TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6[th ] April 2023 - 5[th ] April 2024
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 ? DS\ 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 2024
The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ending 5[th ] April 2024.
The History of SAFE:
Founded by Alison Stratford in 2014, SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines) emerged in response to the rescue of 26 abandoned and neglected horses from a field in Binfield, Berkshire. Tragically, some horses were beyond any possibility of recovery and had to be euthanized on the spot. However, the remaining horses were nursed back to health and found new homes. Since its inception, SAFE has continued its mission of aiding abandoned and fly-grazed horses, establishing itself as a well-known and respected small charity.
Objectives & Activities :
SAFE primarily exists to support and offer guidance to landowners, to legally rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, neglected fly-grazed horses and ponies. SAFE also conducts rescue of horses under the Animal Welfare Act, involving the Police. 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 rescue, 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 need. ● Advise and communicate steering groups and political panels to improve the laws around horse welfare. ? YS\ a ● 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 individuals responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity are Alison Stratford and Kirsty Mackie. Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines 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.
The Trustees feel that, as always, the main risk to the charity is funding. 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
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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budget.
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 are 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 have established good working relationships with the Police and are 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 highways.
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 | 17 |
| Horses sent to Professional Rehabilitation | 4 |
| Horses Fostered | 11 |
| Horses Rehomed | 27 |
| Horses Returned | 3 |
| Horses PTS* due to irrecoverable illness | 3 |
| Total number of horses in SAFE’s care in that period |
51 |
*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 stay with the charity for the remainder of their days in our static herd, receiving the care and love that every animal should. Horses that are rescued and have gone through the quarantine period and are fit enough to turn out, join this peaceful herd to decompress until they are ready for rehoming. We are firmly committed to ensuring that every equine has the best life we can give them, making certain that 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 ensure 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 focus on the welfare and well-being of the animals. SAFE has become well known and we are frequently approached by members of the public and local authorities with concerns for horse’s welfare, from all over the country. If we cannot physically help due to location, we always offer advice and follow up. We continually increase our followers and supporters on Facebook and when a potential welfare risk is spotted, we are often the first to be contacted.
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, if they have space.
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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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 some horse owners, 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 manage 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 need.
The Trustees believe this objective is met adequately as we are regularly alerted by members of the public 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.
welfare. SAFE actively collaborates with local MPs, Councillors, and Police to address local incidents and protect individual horses at risk. Recognizing the need for stronger laws and their enforcement, we continuously explore new strategies and methods to drive permanent change and hold relevant authorities accountable for enforcement. >Work with the Police, National Equine Charities, local authorities, equine bailiffs, and members of the public to rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused horses. As outlined above, SAFE consistently meets its objective by tirelessly aiding animals in distress and collaborating with other organizations whenever necessary. Our commitment to this cause ensures that we are always working towards better outcomes for at-risk horses. >Remain a leading and recognised local charity, which provides all rescued horses a secure and bright future. Without a doubt, we continue to excel in our mission. As mentioned earlier, we are almost always the first charity the public contacts when they have concerns about a horse's condition and welfare. SAFE ? YS\ a understands the unique needs of each horse in our care to ensure full rehabilitation and never turns its back on any case. Even if we are unable to take a horse into our own care, we collaborate with our network of rescues to provide assistance. SAFE is dedicated to giving every horse a bright future in a loving forever home.
SAFE actively collaborates with local MPs, Councillors, and Police to address local incidents and protect individual horses at risk. Recognizing the need for stronger laws and their enforcement, we continuously explore new strategies and methods to drive permanent change and hold relevant authorities accountable for enforcement.
>Work with the Police, National Equine Charities, local authorities, equine bailiffs, and members of the public to rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused horses.
As outlined above, SAFE consistently meets its objective by tirelessly aiding animals in distress and collaborating with other organizations whenever necessary. Our commitment to this cause ensures that we are always working towards better outcomes for at-risk horses.
>Remain a leading and recognised local charity, which provides all rescued horses a secure and bright future.
Website
Our website has remained static for some time, and we recognize the need for an upgrade to enhance its functionality. Although this has been on our agenda for a while, more pressing priorities have taken precedence, and we do not have the relevant resource or funds. Despite being functional, the website upgrade remains on our "To Do" list. We are hopeful that one day we will have the necessary resources to improve it and make it work more effectively for us. The Rescues Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines
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 remain high, with many colts (young males) being taken from their mothers far too young and abandoned in fields or on the side of roads to fend for themselves. Thankfully we are often able to respond quickly, thanks to the diligence of members of the public, regarding SAFE as a charity who will get involved.
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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Equine Care – Vets, Farrier & Nutritionists, and Holistic Care Practitioners
We have continued with the same vets, Iain McKenzie Equine Practice. Working with us for so long, they have a wealth of knowledge of rescue horses and their support is second to none. Our secondary practice is Donnington Equine Hospital. We rely on them when horses require hospitalisation, and they have specialist in house vets to deal with horses requiring urgent intensive medical care that we cannot support.
Our decision to utilise a professional rehabilitation establishment, has proved to be a good one, as we are not always able to support the special requirements of some of the very poorly horses. This is definitely a step towards improving our care for horses we rescue, and we would like to continue to expand this to ensure that even the poorest horses receive the best care possible, to allow them to survive. We also receive support and guidance from this for horses in our direct care.
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.
