Charity: HERE4HORSES Charity Number: 1189709
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[ST] 2023
In our third year as a registered Charity, we continue to learn, develop, and adapt to the many and varied situations requiring our input and support in 2023. This is done entirely with an outstanding volunteer team; as Here4horses has no paid staff.
We are always on the look out for useful and committed volunteers but have no plans to recruit paid help at this time.
Whilst it has been relentless and at times exceedingly challenging, the Here4horses team and all the wonderful supporters are a clear example of ‘pulling out all the stops to not only survive but thrive’.
We yet again were faced with the usual trials faced by any small Charity in the early days; including cash flow issues, the continuous need to fundraise, volunteer shortages and adverse weather conditions.
However, new challenges were also presented to us - and used as learning experiences, as well as opportunities to further our success and make new and important connections for the long term.
In particular, we are hugely proud that this included invitations to be Charity of the Year at both the BETA International Trade Fair in Warwickshire and Bramham International Horse Trials in North Yorkshire.
The continued war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis is still impacting horse owners and their families. We took in a total of 11 horses and ponies during 2023. We are seeing far more requests from desperate owners than the typical cruelty, neglect and abandonment cases of the past.
Mental illness is also creating far more situations for rescue charities to deal with and the very nature of this problem, presents complications to the necessary solutions needed to help connected animals.
Fundraising has continued to be relentless, essential and largely successful; predominantly covering costs as this year has also seen far fewer grant opportunities.
We are in awe of our volunteers for their energy, ideas, and continued support. During 2023 we generated a total income of £104,490 with a total expenditure of £111,629 which gave a deficit of £7138
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INCOME
The Spring and Autumn tack sales continue to be our most successful events. The huge amount of work needed to hold these sales is a credit to the volunteers involved but also to everyone who donates items.
Local Stables, Livery Yards, and individuals alike have generously donated an enormous number of items and Here4horses are delighted, not only to generate an income from this, but also to prevent useable items being wasted and disposed of in landfill.
Local business, The Rug Fairy, once again gave us massive support and undoubtedly makes these events viable.
The Charity has seen great success this year with more Loanie Pony placements (now fifteen in total) and Pony Sponsorship numbers continue to rise gradually too.
Mid-summer, we again felt the financial pressure and worryingly low funds led to our ‘Houston We Have a Problem’ campaign which generated a much needed £2668 towards specific treatments needed for two of our ponies, Cracker & Stephen.
We then endured a huge blow in September when we very sadly lost our Chair of Trustees Claire Robinson to cancer after a long and bravely fought battle. It is impossible to describe the absolute loss associated with her passing. Claire was a Founding Trustee and an integral part of the team - but also a remarkably talented fundraiser and genuine, lovely person. We all strive to continue her work and vision for Here4Horses.
EXPENDITURE
Most costs have unfortunately increased in line with inflation.
The opportunity at Bramham, saw the charity purchase the highest amount of stock ever, hopeful of good sales which sadly did not materialise at that event. We therefore hold much more stock at end of year than previously.
Money was again invested into the website, particularly the retail section, including the creation of a ‘pre loved’ element to allow the broader sale of donated items, particularly higher value items like saddles and equestrian clothing.
A round pen was purchased, part funded from a grant given to us in 2022, but paid for in this financial year. This has proved a valuable addition for training and demonstrations.
Nicola Endersby MRCVS continues for a third year, to make a significant contribution to the viability of the charity by providing free vet consultations and reduced price treatments and drugs at cost, as well as being integral to our grant applications and their successes.
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The considerable work Shaun Stoker provides for us at a substantially reduced rate, continues to allow us to be the very best we can be - on both our website and social media.
Shaun’s professionalism shines through on all of our photography and marketing materials too.
Looking to the year ahead, we now need to consolidate what we have learned and consider how we achieved success so far, in order to put us firmly in a more secure position and make day to day management of the charity easier for all concerned.
RESERVES POLICY
As per the agreement by Trustee’s in Dec 2021, the reserves target is £10,000. Whilst the cash flow projections show a slight dip is expected in early 2024 this is because of the seasonal nature of most of our fundraising events.
Ideas for early spring opportunities are being sought and the Income will be monitored closely, reviewed monthly and compared against the cash flow projection. The Trustee’s endeavor to accumulate reserves equivalent to three months running costs in the future.
AGREED AT TRUSTEE MEETING: Dated 13[th] March 2024
Name…..……………………………………Signature…………………………. Chairman Name………………………………………. Signature…………………………. Treasurer Name………………………………………..Signature………………………….Secretary Name………………………………………..Signature…………………………..Trustee
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HERE4HORSES ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
Charity number 1189709
1[ST] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023
| INCOME | £ | £ |
|---|---|---|
| DONATIONS IN CASH | 30716.05 | |
| DONATIONS IN GOODS | 9403.95 | |
| FUNDRAISING EVENTS | 29352.38 | |
| MERCHANDISE | 10317.50 | |
| HORSE RELATED INCOME | 17400.94 | |
| GRANTS | 3000.00 | |
| GIFT AID/COMM/INTEREST | 4299.75 | |
| 104490.57 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| HORSE RELATED COSTS | 66356.43 | |
| MERCHANDISE | 13054.29 | |
| SHOW/FUNDRAISING COSTS | 12732.40 | |
| PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY | 282.10 | |
| WEBSITE, IT AND PHOTOGRAPHY |
9069.01 | |
| ADMINISTRATION/INSURANCE | 3241.89 | |
| EQUIPMENT | 5440.65 | |
| SUNDRIES | 1452.30 | |
| 111629.07 |
INCOME MINUS EXPENDITURE 104490.57-111629.07=7138.50 DEFICIT
MONEY IN BANK AT YEAR START
Current Account 10677.93 Savings Account +8971.25 MINUS DEFICIT -7138.50 EQUALS MONEY IN BANK AT YEAR FINISH 12510.68 Which is composed of - current account balance 12027.81 Savings account balance 482.87
ACCOUNTS AGREED AT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 17[th] January 2024
ACCOUNTS PRESENTED BY LINDA BLACKETT TREASURER
AGREED BY ………………………………………………… CHAIRMAN
here4horses Securing a better life for Horses and Ponies