this was raised to £15 in January 2025 to reflect rising costs. The balance is funded by our own fundraising. Bursaries are available to offset all or part of a rider’s contribution so that financial hardship is not a barrier to benefiting from our activities. One bursary was awarded in accordance with our Bursary Policy during the financial year.

We confirm that the trustees of Digswell Place RDA have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 4

2. Achievements, performance and impact

Continued growth in sessions delivered year on year A record 2,144 therapeutic sessions delivered

Participant impact in numbers: Source RDA UK 2025

And in their own words:

A recent heartfelt thank you note: “….I wanted to tell you just how incredibly grateful I am for all that you have done for me..…. you welcomed me with open arms. You saw past my difficulties and helped me to recognise my strengths instead. Every one of you has been SO kind, compassionate & accommodating of me at all times and I am so thankful for you and the wonderful work of the Charity.”

From a new rider: “I only started recently but I have been made to feel v welcome and part of a very friendly group. It can be a bit intimidating to be expected to perform tasks that are new but everyone is supportive and kind.”

And a rider who started riding with us 9 years ago aged 2: “It’s so much fun to trot, go into the woods and have lessons in the big sand arena”

And in smiles!

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 5

Achievements - Continually extending outreach and profile:

Improving wider community communications; introduction of regular newsletters for both participants and volunteers and a special summer thank-you tea to recognise the contribution of our volunteers

Continued social media growth; keeping our community of volunteers, participants and supporters engaged with regular updates and news Insta and Facebook. 1,545 people now follow our Facebook page, up from 1400 last year. Instagram introduced with 629 followers

Biannual Open days; a chance for all in our community, including local residents, parents, carers, volunteers and their families to visit the Yard, watch ridden demonstrations, take part in family activities and learn more about the Group.

Achievements - Net fundraising holding steady

Along with our regular established events the hugely successful annual ball, Dogs & Daffs at Hatfield House and grants, legacy gifts and one-off donations from supporters, additional fundraising came from:

Sponsor a Pony

Recognising that our core fundraising was heavily reliant on a few large physical events, Sponsor a Pony was launched in 2023 to generate regular donation income. Whilst initial results were positive an alternative regular giving programme may be effective; this will be reviewed in 2025/2026.

3. Financial Review

This year, as in prior years, we have financed all expenditure from available cash funds, continuing our underlying principle which is to ensure we do not pass on any debt to future years.

We have used the Charity Commission’s template Receipts and Payments statement and Statement of Assets and Liabilities to record the charity’s receipts and payments for the year ended 31 August 2025 together with comparable figures for the previous year. These have been independently examined, are included in this report and should be read in conjunction with this review

Overall performance

Despite 2024/2025 being a challenging year for us (having had to replace 2 more equines), our reserves have only decreased by 1K.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 6

Principal Sources of Funding

Overall, the Group saw a 21K increase in total income (net of fundraising costs), which was largely due to Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management continuing to sponsor us as their Charity of the Year.

Net income from our core activities has increased by 3K this year which is extremely encouraging. Minder income remained constant with the previous year.

Our locally held fundraising events and activities have been bolstered by reinstating old favourites and finding new ones. Our team of volunteers are very enthusiastic and encourage the local Community to support our events.

Statement of assets and liabilities

As at 31 August 2025 we had cash reserves of £164Kwhich is only a decrease of 1K on the previous year. Considering we had to replace 2 more equines in this financial year, this is very encouraging.

Policy notes

Reserves Policy

This year trustees have again reviewed the appropriateness of the Reserves Policy adopted in May 2018 and decided that, in the light of the current operating and funding environment, the Group would not reduce the overall level of reserves required for sustainability.

Free Reserves

Our present agreed formula for a level of designated reserves is 1.7 times the budgeted operating shortfall.

With budgeted operating expenses and overheads totalling £186.5K and controllable income of £75.8K the budgeted draw down at 31August 2026 would be £110.7K multiplied by 1.7 gives us designated reserves of £188K. This, therefore, leaves us with no free reserves. This is based on information available at the point at which the budget is approved.

Assets and Liabilities

In 1996 the freehold of the land was purchased by RDA UK with Lottery Sports Funding. The land is leased to Digswell Place RDA at a peppercorn rent. This lease was extended for 2 years in July 2025. The stables and classroom are insured at cost plus RICS inflation. They will have little realisable value and in the event that the charity ceases to be viable they will pass to RDA UK under the terms of the group membership agreement.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 7

4. Structure, Governance and Management

Structure

Digswell Place RDA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The CIO was entered on the Charity Commission Register of Charities on 20 August 2015 with the Registered Charity number 1163233.

The merger of Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled 1074341 was registered on 12 November 2015 with a transfer date of 11 November 2015.

The charity is a member group of RDA UK. All member groups are governed by a Membership Agreement with RDA UK. Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled Association CIO’s purpose is set out in the RDA UK member group's constitution. The Group is part of the Herts RDA Group and the RDA Eastern Region.

Governance & management

Digswell Place RDA CIO is governed by a Board of Trustees. The original Board of Trustees all stood for election in December 2016 at the inaugural AGM, as required by the CIO constitution. Additional trustees are sought from those actively involved in promoting the objectives of the Group. All trustees are required to have an enhanced DBS check where appropriate.

