# **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**6[th] April 2021 - 5[th] April 2022**
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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## **CONTENTS**
Charity Information Page 2 Trustees’ Report Page 3 Income and Expenditure Page 9
## **CHARITY INFORMATION**
**TRUSTEES:** Alison Stratford - Chair Rebecca Speed Tracey Stone Kirsty Mackie **BANKERS:** National Westminster 5 High Street Bracknell RG12 1DH **ACCOUNTANTS:** Boyett Mayes Ltd. The Stables Moneys Farm Bottle Lane Mattingley Hampshire RG27 8LJ
## **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER:** 1172769
**SAFE POSTAL ADDRESS:** PO Box 4330 Crowthorne Berkshire RG42 9WW
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 5[TH] APRIL 2022**
The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ending 5[th] April 2022.
## **The History of SAFE:**
SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines) was founded by Alison Stratford in 2014, following the rescue of 26 abandoned and neglected horses from a field in Binfield, Berkshire. Sadly, a number of horses had to be euthanized on the spot due to their ill health being beyond any chance of survival. The rescued horses were subsequently rehabilitated to good health and rehomed.
## **Objectives & Activities** :
SAFE exists to support and offer guidance to landowners, to legally rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, neglected fly-grazed horses & ponies. Keeping them SAFE.
Our mission and the fundamental objective of our Charity is the 3 R’s > “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome”. This applies to every abandoned horse and pony that we are made aware of, as well as to support other organisations who cannot help. SAFE offers a lifetime security to every equine in its care, this makes certain they will never experience neglect again.
As a charity we also offer support in the below areas:
- Work with the Police, RSPCA, local authorities, equine bailiffs, and members of the public to rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused horses.
- Advance the education of members of the public, in the proper care and treatment of their equines and support them with this care.
- Help to fight the ever-increasing rise in cruelty to animals and continue to work with other similar minded organisations, to ensure any neglected equines receive the care and medical treatment they sadly so often desperately need.
- Advise and communicate steering groups and political panels to improve the laws around horse welfare.
- Remain a leading and recognised local charity, which provides all rescued horses a secure and bright future.
## **Structure, Management, and Governance Arrangements:**
Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines is a charity formed in April 2017 (started as a rescue in 2014), is a CIO and is governed by Trustees. The Charity registration number, names of trustees and other information are detailed on page 2 of this report.
All Trustees remain in office for a defined term until they resign, retire, or are removed. They can be replaced during a general meeting. The individual responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity is Alison Stratford.
As a charity, we ensure that we work collaboratively with other equine and animal welfare organisations, local authorities, Police, veterinarians and rescues, all working towards the same objectives, with a focus on animal welfare.
SAFE continues to seek the help of local charity Involve, ensuring that the Trustees correctly run the charity in line with the requirements of the Charities Commission. This covers all areas including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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The Trustees feel that the main risk to the charity is funding. COVID and the economic instability of the country has a knock on effect where all charities are in competition for donations and grants. We are reliant on our supporters and realise that charitable donations could be the first thing to cut back on, when having to budget.
July 2021 face to face events begin to return and we were lucky enough to be able to organise one of the first big events in the area after restrictions were lifted. We ran our annual Fun Day for the first time since 2019 which was hugely successful and helped enormously towards running costs.
Our wonderful supporters continued to support us through this difficult period.
## **Achievements and Performance**
As a small charity, we have worked to ensure we are establishing a professional yet discreet relationship with landowners, such as local authorities and development companies as well as many private landowners. Most were unaware of their rights to detain horses that have been either dumped or illegally fly-grazed on their land. Most often these horses are in poor health and end up in our care. We established good working relationships with the Police and are often contacted by them asking for our opinion on the welfare of a horse and asked to help and support with specific and often serious neglect cases, as well as loose horses on the hightways.
The Trustees are content and confident in knowing that SAFE’s objectives to “rescue, rehabilitate and rehome” are being sufficiently met despite the challenges we are faced with; we remain focused and driven to achieve this objective.
Within the timeline of this report, we can confirm the below statistics in terms of equine logistics for SAFE. This summarises the number of horses in/out of our care and any unfortunate losses:
|**SAFE Equine Annual Tracker**|**Total Number**|
|---|---|
|Horses Rescued|2|
|Horses Fostered|10|
|Horses Rehomed|12|
|Horses Returned|6|
|Horses PTS* due to irrecoverable illness|1|
|Total number of horses in SAFE’s care in
that period|43|
*Put To Sleep
Once rescued and placed in our care, all horses are rehabilitated and rehomed, unless they have mental, physical, or age-related conditions, which would make them unsuitable for rehoming. In this instance they remain with the charity for the remainder of their days, receiving the care and love that every animal should. We are firmly committed to ensuring that every equine has the best life we can give them ensuring all their needs are met.
