Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1/04/2022 To 31/03/2023
Charity name: SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING
Charity registration number: 1187766
Objectives and Activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Saxon Group RDA provides therapeutic horse riding and non-riding activities for Adults and Children with physical or learning disabilities, including all autistic spectrum disorders. Horse riding provides opportunities for improved physical and mental wellbeing through therapy, enjoyment, skill development and achievement. Saxon Group RDA specialises in riding, dressage, show jumping and endurance activities and is completely volunteer run. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Saxon Group RDA are based at Widbrook Equestrian Centre in Bradford on Avon and operate riding and horsecare sessions on one day a week. In September, we implemented a new initiative which takes place on the second Tuesday of each month. This is “Tea with a Pony” (TWP), which is aimed at people living with Dementia, learning and/or physical disabilities or loneliness, and their support or family member. We currently own 6 equines who are trained in our activities as listed below: •Horse riding, including both coached individual, shared and group lessons and therapy riding to provide physical exercise to improve physical and mental well-being and build confidence. •Stable management sessions to encourage participation and knowledge of horse care. •Horse Grooming to encourage further interaction with equines, and build a greater rapport, understanding and confidence with them. •Proficiency Sessions to encourage additional learning and skill development to support the other “hands-on” activities. •All session are subject to a small fee in order to support the cost of horse upkeep, including, but not limited to, livery costs, venue hire, feed, tack, veterinary dentist, physiotherapy and farrier care and insurances. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The Trustees have, at all times, taken due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit requirement. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policy on grant making | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Not applicable |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Saxon Group RDA is run entirely by volunteers, without whom it would not be able to function. Volunteers undertake a minimum of two dedicated Training Days a year, plus continuous review, to ensure they continue to follow best practice. Activities they are trained in include: •Handling equines, including catching, grooming, tacking up, and leading. •Side-walking alongside vulnerable riders to ensure their safety. •Assisting riders to mount and dismount. •Assisting horse grooming and stable management sessions, including Proficiency sessions. •First Aid •Safeguarding In addition to assisting with the weekly sessions, our volunteers also help raise awareness of the Group’s activities and are enthusiastic in their fundraising activities. |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Activities & Achievements: 2022-2023 Following the uncertainty of the pandemic, the Group is fully open to existing and new participants, and all riding and therapy sessions have been resumed. The increase in interest for non-riding activities (eg stable management, grooming, proficiency and knowledge), has continued and these sessions remain an integral part of the activities offered by the Group. By the end of the year, we were able to offer riding and therapy riding to a total of 30 participants, and grooming, horse-care and stable management to an additional 9 participants. It is hoped that these numbers will continue to increase through 2023-2024. The Group also benefitted from a number of new volunteers, which has allowed us to continue the sessions with either 1 to 1 or shared coaching for all ridden and therapy sessions. This has had the additional benefit of allowing horses and volunteers to have a brief rest between sessions. We are able to loan 2 additional ponies for grooming and horse- care sessions, which enables us to maintain the number of sessions for both children and adults. These sessions continue to be very beneficial for participants, who have enjoyed the close interaction with the ponies. For participants either unable to ride or waiting for a suitable space to become available, we are also able |
|
|---|---|---|
