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2021-10-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 240751

Company Registration No. 00077583 (England and Wales)

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mrs C S Frith
Mr J F Harforth
Mr G L Grainger
Mrs S P Hird
Mr S D Howard
Mr S Hulston
Mrs J M James
Ms A G Jones
Mrs J Mcauliffe
Mrs M Nimmo
Mr M Sheen
Mrs M A Taylor
Mrs J S P Webb
Mrs C M Whiteley
Charity number 240751
Company number 00077583
Principal address Arthur Rank Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Registered office Beaver House
23-38 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 2EP
Auditor Critchleys Audit LLP
Beaver House
23-38 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 2EP
Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc
75 Castle Street
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7LT
Weatherbys Bank
Sandler Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 4BX

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Solicitors

Wright Hassall LLP Olympus Avenue Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV34 6BF

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 12
Statement of Trustees responsibilities 13
Independent auditor's report 14 - 17
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 - 27

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2021.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Articles of Association , the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".

Objectives and activities

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

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

Promoting registration

Encouraging the use

Protection

Welfare

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, many of our objectives were met, however, where they were not, our plans will be carried forward to 202 2 .

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance Marketing and Publicity Committee

Committee Members : Mrs SPM Hird (Chairman), Mr S Hulston (Vice Chairman)

Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Chairman) Mrs J James (Society Vice Chairman) S D Howard (Treasurer) Mrs C Frith, Mr G Grainger, Miss A G Jones, Mr M Sheen.

This report is going to read like Deja Vu and Groundhog Day all rolled into one. This committee has become completely reliant on social media in keeping our members informed on the daily changes within the society due to COVID-19, here we are in 2022 should it being known as COVID-22 ? The office are extremely quick in updating the website and the social media pages with events almost as soon as they are announced backed up with the news articles written by the office that appear in the various Showing magazines. There was also a bimonthly newsletter that was sent out electronically. Personally, I think the members were kept updated very efficiently.

With a touch of luck and some expert scheduling of events the Spring Festival took place as did the Summer Championships and both had the most amazing atmosphere and support proving we have a very loyal following. This year we also saw the Launch of the Great British In Hand Show, something this committee created. It is hoped that this will be an important part of the showing calendar as the positive remarks proved it is a much needed show, The glitz and glamour of the evening performance was much talked about.

The Annual Review has been a hard struggle to “sell space” in but the office and trustees have really worked hard again to provide yet another triumph and they should be very proud of themselves.

This year the fabulous NPS stand at The Horse of the Year Show was moved from the Main Hall to be within the Top Spec Arena and this proved to be a great success, the staff were kept really busy with a lot more passing interest than the main hall site previously allocated and it is hoped this remains a permanent position.

Hoping for much better “normal times” within the showing and breeding world, the society has a lot of exciting ventures promised to the membership during 2022 and we can only keep our fingers crossed that we will witness the end of the virus and be able to enjoy our shows again.

Sarah Hird

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Resources and Planning Committee

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

The role of the Resources & Planning subgroup continues to be essential to the NPS, given the uncertainties that have surrounded us as a result of the pandemic, its monthly focus has been on where we are financially and the potential impacts that running the various events will have on our bottom line.

During the year we saw the end of the governments furlough scheme so we needed to ensure that having the full team back in the office was safe, would be fully occupied and were affordable. Fortunately, things did return to a new normal which meant that the workload was demanding and we thank the office team, for working under what at times were daily changing circumstances.

We are pleased to report that during the year we worked with the government to benefit from their Kickstart scheme which has resulted in a new member of staff joining the team. Hopefully the signs are that 2022 will be the new normal and we will need the equivalent of the Kickstart post permanently and we are currently looking to progress that.

Looking towards 2022 the sub-group continues to look at the best possible investment opportunities for our reserves, not an easy task as the funds cannot be permanently tied up. We do not consider high risk investments suitable for the charity funds, but we continue to review regularly and watch the markets to ensure we make the most of the reserves available.

