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2020-10-31-accounts

Charity No. 240751 Company No. 00077583

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY CONTENTS

Trustees’ annual report 1-16
Independent Auditor’s report 17-19
Statement of Financial Activities 20
(Incorporating an income and
expenditure account and statement of
total recognised gains and losses)
Balance Sheet 21
Notes to the Financial Statements 22-30

Page 1

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2020.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered charity name The National Pony Society Charity registration number 240751 Company registration number 00077583 Principal office Arthur Rank Centre Stoneleigh Park Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2LG Registered office Beaver House 23-28 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

THE TRUSTEES

The trustees who served the charitable company during the period were as follows:

ALDER, Mr P M (Re-appointed 25 February 2017, Retired 22 February 2020)
DAVIS, Mr P C (Re-appointed 25 February 2017, Retired 22 February 2020)
FRITH, Mrs C S (Appointed 24 May 2019)
HARFORTH, Mr J F (Re-appointed 23 February 2019)
HIRD, Mrs S P M (Appointed 23 February 2019)
HOWARD, Mr S D (Appointed 23 February 2019)
HULSTON, Mr S (Appointed 11 March 2019)
JAMES, Mrs J M (Appointed 22 February 2020)
McAULIFFE, Mrs J (Appointed 22 February 2020)
NIMMO, Mrs M-C (Re-appointed 22 February 2020)
SHEEN, Mr M (Re-appointed 23 February 2019)
WEBB, Mrs J S P (Appointed 24 February 2018)
Representative of the Licensed Areas
WHITELEY, Mrs C M
 (Appointed 23 February 2019)
Representative of NPS Scotland
GRAINGER, Mr G L
 (Appointed 23 February 2019)
Representative of the Native Breed Societies
TAYLOR, MRS M A (Appointed 24 February 2018)
Representative of the British Riding Pony Stud Book Committee
JONES, Miss A G (Appointed 10 October 2019)

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Auditor

Critchleys LLP Beaver House 23-28 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

Bankers

Lloyds Bank Plc 75 Castle Street Farnham Surrey GU9 7LT

Weatherbys Bank Sanders Road Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 4BX

Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP Olympus Avenue Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV34 6BF

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on 28 February 2009.

The National Point Society, also known as NPS, is a registered Charity (No 240751) and a Company limited by guarantee (No 00077583).

ORGANISATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

The Council of Trustees Is responsible for the overall governance of the Charity and consists of 10 Trustees elected by ballot, 1 Chairman of the Licensed Areas elected by the Committee of Chairmen of the Licensed Areas, 1 representative elected by the Native Breed Forum, the Chairman of NPS Scotland and a representative of the British Riding Pony Stud Book Committee. The maximum number of Trustees is 14. An elected or appointed person who has served three consecutive years as a Trustee shall be eligible to be re-elected for a further term as a Trustee.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL

President MR R JAMES Chairman MRS J S P WEBB Vice-Chairman MRS J McAULIFFE The Trustees As detailed on pages 1 and 2 Hon. Treasurer MR J S STRANG

Day to day management of the charity’s affairs and for implementing policies agreed by Council has been delegated to an interim management team.

TRUSTEE INDUCTION, POWERS AND RESPONSIBILTIES

New Trustees receive an induction pack and all Trustees are constantly reminded about their Trustee responsibilities and are expected to comply with the NPS Trustee Code of Conduct of Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honestly and Leadership.

Trustees are required to meet as a Council at least 5 times a year and to sit on at least 1 Standing Committee. They are also expected to attend the Summer Championship Show.

All acts and proceedings of any appointed Standing Committee are reported to the Council and no Committee, other than the Resources Committee may exercise any contractual powers without the knowledge and consent of the Resources Committee or the Chairman of the Charity.

The Council delegates the exercise of certain powers in connection with the management and administration of the Charity to the Resources Committee. The Committee meets at least three times a year and has responsibility for all financial matters and budgetary control, it identifies and monitors threats and risks to the Charity and is able to react quickly if and when required.

AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS

The Mountain & Moorland Breed Societies are affiliated to the NPS and NPS is affiliated to the National Equine Welfare Council, the Central Prefix Register, the Joint Measurement Board and the British Horse Society Breeds Committee. NPS is also a member of the Confederation of Pony Breed and Show Societies and The Showing Council, and hosts a meeting of Pony Breed Societies with Part-Bred Sections. A member of NPS attends meetings of Native Ponies GB which is a discussion forum for matters of common legislative and administrative concern.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Council is responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Charity. Detailed considerations of risk are delegated to the Resources Committee, who are assisted by senior Charity staff. Risks are identified, accessed and controls established throughout the year. Through the risk management process, the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks identified have been adequately mitigated where necessary. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.

PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The charitable activities of The National Pony Society are documented on page 4 of this report.

The Trustees have discussed the issue of public benefit and are confident that the breadth and scope of the work the charity undertakes, as disclosed in this report complies with Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and has due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objects:

The statutory objectives of The National Pony Society as stated in the Articles of Association are:

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

In addition to the National Pony Society’s regular activities and services provided, this year the Council endeavoured to fulfil its objectives by:

Raising awareness ●Liaising with and distributing information to other organisations;
●Promoting the Riding & Sports pony abroad, especially in Australia,
New Zealand and Europe;
●Publishing and maintaining a booklet of Mountain & Moorland Breed
Standards and Showing Rules;
● Holding a full range of pony breeding and performance classes at the
NPS Shows, and Competitions (both Summer and Winter Series) with qualifying
rounds being held throughout the United Kingdom;
● Holding Study Days and Training Days for Competitors, Judges and Stewards.
Promoting ● Being a DEFRA recognised Passport Issuing Organisation for British Riding
registration Pony registered and for non registered ponies;
● Collecting and sharing registration data with Native Breed Societies;
● Supporting the export of ponies and semen worldwide;
● Lobbying DEFRA and the Government to minimise the costs of legislation on
pony breeders, especially the Rare and Heritage breeds;
● Encouraging dialogue between Societies with Part-Bred registers.
Encouraging the use ●Liaising with other Societies so that, where possible, our rules may be similar;
● Enforcement of Rules and Breed Standards;
● Maintaining the standard of NPS panel judges and taking measures to increase
the number of judges on the Mountain & Moorland, and Riding Pony panels,
without compromising standards nor losing Breed type.
Protection ●Ensuring the accurate recording and verifying of pedigrees;
● Providing support and help to the Mountain & Moorland Breed Societies;
● Liaising with Government departments and responding to consultation papers
from DEFRA about welfare and rural affairs;
● Encouraging major Shows and Showing Societies to publish Breeding in their
Show Catalogues and providing Breed information for communication to the
general public.
Welfare ● Raising awareness by publishing reports and information from other Welfare
organisations in NPS publications and website;
● A presence on Welfare Committees exchanging information, particularly the
plight of the feral ponies;
● Promotion of awareness to owners and judges regarding overweight ponies.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, many of our objectives were met, however, where they were not, our plans will be carried forward to 2021.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable Activities

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable Activities

Marketing and Publicity Committee

Committee Members: Mrs S P M Hird (Chairman), Mr S Hulston (Vice Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mrs C S Frith, Mr G L Grainger, Mr S D Howard, Miss A G Jones, Mr M Sheen.

I expect everyone who has written their report for the year end starts by expressing how difficult 2020 has been and how the reports will be small in content. I am one of those. We, as a committee, have relied a lot on social media in keeping our members up to date with changes within the society relating to COVID-19, and for that we are very thankful. The office have been extremely quick in supplying the details that changed from day to day. Showing magazines, including the very popular Showing World and The Showing Journal, continued to be printed and our news was included within these.

We also have a newsletter that was sent out electronically bi-monthly, and of course we have the website. All in all, during this disturbingly different year, members were updated in a very efficient manner.

We wait for the “very different” National Pony Society Review to arrive and thank the office for their commitment in getting this very hard-to-sell journal to the printers. Sadly, I cannot report on the positively of our usual HOYS stand within the shopping mall, our super mare/gelding rosettes, or the success in our sponsorship of the Baileys/National Pony Society M&M ridden finals. Surely we can hope for better times in 2021.

Sara Hird Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Resources and Planning Committee

Committee Members: Mr G L Grainger (Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Vice Chairman & Society Treasurer), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr P M Alder (Co-opted), Mr S D Howard, Mr S Hulston, Mrs J M James, Mrs M-C Nimmo.