to offer sessions on a small “mechanical horse” where they can carry out exercises to help maintain their fitness. In September, we implemented a new initiative, “Tea with a Pony” (TWP). We provide a safe and welcoming environment where people living with Dementia, learning and/or physical disabilities or loneliness and their support or family member, can come and watch a coaching session, groom a pony or just have a cuddle with a pony. Participants can do as much or as little as they feel comfortable with, and are then able to partake of refreshments provided before heading home. Sessions are run every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to midday, and are proving increasingly popular. In the summer, the Group qualified 8 riders for the RDA Nationals at Hartpury, and they attended with 4 of our horses. In addition, for some classes, we were able to lend the horses to other RDA Groups who were unable to travel their own horses. All our 4 horses were placed in every class they were entered, with riders from both our own and the other Groups. Sadly, classes were cancelled on the final day for H&S reasons due to the unusually high temperatures. We were recommended as an active group to be part of the NHS Primary Care Network for Social Prescribing and invited to take part in a pilot for their JOY Scheme for Wiltshire. Social Prescribing enables PCNs to offer alternative treatment, in the form of volunteering or joining a group or activity as an alternative to prescribing drugs to improve mental health for individuals. Our website was up and running by the end of the year, and has proved invaluable in raising awareness of the Group and in communications with riders and other interested parties. Fundraising : Grants: Sadly, in June, we had to sell one of our horses who was no longer suitable for us, but we were fortunate to be offered a small pony almost immediately, as a replacement. We however, still required a larger horse to be able to take adult riders. Having previously ascertained the minimum number of equines required to remain in a sustainable position, the Group concentrated on raising funds to purchase another horse, which would bring the number of equines in our Group, up to 6. The Group was fortunate to obtain a National Lottery Community Fund Grant for £10,000.00 towards the purchase of another horse, and with a grant from Sporting Heritage and additional fundraising, we were able to purchase one by the end of 2022, bringing the total up to the desired 6. Grants from Wiltshire Council, RDA National Office, Mid West RDA, and a Colonel Willliam Llewellyn Grant also enabled us to purchase other greatly needed items of equipment. Donations We were also very fortunate to receive significant donations from a number of sources, and we would particularly like to thank the Beneficiaries of a lady who loved horses - J McLeman, E Walton, E Forryan, P Taylor, J Smith and A E White, for their generosity. We would also thank the following: Corsham Link; Warminster Bowls Club; Bradford on Avon Choral Society; Charities Aid Foundation; an anonymous donor; The Lodge of Friendship & Unity Raffle; Norton St Philip Co-op; Rotary Club of Frome; Worshipful Com Masters; K Chatman and several WI Groups for their generous donations. We also had a number of donations from volunteers and families of some of our participants.
Other Fundraising
Other fundraising included a Tombola, a Bring and Buy sale in honour of a previous rider, a car boot sale, a Curry Night at the Agra restaurant in Warminster and a Tack Sale in October, all of which raised a total of £1,858.00.
Going Forward
-
The Group will continue to offer riding and therapy to our riders, as well as non-riding horsecare proficiency and knowledge, both practical and theory.
-
We will continue to fundraise to sustain the group and support our horses, to raise awareness and generate support.
-
We will continue to embrace technology to keep riders and volunteers engaged and up to date with our activities and keep everyone connected and,
-
most importantly, we will continue to keep everyone safe.
-
We will continue to maintain the website, to increase public awareness and help attract new volunteers participants and supporters.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Refer to previous commentary |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Targeted fundraising and grant applications were focussed primarily on securing funds to purchase 2 horses. One to replace the horse we had to sell, and another larger horse, as noted previously. This brought the total number of equines owned by the Group up to 6, which, due to our increased number of participants, was reviewed and assessed as being the number necessary for the Group to remain in a sustainable situation. We also required funds to replace old, worn, broken equipment; to provide a removeable ramp for wheelchair users; to carry out modifications to existing equipment for H&S reasons; to purchase seating for carers and family of our participants; and purchase new equipment boxes for each horse, which are being made to our specification, by the Bradford on Avon Men in Sheds. At the end of this reporting period, we had received a National Lottery Community Fund Grant, several other grants and a number of substantial donations. This enabled the Group to purchase the equines and to update, repair, purchase all equipment, tack etc that had been identified during the year. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Not applicable |