Stephen Howard

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Education and Welfare Committee

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

Four Education/Training Bursaries were once again on offer kindly offered by the NPS and by the Levant, Sinton and Cuddington Studs which had a very good uptake. These bursaries provide specialised training for our young members in a variety of disciplines and include both BRPs and M&Ms.

The NPS continues to be diligent in halting equine drug abuse and from three random samples taken at the Summer Championships, one proved positive. It is intended to rigorously pursue this policy and to extend it where it is considered necessary.

2021 shows recommenced well into the year due to Covid resulting in many trying to fit into an overcrowded calendar, sometimes with qualifying shows occurring back-to-back. Members were urged on the NPS website and on social media to consider the mental and physical wellbeing of their ponies and to ensure that excessive travelling was avoided.

Reported welfare concerns were minimal and those that came to the attention of the NPS were investigated and resolved.

The Society continues to be a member the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) and is represented at

their informative and constructive meetings.

The BHS will again benefit from a £1000 donation, approved by Council, to support the very worthwhile

Castration Scheme, paused in 2020 because of the Pandemic.

For reasons hitherto mentioned, The Welfare Representatives have been unable to meet for grass roots discussions and the planned BHS training day has been unable to go ahead as yet.

Madge Taylor

Chairman

Mountain & Moorland Committee

Committee Members :

No formal meetings have taken place between the Breed Societies during the year but the NPS continues to liaise with them when issues surface concerning the individual breeds and will continue to offer support if those issues compromise the traditional standards.

Post Covid it is hoped to re-start meetings of Mountain & Moorland representatives, continuing

to forge strong relationships between the Native Breed Societies and the NPS.

Madge Taylor

Representative of Breed Societies

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

British Riding Pony Stud Book Committee

Committee Members: Miss A Jones (Chairman), Mr J Harforth (Vice Chairman), Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer), Mr S Hulston, Mrs J James (Society Vice Chairman), Mr M Jones (Co-opted), Ms B Kindler (Coopted), Mrs L Mansfield-Parnell (Co-opted), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Chairman) , Mrs S Rook (Co-opted).

The Stud Book has recorded the following registrations in 2020/21:

Registrations Registrations
Reg Type Total
Baseline 8
BRP Appendix 20
BRP Appendix Mare Register 2
BRP Register 16
BRP Studbook 196
Large Appendix 2
Large Studbook 7
Sport Appendix 5
Sports Appendix Mare Register 3
Sport Register 12
Sport Studbook 31
Total 302

Volume 90 of the studbook came to a close in March with a total of 302 registrations (including over stamps).

There have been 16 stallion licences issued in 2021, 4 more than in 2020. These were issued to the following stallions:

Alameery (Kingman x Zacheta), Archwood Lord of the Dance (Alonby Chardonnier x Bowerhall Black Pearl), Brookvale Lord Grantham (Llanarth Decision x Brookvale Cushla), Cynbrook Oliver Twist (Tuscany (AUS) Royal Occasion x Brookwater Candy Tuft), Delaroche Black Gold (Hilkens Gold Card x Hilkens Georgia), Derw Royal Secret (Westgrove Dark Secret x Barkway Fandango), Dowhills Beau Garcon (Jackets Shades of Blue x Drakemyre Starry Eyed), Fofsway Court Jester (Fofsway Nobility x Fofsway Cameo), Larkhaven Half A Crown (Stanley Grange Regal Empire x Lanniebob), Litton Knightsbridge (Litton Reflection x Litton Katriana), Moor Hall Royal Celebration (Bankswood Crown Prince x Moor Hall Birthday Girl), Pumpmeadow Jazz Hands (Llanarth Aristocat x Bankswood Camellia), Ryehall Saville Row (Brideswood Prince Regent x Brookwater Samsara), Sandboro Royal Affair (Llanarth Aristocat x Immediately), Tandridge Stormbird (Tandridge Dream Catcher x Pickmere Mockingbird), The Squire (Acado x Oldhills Princess Belle), Thistledown Harper Royale (Rendene Royal Charm x Thistledown Harper), Wycroft Copy Cat (Llanarth Aristocat x Wycroft Lady Jane).