The Resources & Planning Committee (R&P) is tasked with ensuring the effective and efficient deployment of our financial, material and human resources to achieve the Society’s objectives. The Committee has held regular teleconference meetings throughout the year and reports back to Council at each Trustees’ meeting with recommendations and options for discussion covering a range of operational and strategic issues.

The business of the R&P Committee was dominated in 2020 by the global COVID-19 pandemic which impacted heavily on all the activities of the Society.

1. Cancellation of Events

R&P monitored the evolving government guidelines and in conjunction with the office manager, show committee and the various service providers managed the orderly cancellation of events, obtaining refunds and carrying deposits forward where appropriate. The over-arching objective being to prioritise the health and safety of staff and members, whilst protecting the Society’s position financially and contractually.

2. Initial Furloughing of Staff

Government guidelines in March required all staff who could work from home to do so and with all events in the immediate future cancelled, the Office Manger suggested furloughing all staff except herself. This was agreed by R&P and the Board of Trustees. R&P liaised with the Office Manager throughout the year as circumstances, rules and operational parameters evolved to ensure that the Society continued to provide a service to members, whilst respecting the COVID-19 restrictions and Health and Safety protocols.

3. Human Resources and Un-furloughing

The Committee liaised closely with the Office Manager to provide ongoing support with Human Resources matters including a resignation and general support with keeping up-to-date with the myriad of evolutions in government support. Committee members spent considerable time reviewing and interpreting the ever-changing guidance published on the .gov website, so that as workloads increased staff members were un-furloughed in accordance with the strict procedural rules for eligibility. R&P continually updated the Board of Trustees and where necessary sought ratification of more significant decisions.

4. Finance and Cash-flow

With regards to finance, we continuously reviewed income and expenditure items, with particular attention paid to the potential for losses arising from event cancellation and the likelihood of financial pressures arising from reduced income. In conjunction with the Treasurer the Committee reviewed forecasts, monitored cash-flow and updated the Board of Trustees. We were fortunate that due to the support of our membership our income did not collapse and the furlough scheme absorbed a large portion of our staffing costs. The Committee also monitored the performance of our long term bond investments for deterioration during the pandemic but their performance remained broadly neutral.

With unprecedented situations becoming routine, the challenge for R&P has been to plan effectively against a backdrop of continual change and uncertainty. We gratefully acknowledge the key role of the Office Manager and her administration team without whose flexibility and dedication, it would have been impossible to navigate the past twelve months and emerge, having maintained all primary services to the membership, as well as running a virtual show and a large and successful autumn event. We are also grateful to Janet James who takes the minutes of our meetings and accurately records the action points to remind us of what we should all be doing.

Gordon Grainger Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Education and Welfare Committee

Committee Members: Mrs M A Taylor (Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mr P C Davis (Co-opted), Mrs C M Duke (Co-opted), Mrs C S Frith, Miss A G Jones.

There will be three sponsors of Education / Training bursaries in 2021.

The National Pony Society has been working closely with The Showing Council and are considering adopting BEFAR's (National Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules) policy on drug testing. As a leader in stamping out equine drug abuse, the Society has agreed in principle to the policy but is awaiting an estimate of costs before signing up.

The Council has agreed to donate £1000 in 2021 to support The British Horse Society (BHS) Castration Scheme. Unfortunately this did not happen in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that the BHS refresher training days for our Welfare Representatives can be organised post-pandemic and that is ongoing.

There have been a few welfare cases which have been resolved. One remains outstanding but is progressing favourably at the time of writing, and is being closely monitored.

Madge Taylor Chairman

Mountain & Moorland Committee

Committee Members : Mrs M A Taylor (Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), and Representatives from the Native Breed Societies.

There has been little activity for the M&M Breeds during this extraordinary year other than a meeting just prior to the March COVID-19 lockdown.

The British Horse Society Castration days obviously didn’t happen but we hope to financially support them again in 2021 if they go ahead.

Madge Taylor Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

British Riding Pony Stud Book Committee

Committee Members: Miss A G Jones (Chairman), Mr J F Harforth (Vice Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mr S Hulston, Mr M Jones (Coopted), Mrs G Kindler (Co-opted), Mrs E Mansfield-Parnell (Co-opted), Mr D Park (Co-opted), Mr M Reeves (Coopted), Mrs S Rook (Co-opted).