| Other | None |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
At the end of the accounting period, the Group remains in a financially stable position due to the fundraising efforts, grants, sponsorships, and donations of time or money. The Group had been open fully for lessons, and as a result, fees from participants (riding, therapy riding & horse care & proficiency) were payable regularly. In addition, the receipt of grants and several generous donations, had enabled purchase of a new horse, and a pony, along with tack etc, which has gone a long way to ensure the Group is in a sustainable position going forward. |
|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
The Group holds reserve funds in a Deposit Account, separate but linked to the everyday Treasurers Account. Funds are set aside to cover unforeseen or unavoidable events such as: • Emergency treatment to a sick or injured horse. • The equivalent of a minimum of 6 months running costs, ie livery, feed, farrier, insurance, etc in case of a sudden and steep drop in income, as experienced at the beginning of Lockdown in March 2020. • Unexpected replacement of broken equipment, tack, rugs etc that are necessary for the carrying out of our activities, or for horse welfare. • Unexpected repairs to essential equipment, such as hoist or trailer. |
|
| Amount of reserves held | The Group’s aim has been to maintain a minimum reserve of £5,000 in the Deposit Account, and a similar amount in the Treasurers Account, with 6 months normal running costs as a minimum. Balances at the end of the current reporting period are: Deposit Account: £5,448.34 Treasurers Account: £20,984.42 The aim, going forward, is to increase the reserve funds to the equivalent of 9-12 months running costs. |
|
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Not applicable. Refer to previous commentary. |
|
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Not applicable | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
• The main source of concern for the future of the Group, is keeping horses healthy, injury free and sound. This is essential in order to be able to conduct riding sessions. • Purchase costs of new horses is increasing all the time, and with each new purchase, the fundraising has to aim higher. Likewise, costs of tack, and equipment is increasing. • Livery and running costs associated with keeping horses are also increasing. With the horses aging, greater care will be needed to keep them in good health, and additional feeds, specialist health visits etc, will be necessary to maintain them. The small fee payable for riders will be reviewed annually to offset this. • All horses have regular physiotherapy, dentist and farrier visits to maintain their health and soundness, and these costs are also increasing. • Insurance costs increase at every renewal. • Lack of volunteers is always a concern as a proportionally large number are required to assist each individual rider. The website and an ongoing recruitment drive continues to generate interest and following an influx of new volunteers, numbers are once again stabilising. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
• Riders fees for riding sessions, therapy riding, stable management and proficiency sessions. • Donations from participants of “Tea with a Pony” • Fundraising activities • Grant applications • Gift Aid donations • Other donations |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Not applicable |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Refer to previous commentary |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Structure, Governance | and Management |
|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
Not applicable |
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Constitution of the Saxon Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Saxon Group RDA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Trustees are self-nominated volunteers and voted onto the committee annually by the members at the AGM. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
There is a trustee induction pack provided to all new trustees issued by RDA UK. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Saxon Group RDA is a member group of RDA UK, which is a network of staff and volunteers that exist to provide direction and support to it’s 489 member groups. Saxon Group RDA is part of the ‘Mid-West’ Region of RDA UK, who provide further guidance on development and direction at a local level, and sits within the ‘Wiltshire County’ area. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
We have a close working relationship with Widbrook Equestrian Centre (WEC) that has been our base for operation for over 40 years. There are signed contracts between Saxon RDA and WEC that govern the loan arrangements for the horses and the contract of use for the hire of facilities. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Saxon Group Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Saxon Group RDA |