Following the introduction of the breeder’s membership in 2020, we now have 45 members benefitting from this.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Following last year’s discussion groups, it was agreed that we would offer further opportunities online, with three educational seminars scheduled through Winter 2021 and 2022. The BRP Performance Scheme was again kindly sponsored by Derby House Saddlery, and the two additional training bursaries introduced last year for children riding British Riding Ponies were again supported by the Cuddington Stud and Anneli Jones.

A stallion parade was held at the Summer Championships, with the following stallions forward: Fielden Mink’s Legacy, Heavenly Boy Blue, Rotherwood Jubilee Diamond, Rotherwood Peeping Tom, Rotherwood Spring Storm, Ryehall Saville Row and The Squire.

A further platform at British Breeding’s Stallion Parade has been negotiated for 2022, which will offer an opportunity for British Riding Ponies to be seen by a wider audience.

During the year it was agreed that from 2022 DNA testing would only be required for registrations involving frozen semen or embryo transfer.

We also revisited the way in which stallion points are amassed, with the intention of levelling the playing field for younger stallions and creating a route to “premium” status. Details of the scheme are available on the Stud Book pages of the NPS website.

This year also saw a pilot evaluation scheme for stallions, with three stallions: Rotherwood Jubilee Diamond, Stanley Grange Regal Empire and The Squire all being formally and successfully assessed by independent assessors. Once Covid restrictions are relaxed we hope to build on this to use international assessors.

Bridget Kindler and Mark Reeves stepped down from the committee this year and I would like to thank them both for their contributions and insights during their time on the committee. My thanks also go to the rest of the committee for their continued commitment and support.

Anneli Jones

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Area Chairman's Committee

Committee Members: : Mrs CM Whiteley (Chairman) Mrs J Mc Auliffe ( society Chairman) Mrs J James (Vice Chairman) Mr S Howard (society Treasurer) & representatives from various areas.

Last year ' s Area Chairmen met via zoom on the 13th February as we were in Covid lockdown. No problems had arisen from this meeting. Most areas have managed to run events in 2021 albeit with Covid restrictions in place.

I'm sure we are all hoping to get back to some kind of normality in 2022 and I know most areas are already planning for the coming year.

Carolyn Whiteley

Area Chairmens representative

Judges Selection Committee

Committee Members: Mrs M C Nimmo (Chairman), Mrs J James (Vice Chairman), Mrs C Frith, Mr J Harforth, Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Chairman), Mrs M Taylor, Mrs J Webb, Mrs C Whiteley.

We had a more promising season with most shows resuming under Covid Guidelines mainly due to the Showing Guidance Blueprint compiled and issued by the Showing Council.

This enabled our probationers to fulfil some, or in some cases finish their probationer commitments. I am pleased to report that we have two new M&M judges elevated to the ‘B’ Panel and one new RP/HP Judge elevated to the ‘B’ Panel.

We have also elevated one judge to the full ‘A’ M&M Panel and similarly one judge who is now on the full M&M WHP Panel.

The next Judges Assessment will be held at Badgworth Equestrian Centre, Somerset in the early Autumn 2022.

We held an excellent Judges Conference in September at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre . The subject matter was the biomechanics of horse and rider, very well presented by Russell and Erik MackechnieGuire. This event was very well received and so much knowledge gained that we are going to repeat this event for our next Judges Conference in 2023 to be held in the South.

Members will be advised of the dates for our next Judges Assessment and Conference in due course and details will also be posted on the NPS website.

Marie-Claire Nimmo

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Show Committee

Committee Members – Mrs J McAuliffe (Chairman) Mr P Alder (Vice Chairman) Mrs J Webb (Council) Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer) Mrs S Hird (Council) Mr M Sheen (Council), Mrs M Taylor(Council), Mrs J James (Council) Mrs P Ashton(Co-opted), Mr M Jones(Co-opted), Miss A Shepherd (Co-opted) Mr P Davis (Coopted)

2021 was an exciting year for the show team. As we headed towards the Spring Festival at Malvern, restrictions began to ease and whilst still following strict guidelines we managed to hold a successful show, with good entries and a marvellous atmosphere.