The year began with a presentation at the 2020 AGM to the winners of the 2019 stallion awards and also the winners of the inaugural performance award scheme. The stallion awards are kindly overseen by Jill Godden of the Rhos Stud, while Derby House Saddlery generously offered to sponsor the performance scheme.

We are delighted that interest in the performance scheme has increased exponentially this year and look forward to announcing the winners at the 2021 AGM.

We continue to reap the benefits of now having the stud book back “in house” with the following registrations in the last year:

Registrations
RegType Total
Baseline 12
BRP Appendix 26
BRP Appendix Mare Register 4
BRP Register 13
BRP Studbook 222
International Appendix 1
International Register 1
Large Appendix 3
Large Studbook 9
Sport Appendix 4
Sport Register 5
Sport Studbook 25
Grand Total 325

Volume 89 of the studbook came to a close in March with a total of 325 registrations (including overstamps) - a healthy increase on volume 88’s total of 266, and volume 90 is currently following the increasing trend. This year saw the National Pony Society offer a “breeders membership” for those members breeding and registering ponies in our stud book and we are pleased that this has proved to be popular. During the course of the year it was agreed to remove the upper height limit for the Large Height and Sports categories of the stud book, so we can accommodate those ponies with Thoroughbred or Warmblood bloodlines, destined to make hacks and riding horses or to excel in a performance discipline.

There have been 12 stallion licences issued in 2020 to the following stallions: Alonby Artiste (Litton Reflection x Miss Demeaner) Barkway Catwalk (Treworgan Dare To Peep x Barkway Celeste) Barkway Little Toff (Beckside Little Toff x Barkway Tip-toes) Broadgrove Glory In The Flower (Westacre Concerto x Broadgrove Maydream) Goresmead Alexi (Bradmore Legacy x Bradmore Faberge) Litton Hyperion (Cusop Julian x Brynoffa Honeysuckle) Romanno Gold Sovereign (Pendley Gold Link x Barkway Tommy Girl) Romanno Riverdance (Stanley Grange Regal Heights x Mirage)

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Swanlow Prince Louis (Barkway Georgio x Swanlow Lucky May)

Telynau Capitol (Telynau Just- William x Doulton Classic)

Trythall Choir Boy (Barkway Overture x Linksbury Sweet Inspiration) Walk of Fame (Kilvington Scoundrel x Tiger Lilly XVI)

The Society gave a Special Achievement Award at the British Breeding Awards to Andrea Nicholson’s BRP yearling colt Larkhaven Half A Crown (Stanley Grange Regal Empire x Lanniebob) for being awarded the Gold Award for the highest scoring yearling pony at the British Breeding Futurity.

It had been hoped that we might run a Breeder’s Forum at some point in the year but as COVID-19 restrictions prevented us from inviting members to a meeting “in person” we held a number of sessions by Zoom instead, with three meetings held in November and December and a final meeting scheduled in early January. The sessions have been invaluable in providing feedback for the Committee’s work and helping to prioritise issues going forward. They have also offered a platform for individual breeders to share their views. It has been a pleasure to meet and listen to breeders around the country and to see how this Committee might support their endeavours. I hope that we can use this platform regularly in the future.

It was agreed that two additional training bursaries, specifically for British Riding Ponies, should be added to the existing training bursaries offered by the Education and Welfare committee and we look forward to announcing the winners at the 2021 AGM. The year ahead will also see another stallion parade at the Summer Championships, along with a number of other initiatives intended to support and celebrate the British Riding Pony.

Daniel Park stepped down from the committee this year and I would like to thank him for his contributions and positivity. Finally, I would like to thank all the committee for their support this year. Building on the foundations put in place in previous years, most recently with Mrs Godden and Mrs Stewart at the helm, it has been a pleasure to work with such an experienced and enthusiastic team.

Anneli Jones

Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Area Chairman's Committee

Committee Members: : Mrs C M Whiteley (Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer) and Representatives from various Areas.

At the February Area Chairman's meeting all the Areas were happy with how they were working and most had plans for 2020. Shortly after this meeting COVID-19 struck and everyone's plans were brought to a halt. We all hope for a better year in 2021.

Carolyn Whiteley Chairman

Judges Selection Committee

Committee Members: Mrs M-C Nimmo (Chairman), Mrs J M James (Vice Chairman), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mr J F Harforth, Mrs M A Taylor, Mrs C M Whiteley.