We would once again like to highlight that the majority of the horses we rescue are often very unwell and have either a deep mistrust of people or have not been handled by people at all, as a result the road to rehabilitation is often a long one. It is our duty to make certain these horses are not rehomed until they are comfortable with human contact, healthy, castrated and well handled. They usually require microchips and passports and have at least the start of their vaccination course, before they are rehomed.
Involved in the care of our animals, we have a mix of trustees, volunteers, vets, dentists, farriers, nutritionists, and holistic care practitioners all working together to ensure the welfare and well-being of the animals. SAFE is well known in the local and surrounding areas and we are often approached by members of the public and local authorities with concerns for horse’s welfare. We have increased our followers and supporters on Facebook and when a potential welfare risk is spotted, we are often the first to be contacted.
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Due to our collaboration with several other animal and equine specific rescues locally and nationally, it allows us to support rescues which involve abandoned / neglected cases when we are at capacity and allows us to rescue and move them to appropriate organisations.
Our veterinarians hold SAFE in the highest regard, seen as the ‘gold standard’ of rescues, going the extra mile to ensure that the horses get the best nutrition and care possible, and always giving even the most dire of cases a chance (obviously with veterinary guidance).
## Review of Objectives:
## **>Advance the education of members of the public in the proper care and treatment of their equines and support them with this care.**
The Trustees feel that this objective continues to be met as we continue to liaise with those that own flygrazing horses, educating them in the need for parasite control, regular farrier visits and we support when on occasion these owners voluntarily surrender horses that they cannot afford to look after before they are beyond help.
## **>Help to fight the ever-increasing rise in cruelty to animals and continue to work with other similar minded organisations to ensure any neglected equines receive the care and medical treatment they sadly so often desperately need.**
The Trustees believe this objective is met adequately as we are regularly alerted by members of the public or other rescues where issues concerning identified horses at risk are highlighted so that we or the closest rescue is able to intervene and resolve any issue if possible. This objective is being met by SAFE on a daily basis as we constantly work to help animals in distress and work with other organisations when necessary.
## **>Advise and communicate steering groups and political panels to improve the laws around horse welfare.**
SAFE continues to contact and brief local MPs, Councillors and Police on local incidents and individual horses at risk. The laws are in place to protect these horses but no one is currently enforcing these laws. We are constantly exploring new avenues and methods to make permanent change and make the relevant bodies accountable for enforcement.
## **>Work with the Police, RSPCA, local authorities, equine bailiffs, and members of the public to rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused horses.**
This objective is being met by SAFE as outlined above as we constantly work to help animals in distress and work with other organisations whenever necessary..
## **>Remain a leading and recognised local charity, which provides all rescued horses a secure and bright future.**
Without any doubt we continue to overachieve in this objective, as mentioned previously we are almost always the first charity members of the public will reach out to when they have concerns for a horse’s condition and welfare. SAFE recognises what each horse in it’s care needs to be fully rehabilitated and will never turn its back on any case, even if we were unable to take them into our own care, we work with our network of rescues to help, as SAFE strives to give every horse a bright future in a caring forever home.
## **Website**
Our website has remained static following its revamp in 2020. For now, the website remains adequate but does need improvement. We know it must remain a focus for us to continue to be as up to date as possible and to move with the social trends. We are planning on a relaunch of our website in 2023.
## **The Rescues**
We continue to be inundated by concerned members of the public asking for our help and have done our very best to help in all situations. Sadly, cruelty and neglect remains high, particularly in the case of fly-grazing horses, with many colts (young males) being taken from their mothers far too young and left in
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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fields or on the side of roads to fend for themselves. Thankfully we are often able to respond quickly, thanks to people regarding SAFE as a charity who will get involved. We are often called to rescue herds of horses loose on land marked for development and dangerous waste lands, left with no food or water, and some with visible injuries and extremely poor condition. We often find, they are suffering from a huge worm burden, emaciation, overgrown hooves, etc. Sometimes we are able to rehabilitate them and sometimes sadly euthanasia is the only option.