Moving on to the Summer Championships in August, most of the restrictions had been lifted, however we did keep some common-sense measures in place and some social gatherings were restricted. However, the competition was as good as ever and saw some lovely champions in the two exciting evening performances. Our qualifiers continue to be sought after and the Finals hotly contested. Entries were good and the show was a success in every way.

September saw us host the inaugural Great British In Hand Show at Kelsall Hill in Cheshire. This was a resounding success with the climax of a superb Supreme of Show in the evening performance, contested by a host of champions from throughout the day. The following day also saw our first Arena Eventing Final, this also proved very popular and the icing on the cake was, that it was won by a British Riding Pony. We hope to continue with both the In Hand Show and to continue to encourage the performance aspect of showing in 2022.

As ever, I would like to express my thanks to my team, Philip Alder, my Vice Chairman for his input and support and the whole of the hard working Show Committee and of course Sacha, Heather and Fiona in the office, who put up with us, with patience and good humour. Last, but not least the members and competitors, who stuck with us loyally and supported us enthusiastically when we were allowed to resume .

Jayne McAuliffe

Show Chairman

Competitions Committee

Committee Members Mrs Jackie Webb (Chairman), Mrs M C Nimmo (Vice Chairman), Mrs C Frith, Mr J Harforth, Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer), Mrs J James (Society Vice Chairman), Mrs J McAuliffe (Society Chairman), Mr M Sheen, Mrs C Whiteley.

Under strict Covid guidelines we managed to run our Spring Festival, Summer Championships and the Great British In Hand Final in 2021. Our members were very supportive and pleased to be out competing in our qualifying rounds and the Finals. To assist in not spreading the virus we temporarily suspended the stripping of ponies in NPS classes for 2021, but in 2022 this will be reinstated unless we are directed otherwise.

Sincere thanks must go to our major sponsors, Baileys, Mole Valley Farmers and Supreme Products, also we could not manage to run our many qualifying competitions if it were not for the individual sponsors who generously continue to support them.

I think everyone was relieved to be out and about competing with their ponies and the standard was every bit as good as in previous years, in spite of a long absence due to the Pandemic.

Hopefully we will be able to continue in 2022 with some normality, although care and attention to any Covid guidelines will be paramount in order to keep us all safe.

Jackie Webb Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Financial review Treasurer's Report

In writing this, my first report of treasurer of the society I would like to thank the office team for their continued dedication to the NPS. Without the combined efforts of Sacha Shaw, Heather Abrahall, Fiona Chance and our book-keeper David Orchard this process would have been considerably more painful.

The 2020/21 financial year has continued to be a challenge financially, given the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic and the knock on effects it has on the investment markets etc.

Trying to compare 20/21 to 19/20 is almost impossible as in the latter year we had to cancel most events. In 20/21 we were able to forge ahead, adhering to Covid restrictions but nevertheless the ‘show’ stayed on the road.

The society’s outturn has been very positive with an operating surplus of almost £75k. This is split, with £25k from the areas and the other £50k from within the parent body. The key drivers for this surplus has many factors, but increased members, positive show entries, amazing sponsors have all played a big part. Additionally we in council agreed to be more cautious over the year and held part of a vacancy whilst we looked for the signs that things were returning back to ‘normal’.

Our current plan for 2021/22 remain positive and we hope to be able to put on a full range of NPS activities and we will continue to do this under very careful budget management o f the charity’s funds.

Stephen Howard

Society Treasurer

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 charitywhile 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.

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.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

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

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).

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mrs C S Frith

Mr J F Harforth

Mr G L Grainger Mrs S P Hird Mr S D Howard Mr S Hulston Mrs J M James Ms A G Jones Mrs J Mcauliffe Mrs M Nimmo Mr M Sheen Mr S J Strang (Resigned 20 February 2021) Mrs M A Taylor Mrs J S P Webb Mrs C M Whiteley

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 reelected for a further term as a Trustee.