Although this past year has been bereft of most shows due to the pandemic, I am pleased to report that we have had three submissions from Judges that were subsequently elevated from the Mountain & Moorland ‘B’ Panel, to the annotated ‘A’ Panel. We also have one Judge who has been elevated to the full ‘A’ Panel.

Sadly, five long-standing Judges who have given many years of loyal service have retired.

Our Probationary Judge’s appointments were put on hold in 2021 due to the pandemic. These will resume once COVID-19 regulations permit.

We had no choice but to suspend the planned Judges Conference in Scotland but hope to be permitted to run this in 2021. The same applies to future Judges Assessments, but hopefully we will be able to continue once things are back to normal.

Looking forward to a much more positive 2021.

Marie-Claire Nimmo Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Show Committee

Committee Members: Mrs J McAuliffe (Chairman & Society Vice Chairman), Mr P M Alder (Vice Chairman) (Coopted), Mrs J S P Webb (Society Chairman & Show Director), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mrs P Ashton (Coopted), Mrs S P M Hird, Mrs J M James, Mr M Jones (Co-opted), Mr M Sheen, Miss A Sheppard (Co-opted), Mrs M A Taylor.

The year 2020 was an extremely challenging time for the show team. We began with an enormous amount of uncertainty, which started immediately after the AGM. As it became clear that we were heading for a lockdown situation we began to dismantle the show arrangements, firstly for the Spring Show and then sadly, later on, for the Summer Championships. This involved an enormous amount of work for Philip, the office, and Janet and I, contacting judges, suppliers and contractors.

The Show Committee continued to hold regular meetings and as things improved through the summer we decided that we could possibly hold an Autumn show, by following the Showing Council guidelines, which Sacha Shaw had helped to formulate. We set about finding a venue and organising the show at Vale View in Leicestershire. Whilst realising that we could not afford to lose money on the venture, we also felt that the membership needed something for their money. The goodwill that the show generated was worth more than cash and those that attended had a thoroughly good, socially distanced and safe time. We also achieved our aim of not losing any money.

We have a lot of exciting plans for 2021, which COVID-19 allowing, we look forward to sharing with you. As ever, I would like to thank my team, who always go the extra mile …without fail, and in this very stressful year have still managed to put a smile on my face. We have all mastered Zoom now, so at least have learnt a new skill, which going forward will make regular meetings so much easier. Thank you to the judges, stewards and helpers who stepped up to the plate, many on a voluntary basis, at Vale View and ensured that the day ran smoothly and safely. Finally, a thank you to Sacha Shaw and Heather Abrahall for their very important contribution to the smooth running of Show Committee.

Jayne McAuliffe Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Competitions Committee

Committee Members: Mrs J S P Webb (Chairman and Society Chairman), Mrs M-C Nimmo (Vice Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Vice Chairman), Mr J S Strang (Society Treasurer), Mr J F Harforth, Mrs J M James, Mrs M A Taylor, Mrs C M Whiteley.

The Committee is very grateful to the sponsors of our competitions which unfortunately had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic. The only finals held were the winter ones which took place at the Autumn Festival in September, when for a brief time shows were able to take place under COVID-19 restrictions.

Once again we are indebted to all our sponsors, without whom so many of our competitions could not be held. Having had the pleasure of speaking to many of them, I am delighted to report that in the main most are happy to continue their sponsorship in 2021. The Society is most grateful for their support during this difficult time. Hopefully 2021 will see the return of some sort of normality and our members will once again be able to compete in our prestigious qualifying rounds and finals.

Jackie Webb Chairman

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Treasurer's Report

I have pleasure in presenting my eighth annual Report as Treasurer of the Society.

This financial year has proved to be the most challenging for the Society since I became Treasurer and, arguably, since the Society was founded. I have made it my priority since taking Office to rebuild the inherited, depleted reserves in order to ensure a strong balance sheet to fall back on in times of crisis. Who could have anticipated the enormous disruption to our activities and the continuing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus this year? This resulted in the cancellation of the Spring Festival and the Summer Championship Show with the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show also falling victim to the pandemic. Fortunately, we have a very loyal base of members who continued to support us by renewing their subscriptions. This is the life blood of the Society and, without this source of income, we would have incurred a substantial deficit.