SAFE continues to monitor and support an area well known where an extensive herd of horses are tethered for their entire lives and used for breeding (very often inbreeding too). Many members of the local community concerned about the horses have contacted us. Sadly under the current law, there is little we can do apart from highlight any welfare concerns to the RSPCA, the Police and the local authority. This year we rescued a further mare and her sick foal from this site under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and will continue to do all we can to end their misery.
## **Equine Care – Vets, Farrier & Nutritionists, and Holistic Care Practitioners**
We continued to employ the services of veterinary practice, Donnington Equine Hospital during the former part of 2021, however, our specialist vet, Chris Neal BSc(hons) BVSc MRCVS, whom SAFE has worked closely with over a number of years moved practices in the later part of 2021. Chris has a wealth of knowledge of rescue horses and has built a unique relationship with our horses and the Trustees took the decision to move veterinary practices with him to Iain Mackenzie Equine Practice. Chris and Iain provide prompt veterinary care for the horses at SAFE. Both still work closely with Donnington Equine therefore SAFE have access to hospitalisation and care from experts when needed. We have a strong relationship with our vets which helps to create a highly effective treatment regime for our animals.
We have a close relationship with our farrier and the horses seeing the same farrier each time for their hoof trims means they feel more comfortable and relaxed with the experience and many now no longer have to be sedated for this procedure. SAFE prides itself in working with natural feeds and natural supplements to support the horses in our care. This means we build relationships with companies to ensure we have discounted access.
We are also very lucky to have relationships with many holistic practitioners who volunteer time with our horses, providing physio, natural healing, reiki and thermal/red light therapy. This has been invaluable for our older equines with joint issues.
## **Volunteers**
Every new volunteer undergoes a full induction before joining a shift at our yards. Health and Safety is explained and demonstrated. Each shift has an experienced Shift Lead who has undertaken training. The Shift Lead acts as shift manager and coordinates activities teaching the necessary skills to new and existing volunteers on that shift.
Any children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we do not accept children under the age of 4.
Our volunteer numbers were stable for most of the year, however during the winter months we saw a dip in adequate support due to a ‘fair-weather approach’, where volunteers will step away until spring/summer. We reached out for new volunteers via local groups on Facebook, looking for experienced support and were very successful and on-boarded several great volunteers, some who went on to become Shift Leads.
## **Feed and Supplements**
We remain steadfast when it comes to our approach to feeds and supplements. It is not appropriate to cut costs when it comes to feeding our horses quality hay, feeds, and supplements. We feed Agrobs products which are natural and high in quality fibre and low in sugar. We also provide foal creep to foals who have been removed from their mother far too early and abandoned, this specific feed ensures they get all the necessary nutrients at this critical stage of their lives.
www.safe-horses.org.uk
Registered charity no 1172769
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Supplements are incorporated into every horse’s feed to tackle individual issues and support their overall health and wellbeing, e.g., milk thistle for horses who have liver damage. This area develops every year and Alison Stratford, SAFE’s Founder and Chair Trustee, spends a great deal of time researching and working with natural feed and supplement suppliers, to have the right approach for each horse. Alison, with the support of an equine nutritionist, will establish the right feed & supplements for each horse in line with their individual requirements and review this on a regular basis.
## **Finances**
The Trustees were pleasantly surprised that there was again a noticeable increase in donations during this year as we were unable to fundraise in person. The generosity of our supporters was once again overwhelming as they rallied to help us.. The after effects of COVID-19 on SAFE as a charity continued to be a hindrance, nonetheless with the support of our volunteers, supporters and the Hilda Holmes Trust Charity, which has generously continued to support our work, we still managed to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome a number of horses, which was an incredible achievement.
The Trustees continue to oversee, monitor, and review all efforts to reduce expenditure where possible and focus efforts on increasing income via the charitable donations, fundraising events and sales of tack.
## **Looking Ahead**
The Trustees will review approaches and assess the ‘new normal’ following the adjustments to the world as we know it. Trustees remain focused to make certain SAFE continues to remain a well- recognised rescue charity and go from strength to strength to continue. All Trustees will agree a plan of improvements which will be introduced covering all aspects of the charity, from rescue, daily care to fundraising and rehoming horses.
## **Summary**
The Trustees have confidence that Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines continues to uphold and deliver on our mission statement and objectives, in line with what we have always wanted to achieve from the outset. SAFE does everything possible in no uncertainty to improve the lives of the horses that are taken into our care. That said, we recognise that there is always room for improvement and SAFE will plan for continuous improvement over the coming years. As it is important for us to continually review and adapt approaches to continually better the rescue.