| Registered charity number | 1187766 |
| Charity’s principal address | Saxon Group Riding for the Disabled Association C/O Widbrook Arabian Stud & Equestrian Centre Trowbridge Road Bradford on Avon Wiltshire BA15 1UD |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kady Chatman | Chair | |||
| Ean Garner-Richardson | Group Organiser | |||
| Patricia Jane Kimber | Treasurer | |||
| Joanna Rutherford | Rider Coordinator | |||
| Avril Richards | Volunteer Coordinator | |||
| Judy Buxton | Horse Welfare Officer | |||
| Donna Turnbull | Safeguarding Officer | |||
| Sharon Turnbull | Media Officer | |||
| Tessa Stanton | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
Not applicable |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Not applicable |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
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) Kady Chatman Patricia Jane Kimber Position (eg Secretary, Chair of Trustees Treasurer Chair, etc) Date 31/03/2023
| SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING BRADFORD-ON-AVON. CHARITY NO. 1187766 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 2022-2023 | ||||||
| 31.03.2023 | ||||||
| TREASURERS ACCOUNT | ||||||
| INCOME: 1/04/22- 31/03/23 | Total | |||||
| Rider Fees | RidingFees | £13,839.45 | ||||
| Competition Entries | £1,982.00 | |||||
| Fundraising | Donations | £10,137.77 | ||||
| Grants | £12,401.10 | |||||
| Donations(eligiblegift aid) | £7,887.89 | |||||
| Insurance | NFU refunds/payouts | £1,555.11 | ||||
| Other | Incl sale of horse | £3,232.28 | ||||
| TOTALS INCOME | £51,035.60 | |||||
| EXPENDITURE: 1/04/22- 31/03/23 | ||||||
| Operating Costs | NFU Insurance | £4,093.75 | ||||
| RDA Affiliation/insurance | £675.00 | |||||
| CleaningProducts | £0.00 | |||||
| Venue Hire | £2,381.85 | |||||
| Horses | Livery | £3,130.27 | ||||
| Farrier | £1,140.00 | |||||
| Feed | £445.45 | |||||
| Vets fees | £4,940.01 | |||||
| Horse Welfare | Saddler | £1,375.00 | ||||
| Physio | £355.00 | |||||
| Website | Hosting | £144.00 | ||||
| Competitions | EntryFees | £1,518.50 | ||||
| Towing | £457.28 | |||||
| Miscellaneous Purchases | Tack | £1,912.42 | ||||
| Equipment | £1,426.40 | |||||
| TowingCosts | £325.30 | |||||
| Other(incl 2 horsepurchases) | £13,024.91 | |||||
| TOTALS EXPENDITURE | £37,345.14 | |||||
| EXCESS/DEFICIT OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE | £13,690.46 | |||||
| DEPOSIT ACCOUNT | Total | |||||
| Interest | £10.32 | |||||
| HMRC | £0.00 | |||||
| TOTALS INCOME | £10.32 | |||||
| Income 1/04/2022- 31/03/2023 | ||||||
| Overall Final Income(Treasurers & Deposit Accounts) | £51,045.92 | |||||
| Overall Final Expenditure(Treasurers & Deposit Accounts) | £37,345.14 | |||||
| Opening Balances: 1/04/2022 | ||||||
| Treasurers Account | £7,293.96 | |||||
| Deposit Account | £5,438.02 | |||||
| Balances brought forward | ||||||
| Treasurers Account | £13,690.46 | |||||
| Deposit Account | £10.32 | |||||
| Final Balances at year end 31/03/2023 | ||||||
| Treasurers Account | £20,984.42 | |||||
| Deposit Account | £5,448.34 | |||||
| Overall Final Balances (Treasurers & Deposit Accounts) | £26,432.76 |
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tru8teesl members of SAXON GROUP RIDING FOR THE DISABLED, INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING On occounts for the yg•r endad 31103r2023 Charity no (If any) 1187766 Sot out on pago8 I report lo the Iru5tees on my examknation of the accounts of the above charityllhe Tru8V) for the year ended Rospon•lbllhlu and b••l• As thè charty trustees of ts Tru81. you are responsble for the pRpar8tion of the of r•port accounts in a)[dan wth Ihe rg4uir8rn8nts ol the Charities Act 2011 ("the AGr). I report n respect of my examinatw ofthe Trust's a¢¢ounts carrted out under 8ection 145 of 2011 Acl ond in carrying out my examination, I have followed the appl'cable Oirectiws gNen by ts Charity Commission under section 145(511b} of the Act. I have compleled my examinatn. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attenlK)n (other than that disclosed below.) In connection with the examination which gNes me cause to b8lve that In. any material re8P6Ct'. aCunting records wwe not képt in acrxJrdan¢e wth section 130 of the Act Indep•nd•nt •xamlnoe •tataffl•nt the a¢Ints do not aco)rd with the accountirvj records I ha¥e no CA)ncem8 and have come a¢ros8 no ottr mattorn in connection with the examination to whth attention should be drawn in oTder to enable a proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reach¥J. . Ple8se dete the in the br8¢kets rfthey do not apply. Signed: 11. Oc Dot•: Name: Rélovant prof0981onal qualificalion{•) or body (If any>". Ci1ThfL I L(LLJ IVIAfvlAc5 (CiM14 ALLULlhJTAdr Addros8: f al I P(a IER Octobgr2018
Section B Disclosure Onty rf the examwEr needx to hh1wjht matters of c¢Mcem (see CC32, 1rK1epnt ewinatx)n of charty a¢¢Ints.. directM)ns guKlance for examiners). Glvo brfef detsll$ of any itsm8 that tho oxamlnor wlshes to di•clo89. IER Octoberf2018