By carefully controlling expenditure and taking advantage of the Government's job retention, we ended the year with a consolidated surplus of £18,598 compared with the previous year's surplus of £33,248. After removing the gain on investments and the Area surpluses from these figures, the Society achieved a trading surplus of £15,861 compared with the previous year of £26,137. The Society's consolidated reserves increased by £18,598 and, at the year end, amounted to £740,857. In the circumstances already alluded to, this is a very satisfactory outcome. There is no doubt that the next financial year will continue to have its challenges as the lockdown continues to curtail our activities.

I would like to conclude my Report by thanking our hard-working and committed staff members Sacha Shaw, Heather Abrahall and Fiona Chance and our book-keeper David Orchard who support me in my duties. As I step down from my role as Treasurer, I would also like to thank the Trustees for their support and particularly to the three Chairman I have had the privilege to work with during my period of Office, Joanna McInnes, Tweetie Nimmo and Jackie Webb.

Steven Strang Treasurer

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Reserves Policy

Free reserves available for use by the Charity are deemed to be those that are readily realisable. As a matter of policy, each year the Trustees review the value of the reserves retained in the form of investments and cash not held for restricted purposes or designated projects. The Council consider the Charity’s exposure to major risks in terms of their likely impact on its income sources and planned expenditure in the short to medium term, as well as assessing the best way to mitigate such risks. With income the major risk is considered to be when Competitions and Shows are not held for reasons beyond the Charity’s control.

The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the Charity and concluded that to allow the charity to be managed efficiently and to provide a buffer for uninterrupted services, a general reserve equivalent to 75% of fund annual expenditure should be maintained.

Investment Policy and Performance

The charity, may in accordance with its memorandum and articles, invest any monies not immediately required in suitable investments, securities or property as may be thought fit. Funds invested in listed investments were liquidated during the year and the trustees are considering the investment options available to maximise return for the charity while ensuring that these funds are secure and safeguarded.

Qualifying indemnity insurance

The charitable company has granted an indemnity to its directors against liability in respect of actions brought by third parties, subject to the conditions set out in the Companies Act 2006. Such qualifying third party indemnity provision remains in force as at the date of approving the directors’ report.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Continuing to promote, develop and educate according to our charitable objects with particular emphasis on:

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees (who are also the directors of the National Pony Society for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation i n the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This r eport has been prepared In accordance with the small companies regime under Section 419(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

In spite of all the difficult circumstances we found ourselves in over this past year due to COVID-19, the Society continued its business with various different constraints put upon it.

We managed to run the Autumn Festival at Vale View Equestrian which the competitors supported and enjoyed, and we also ran a very popular online photograph show earlier in the year.

The Council have continued to meet regularly via Zoom, as have the sub Committees, and plans are very much underway for 2021.

Since coming back in-house the Studbook registrations have increased which is gratifying, and that committee have started to hold regular Zoom meetings with breeders which is proving both popular and beneficial.

I would like to thank our many sponsors who have stood by us in these uncertain times and am pleased to report that we also have some new sponsors coming on board.

The membership has been unwavering in their support of the Society and we are extremely grateful to them.

Looking forward to a better and more normal 2021.

Jackie Webb Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

AUDITOR

The auditors, Critchleys Audit LLP, were appointed during the year and will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming AGM.

Signed by order of the Board of Trustees on 21 January 2021.

Mrs J S P Webb Chairman

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The National Pony Society (the “Charity”) for the year ended 31 October 2020 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Charity’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued) TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued) TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Robert Kirtland For and on behalf of Critchleys Audit LLP (Statutory Auditor) Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

5 February 2021

Page 20

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restated
Note 2020 2019
£ £
Income and Endowments
Donations and legacies 3 123,257 166,953
Income from other trading activities 4 - 27,886
Income from investments 5 7,830 5,800
Income from charitable activities 6 116,236 383,810
Other income 20,570 7,273
Total income and endowments 267,893 591,722
Expenditure
Costs of raising funds 7 56,871 76,891
Expenditure on charitable activities 8 194,017 484,450
Total expenditure 250,888 561,341
Net income/(expenditure) before gains and
losses on investments 17,005 30,381
Net gains/(losses) on investments 1,593 2,867
Net income/(expenditure) 18,598 33,248
Reconciliation of funds
Balance brought forward at 1 November 2019 722,259 689,011
Balance carried forward at 31 October 2020 740,857 722,259

All gains and losses arising in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities and arise from continuing operations.