As at 31 August 2025 there were 7 trustees; minuted meetings are held at least 4 times p.a. or more often if needed. No person or body external to the charity is entitled to appoint any of the trustees. Two Trustees retired at the 2024 AGM, 2 new Trustees were elected and another new Trustee was appointed by Trustees in March 2025.

The RDA UK document “the Essentials of Membership” sets out the standards and procedures by which the charity operates. In this way we ensure that at any time, all activity is guided and supervised by an appropriate person and the highest standards of safety and welfare are maintained. The charity is accountable to RDA UK and is required to submit returns annually.

A range of guidance produced by the RDA UK including the “Welcome pack for trustees” is supplied to each trustee. Relevant guidance and news releases from the Charity Commission are brought to the attention of Trustees with support and advice from RDA UK staff at national and regional levels and online.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 8

5. Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name Other names charity is known by Registered charity number Charity's principal address

Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled Association Digswell Place RDA 1163233 Digswell Place Stables Rectory Road Welwyn AL8 7SU

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity









Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year		 Name of person (or
body) entitled to
appoint trustee (if
any)
Sue Clarke Chair Trustees &
Trustee		 Re-elected AGM 13/12/24
as Trustee & Chair
Jennie Redford Treasurer &Trustee Re elected AGM 6/1/23 as
Trustee & Treasurer
Sarah Southern Secretary & Trustee Re elected AGM 13/12/24
as Trustee & Secretary
Tom Gough Trustee Re Elected AGM 13/12/24
Jo Clarke Bould Trustee Elected AGM 13/12/24
Barbara Fitzsimon Trustee Elected AGM 13/12/24
Katie Tamblin Trustee Appointed 1/3/25 Trustees
Bridget Johnston Trustee & Secretary Re elected AGM 15/12/23
Retired 13/12/24
Carol Redgment Trustee Re elected AGM 6/1/23
Retired 13/12/24

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position
Date		 S.Clarke
Susan Clarke		 J.Redford
Jennie Redford
Chair Trustees Treasurer
29/11/25
29/11/25

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 9

Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled
Charity no: 1163233
Receipts and payments ac counts
For the period from 01-Sep-24 to 31-Aug-25 Prior Year
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds Total Funds
To the nearest £ To the nearest £ To the nearest £ To the
nearest £		 To the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Riders Contributions 31,246 31,246 28,168
Ponycare Helpers 11,215 11,215 11,370
Donations General 45,695 45,695 23,897
Grant funding 0 5,000
Interest 4315 4315 1,815
Fundraising 61,881 61,881 62,397
Gift Aid Reclaim 308 308 737
Sub total(Gross income for AR) 154,660 0 0 154,660 133,384
A2 Asset and investment sales
0 0 0
Sub total
0		 0 0 0 0
Total receipts
154,660		 0 0 154,660 133,384
A3 Payments
Feed,Hay,Bedding,Farrier & Horsecare 36,279 36,279 32,722
Veterinary 18,685 18,685 3,865
Tack,Rugs,Equipment 6,925 6,925 440
Maintenance 678 0 678 12,721
Insurance, Utilities, Governance & General Administrative
expenses		 10,314 10,314 8,324
Fundraising 19,182 19,182 19,012
Salaries,Pension & employers’ NIC 47,581 47,581 34,353
Volunteers compliance expenses 1,508 1,508 1,990
Motor vehicle expenses 0
Sub total
141,152		 0 0 141,152 113,427
A4 Asset and investmentpurchases
Pony purchase 14,500 14,500 9,950
0
Sub total 14,500 0 0 14,500 9,950
Totalpayments
155,652		 0 0 155,652 123,377
Net of receipts/(payments) -992 0 0 -992 10,007
A5 Transfers between funds 0 0
A6 Cash funds lastyear end 0 165,118 155,111
Cash funds thisyear end 0 164,126 165,118
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
funds		 Endowment
funds
Categories Details To the nearest £ To the
nearest £		 To the nearest £
B1 Cash funds HSBC Current A/C 5,254 0 0
Hertfordshire Commu nityFounda tion Grant 5,000
Cash 30 0 0
PayPal account 0 0
HSBC Deposit A/C 75,913 0 0
Shawbrook CAF acco unt 60 day fixed term 76,507 0 0
Total cash funds 157,704 5,000 0
Details Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
funds		 Endowment
funds
B2 Other monetary assets Debtors 0 0 0
Fund to which asset
belongs		 Cost
(optional)		 Current value
(optional)
B3 Investment assets 0 0 0
B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use 0 0 0
Fund to which
liabilityrelates		 Amount due
(optional)		 When due
(optional)
B5 Liabilities 0 0 0
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print nam e Date of approval
Sue Clarke Sue Clark e,Chair of Trustees 19/12/2025
Jennie Redford Jennie Re dford,Treasurer 19/12/2025

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 10

Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees Charity Name DIGSWELL PLACE GROUP RIDING FOR DISABLED CIO On accounts for the year 31 August 2025 Charity no 1163233 ended (if any) Set out on pages 10 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/08/2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 11

Independent examiner's statement

[The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: A Bailey Date: 16/11/2025 Name: Alexandra Bailey Relevant professional ACCA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 10 Densley Close Welwyn Garden City AL8 7JX

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 12

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Digswell Place Group RDA Charity 1163233 Trustees Annual Report 2024 2025 Page 13