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. Volunteer Induction and Training Every new volunteer undergoes a comprehensive induction before joining a shift at our yards. Health and Safety procedures are thoroughly explained and demonstrated. Each shift is led by an experienced Shift Lead who has undergone extensive training. Acting as shift managers, these Shift Leads coordinate activities and teach necessary skills to both new and existing volunteers. Our Shift Leads are dedicated to ensuring the safety of volunteers and the proper care of our horses. Any children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we do not accept children under the age of 4, in line with our insurance. Throughout most of the year, our volunteer numbers remained stable. However, as winter approached, we ? YS\ YS\ a experienced a seasonal dip due to a 'fair-weather approach,' where volunteers tend to step away until spring or summer. To address this, we frequently reach out for new volunteers via local Facebook groups, seeking experienced support. This approach has proven successful, and we have onboarded some exceptional volunteers, some of whom have progressed to become Shift Leads.
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. Volunteer Induction and Training Every new volunteer undergoes a comprehensive induction before joining a shift at our yards. Health and Safety procedures are thoroughly explained and demonstrated. Each shift is led by an experienced Shift Lead who has undergone extensive training. Acting as shift managers, these Shift Leads coordinate activities and teach necessary skills to both new and existing volunteers. Our Shift Leads are dedicated to ensuring the safety of volunteers and the proper care of our horses. Any children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we do not accept children under the age of 4, in line with our insurance. ? YS\ YS\ a
Any children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we do not accept children under the age of 4, in line with our insurance.
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 a mix of Agrobs and Simple System products. These are tailored to the needs of the horse. Some require extra nutrition due to previous starvation and neglect, and others require quality fibre and low sugar and starch. These two feed manufacturers are second to none for equine natural nutrition. Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines To address individual issues and support overall health and wellbeing, supplements are incorporated into every horse’s feed. For example, milk thistle is used for horses with liver damage. This approach evolves each year as Alison Stratford, SAFE’s Founder and Chair Trustee, dedicates significant time to researching and collaborating with natural feed and supplement suppliers to tailor the right approach for each horse. With the support of an equine nutritionist, Alison establishes the appropriate feed and supplements for each horse based on their unique needs and reviews this regularly.
www.safe-horses.org.uk Registered charity no 1172769
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Our supplements suppliers remain EquiNatural and Global Herbs.
Finances
The Trustees are pleased to report an increase in income compared to the previous year, along with a rise in expenditure. The rise in expenditure was expected given the number of horses rescued and our use of a professional rehabilitation facility.
Our dedicated fundraising team, comprising volunteers already committed to horse care, and the generosity of our supporters, have been pivotal. Despite the postponement of our annual Family Fun Day due to severe weather, the event still generated substantial funds, enabling us to rescue numerous horses. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hilda Florence Holmes Trust Charity for their ongoing financial support, which covers our monthly land rental and feed costs. Their contribution is invaluable.
The Trustees remain vigilant in overseeing, monitoring, and reviewing all efforts to reduce expenditure where possible. We are focused on increasing income through charitable donations, grants, and fundraising events, including tack sales.
Looking Ahead
All Trustees continue to agree an annual plan of improvements covering all aspects of the charity, from rescue, maintenance and restructure of land management, daily care of horses to fundraising and rehoming horses.
Summary
The Trustees are confident that Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines (SAFE) continues to uphold and deliver on our mission statement and objectives, as envisioned from the outset. SAFE is unwavering in its efforts to improve the lives of the horses in our care. Nonetheless, we recognize that there is always room for improvement. Therefore, SAFE remains committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and adapting our approaches to enhance our rescue efforts. \
This report was approved by the Board on Tuesday 4[th] March, 2025.
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 2024
Boyett Mayes Limited The Stables, Moneys Farm Bottle Lane Mattingley Hampshire RG27 8LJ
SAVING ABANDONED FLY-GRAZING EQUINES
Charity number 1172769
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024
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 2024
| INCOME: Donations JustGiving Appeals Donations Fundraising Other: Interest Received Other Fees Received: Rehoming fees Grant Income 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 Rehabilitation Yard and Land : Repair and Maintenance Electricity Fencing & Field Care Land and Yard Rental Other: Sundry Postage Telephone and Internet/ Website costs Depreciation Accountancy Administration and Informational costs Fundraising costs TOTAL EXPENDITURE SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR |
£ £ 45,068 44,361 89,429 - - - 6,650 42,436 49,086 28,469 480 3,958 35,676 2,000 - 2,880 - 390 6,963 25,475 106,291 9,384 2,104 - 13,110 24,598 432 1,427 654 300 852 5,029 8,694 2024 |
£ 138,515 139,583 (1,068) |
£ £ - 99,554 13,256 112,810 - 1,972 1,972 5,172 - 5,172 27,199 276 1,086 37,435 2,865 - 2,138 2,826 458 5,528 - 79,810 7,666 1,898 919 20,400 30,883 24 0 753 240 653 - 1,670 2023 |
£ 119,954 112,364 7,590 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 2
SAVING ABANDONED FLY-GRAZING EQUINES STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank - Savings Cash at Bank Current Debtors |
£ 7,917 6,752 2,727 - |
£ 4,790 |
£ 3,127 |
£ 7,149 10,293 - 338 |
£ 4,136 |
£ 3,013 |
| Total Current Assets CURRENT LIABILITITES Accruals Loan for Vet Fees |
270 4,000 |
9478 | 240 4,000 |
10,631 | ||
| NET CURRENT LIABILITIES | 4,270 | 4,240 | ||||
| Net Current Assets | 5,208 | 6,391 | ||||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 8,336 | 9,404 | ||||
| CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Balance B/Fwd Surplus/Deficit in Year |
9,404 (1,068) |
1,814 7,590 |
||||
| 8,336 | 9,404 | |||||
| Approved by: |
Alison Stratford Trustee Dated: 4th March 2025
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