Given the uncertainty ahead, the Trustees are concerned how the economy and state to the country will affect the charity. However, the Trustees are happy that everything is in place to continue to do all we can to support our objectives and grow the charity in years to come.
This report was approved by the Board on Friday 3rd March, 2023.
Alison Stratford **Chair of the Trustees & Founder**
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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## **SAVING ABANDONED FLY-GRAZING EQUINES**
**Charity number 1172769**
**INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2022**
Boyett Mayes Limited The Stables, Moneys Farm Bottle Lane Mattingley Hampshire RG27 8LJ
## **SAVING ABANDONED FLY-GRAZING EQUINES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2022**
|**INCOME:**
**Donations**
JustGiving Appeals
Donations
Fundraising
**Other:**
Interest Received
Other
**Fees Received:**
Rehoming fees
Other
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE:**
**Running costs:**
Feed and Bedding
Fallen Stock Removal
Horse Wear and Equipment
Vet, Dentist and Medical Supplies
Farrier
Freelance Groom Fees
Transport
Foster fees
Passports
Insurance
Land Registry
**Yard and Land :**
Repair and Maintenance
Electricity
Fencing & Field Care
Rental
Waste Removal
**Other:**
Sundry
Depreciation
Accountancy
Administration and Informational costs
Fundraising costs
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR**|**£**
-
99,361
20,228
-
-
1,720
-
34,663
-
6,235
39,140
2,605
-
2,455
2,131
256
4,102
-
7,633
635
2,034
20,475
-
-
942
240
1,343
5,304|**£**
119,589
-
1,720
91,587
30,776
7,828
**2022**|**£**
**121,309**
**130,191**
**(8,883)**|**£**
-
70,917
21,879
-
-
6,600
-
22,174
-
1,254
30,618
1,750
65
2,901
2,600
80
3,515
-
1,361
215
1,888
19,652
454
-
714
192
1,032
-|**£**
92,796
-
6,600
64,957
23,571
1,938
**2021**|**£**
**99,396**
**90,466**
**8,930**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 2
## **SAVING ABANDONED FLY-GRAZING EQUINES STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2022**
|**ASSETS**
Tangible Fixed Assets
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Cash at Bank - Main Account
Debtors
Total Current Assets
**CURRENT LIABILITITES**
Accruals
Loan for Vet Fees
**NET CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**TOTAL NET ASSETS**
**CAPITAL ACCOUNTS**
Balance B/Fwd
Surplus/Deficit in Year|**£**
7,149
2,248
39
240
4,000|**£**
3,383
2,288
4,240
**2022**|**£**
3,766
(1,952)
**1,814**
10,696
(8,883)
**1,814**|
|---|---|---|---|
Approved by:
Alison Stratford Trustee
Dated: 1st March 2023
Page 3
BMIL
iIUyfi i IVIUy¥S Liiniled
Accountonls. Taxolion and
Business Advise
Independent examlner'$ report to Saving Abandoned FlYraZing Equines "SAFE"
This report on the financial slaternent5 of Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines 'SAFE" for the year
ended 5th April 2022, which are Sel out on pages 1 and 2, is in respect of an examination carried out
in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe"2011 Acl'l.
Respective responsibilities of the Charlty and ¢x•minor
As members of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial stalemenls., you
consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144121 of the 2011 Acll.
It is our responsibility..
to examine the a¢¢ounls under section 145 of the 2011 Act.,
to follow the prOdureS laid down in the General Directs'ons given by the Charity Commission
(under seelion 14515llbl of the 2011 Act., and
lo slate whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner'$ $tstsment
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the acwunts and seeking explanations from the Iruslees conceming
any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be reqUId
in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair
view and the report is limited to those matter5 set out in the statement below.
Indgpondent examlner's statement
In the course of our examination, no matter has ¢ome to our attention..
11} which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements..
to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act", and
lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirement5 of the 2011 Act have not been met or
{21 to which, in our opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
of the accounts to be reached.
Signed on behalf of Boyett Mayes Limited
Dale .
Name LISA FINCHAM BA ACMA CTA
Chartered Accountant
Tel: 01256 636 600 Emoll.. inlo@bml-occountonts.co.uk
Webslte.. www.bml-occountonts.co.uk
The S*obles, Moneys Farm, Bottle Lone, Mottingley. Hampshire RG27 8LJ
Compony Registration Number.. 4059388
Cio
Chartered
Tax Advisers