The notes on pages 22 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

Page 21

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2020

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
Current Assets
Investments
12
Stocks
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts
falling due within
one year
14
Net Current Assets
Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
15
Designated Funds
15		 2020
£
200,058
13,443
19,480
537,907
770,888
(30,031)		 2020
£
-
-
740,857
740,857
737,407
3,450
740,857		 2019
£
198,465
6,080
12,903
521,868
739,316
(17,057)		 2019
£
-
-
722,259
722,259
718,809
3,450
722,259

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21 January 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

J Steven Strang Treasurer

The notes on pages 22 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

Company registration no: 00077583

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

1 General information

The charity is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in United Kingdom.

The address of its registered office is: Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

The address of its principal office is: Arthur Rank Centre Stoneleigh Park Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2LG

2 Accounting Policies

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions of the Companies Act and adapted the format of the accounts to reflect the special nature of the charitable company's activities.

b) Cash flow statement

No cash flow statement has been prepared for the current year as the charity qualifies for the small company exemption available under FRS1 "Cash Flow Statements".

c)

Donations and income from charitable activities

Income is shown in the statement of financial activities when that income has been received or is receivable, and where entitlement is not conditional on future events. Gifts in kind are included at their estimated market value.

d) Legacies

Legacies are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

2. Accounting Policies (continued)

e) Membership

Annual membership subscriptions are recognised in the accounts in the financial year to which they relate. Life membership subscriptions are allocated to a separate fund and an appropriate annual transfer made to the income and expenditure account.

f) Investment assets and income

Investments are held at market value. Income from investments is shown in the statement of financial activities when that income has become receivable. Changes in the market value of investments held are recognised in the statement of financial activities as unrealised gains or losses on investments.

g) Interest receivable

Interest receivable is accounted for on an accruals basis.

h) Fund accounting

Accumulated surpluses in the Unrestricted Funds (the General Fund), are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the charitable objectives, except that amounts representing the fixed assets are not actually available for spending. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions imposed by the donors. The charity currently holds no restricted funds.

i) Expenditure

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis.

Costs of raising funds are predominantly those costs associated with providing the benefits associated with membership of the Society, the cost of fundraising events and the costs of managing the charity's investments.

Direct charitable expenditure relates to the delivery of the Society's main activities and services in relation to the promotion and protection of ponies and the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of knowledge connected with the management and use of ponies.

Support costs are allocated to costs of charitable activities, and are split between activities in proportion with the relevant costs for these activities and the governance of the charitable company and its assets and are primarily associated with strategic, constitutional and statutory matters.

Where possible, expenditure is matched with the activity to which it relates. Support costs that are not directly attributable to an activity are apportioned between each of the projects based on the direct expenditure allocations.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

2. Accounting Policies (continued)

j) Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Fixed assets are recorded at cost or, in cases where assets have been donated to the Society at valuation at the time of donation. All assets acquired for continuing use and costing more than £100 are capitalised.

Provision is made for depreciation on all tangible assets, at rates calculated to write off the asset, less estimated residual value, over i t s expected life as follows:

Equipment Fixtures and Fittings

k) Stocks

Stocks represent rosettes held, which are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

l) Leasing

Annual rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

3. Donations and legacies

Donations
Donations and sponsorship
Subscriptions
4.
Income from other trading activities
Corporate sponsorship
5.
Income from investments
Income from UK listed investments
Bank interest receivable		 2020
£
16,991
106,266
123,257
2020
£
-
2020
£
4,460
3,370
7,830		 2019
£
20,404
146,549
166,953
2019
£
27,886
2019
£
4,460
1,340
5,800
Page 25

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

6. Income from charitable activities

Show income
Branch income (note 21)
Pony registration and prefixes income
National Pony Society Review

Costs of raising funds
Cost of membership benefit and administration
Sponsorship
Expenditure on charitable activities
Show expenditure
Branch expenditure (note 21)
Welfare and education
Pony registration expenditure
National Pony Society Review expenditure
Support Costs		 2020
2019
£
£
15,013
228,676
70,596
126,028
25,065
22,904
5,562
6,202
116,236
383,810
2020
Restated
2019
£
£
56,871
45,577
-
31,314
56,871
76,891
2020
Restated
2019
£
£
11,224
176,897
69,452
121,784
270
-
5,228
33,622
5,745
6,308
102,098
145,839
194,017
484,450

7. Costs of raising funds

8. Expenditure on charitable activities

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

General expenditure
Pony registration expenditure
National Pony Society Review expenditure		 Direct
Cost
2020
Support
Costs
2020
Year ended
31 October
2020
Year ended
31 October
2019
£
£
£
£
139,623
102,098
241,721
521,411
3,421
-
3,421
33,622
5,746
-
5,746
6,308
148,790
102,098
250,888
561,341

9. Support costs

Administration fees
Staff costs
Bookkeeping fees
Premises costs and business insurance
Travel and subscriptions
International teams expenditure
Printing, postage and stationery
Depreciation
Irrecoverable VAT
Other
Audit fees
Legal and professional fees
Allocated to:
Expenditure on charitable activities		 2020
Restated
2019
£
£
2,323
7,000
38,753
41,224
2,063
3,520
20,150
18,467
898
2,559
6,205
-
8,703
15,194
-
785
9,126
18,158
13,352
22,989
6,250
7,610
480
2,128
102,098
145,839
102,098
145,839

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

10.
Net expenditure for the year
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation
Auditors remuneration
Audit fees
11.
Staff costs and emoluments
Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs
The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
Management and administration of the charity
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2019: none).
12.
Investments
Movement in market value
Market value at 1 November 2019
Additions at cost
Net gains/(losses) on revaluations in the period
Market value at 31 October 2020
Historical cost at 31 October 2020
13.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments		 2020
£
-
6,250
2020
£
74,176
2,715
614
77,505
3
3

2020
£
198,465
1,593
200,058
200,000
2020
£
629
297
18,554
19,480		 2019
£
785
7,610
2019
£
77,995
3,587
867
82,449
4
4
2019
£
195,598
-
2,867
198,465
200,000
2019
£
3,200
3,458
6,245
12,903

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2020
£
2,447
4,757
22,827
30,031		 2019
£
683
2,008
14,366
17,057

Creditors at the year ended includes deferred income of £2,570 (2019: £2,443) representing deferred show income received in the year for 2020 shows.

15. Unrestricted income funds

Unrestricted income funds
Total Funds
£
General funds
Balances at 1 November 2019 718.809
Income 267,893
Expenditure (250,888)
Gain/(loss) on investments 1,593
Balance at October 2020 737,407
Designated funds
Welfare fund
Balances at 1 November 2019 200
Income -
Expenditure -
Balance at 31 October 2020 200
Life membership fund
Balances at 1 November 2019 3,450
Income -
Expenditure -
Balance at 31 October 2020 3,450

The welfare fund is for the promotion of equine welfare. The life membership fund has been set up to recognise the cost of servicing life members’ subscriptions.

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THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Fund
Fund balances at 31 October 2020 are represented by: £
Net current assets 740,857
Net assets at 31 October 2020 740,857

17. Financial Commitments

At 31 October 2020 the Society was committed to making the following payments under operating leases relating to office equipment:

Total payments falling due:
Within one year
Between one and five years
Total		 2020
£
11,929
4,623
16,552		 2019
£
43,979
44,722
88,701

18. Transactions with the trustees

Trustees received no remuneration during the current or preceding period. Five trustees received reimbursement for expenditure during the period amounting to £1,148 (2019: three trustees received £3,483).

Certain trustees were reimbursed for expenditure amounting to £233 (2019: £2,358) incurred for activities undertaken in roles other than as trustees of the charity such as judging competitions. All such transactions are contracted on an arm’s length basis.

During the year no gifts were made to trustees.

19. Legal status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to £1.

Page 30

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020

20. Areas’ income and expenditure

Opening balance as at 1 November 2019
Total income
Total expenditure
Closing balance as at 31 October 2020
Areas’ income is split between:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other income
Total income
Areas’ expenditure is split Activities between:
Expenditure on charitable activities		 Total
£
195,622
70,596
(69,452)
196,766
Total
£
2,191
25,401
43,004
70,596
Total
£
69,452