Constitution of the Council
President		 M r R James
Chairman M rs J McA uliffe
Vice-Chairman M r s R James
The Trustees As detailed on pages 1 and 2
Hon. Treasurer Mr S Howard Hon

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

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.

Auditor

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

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 826 Studbook Committee . NPS is also a member of the British Horse Council and hosts meetings of the Mountain and Moorland Breed Societies.

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.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Chairman's Statement

Despite the year beginning with a lot of uncertainty and trepidation, it turned out to be full of hope, positivity and a return to a kind of normal.

Beginning with our first ever Zoom AGM the Society to continued to function and press on with an optimistic programme of events. Zoom and Social Media have been the one positive to come from the last 2 years.

We ran our Spring Festival in April at Malvern under the very helpful Showing Council guidelines, as we began to emerge from lockdown

A wonderful Summer Championships followed, where we tried to be as normal as possible, whilst still keeping everyone safe, some of the social side had to be reduced but the showing was as great as ever. All in all, I hope you will agree, a Championships to remember.

The Great British In Hand Show and Performance Day, followed very swiftly and we were delighted with the inaugural running of this brand new initiative to encourage British breeding and provide a showcase for our own British Riding Pony and the Native Breeds.

The Society as whole, has come through the pandemic in a remarkably healthy state, despite gloomy predictions and for that we are extremely grateful to you, the members for your loyalty and faith and to our extremely generous sponsors.

We are also most grateful to our Areas, who have continued to run events throughout.

Grateful thanks must also go to the girls in the office, who keep us, the trustees and the society on track. Always pleasant and helpful despite all the uncertainty, we thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Looking forward with excitement and enthusiasm to what 2022 has to offer.

Best Wishes

Jayne McAuliffe

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

..............................

Mrs J Mcauliffe

Trustee Dated: ......................... 5 February 2022

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

The Trustees, who are also the directors of The National Pony Society for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES 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 2021 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) .

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 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

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the s tatement of Trustees r esponsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the Charity for the purpose of company law, 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 the Trustees 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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below .

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the governors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http s :// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

11/02/2022

Robert Kirtland (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Critchleys Audit LLP

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2EP

Critchleys Audit LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the Charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2021 2020
Notes
£		 £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 227,051 123,257
Charitable activities 4 254,318 116,236
Investments 5 7,891 7,830
Other income 6 5,691 20,570
Total income 494,951 267,893
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 54,602 56,871
Charitable activities 8 361,136 194,017
Total expenditure 415,738 250,888
Net gains/(losses) on investments (4,604)
1,593
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds 74,609 18,598
Fund balances at 1 November 2020 740,857 722,259
Fund balances at 31 October 2021 815,466 740,857

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2021

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks
13
Debtors
14
Investments
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
18
General unrestricted funds		 2021
£
9,919
16,714
195,455
611,123
833,211
(19,100)
3,450
812,016		 £
1,355
814,111
815,466
815,466
815,466		 2020
£
13,443
19,480
200,058
537,907
770,888
(30,031)
3,450
737,407		 £
-
740,857
740,857
740,857
740,857

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 October 2021, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on ......................... 5 February 2022

..............................

Mr S D Howard Trustee

Company Registration No. 00077583

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The National Pony Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2EP. The address of its principal office is Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.

The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to £1.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the Charity . Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

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.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

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.

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

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.

Interest receivable is accounted for on an accruals basis.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 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.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible 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 its expected life as follows:

Equipment 33% straight line Fixtures and fittings 10% straight line

1.7 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.

1.8 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.

1.9 Leases

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2021 2020
£ £
Donations and sponsorship 95,543 16,991
Subscriptions 131,508 106,266
Charitable activities
2021
2020
£
£
Show income 96,893
15,013
Pony registration and prefix income 24,592
25,065
National Pony Society review 4,122
5,562
Branch income 128,711
70,596
254,318
116,236

4 Charitable activities

5 Investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2021 2020
£ £
Income from UK listed investments 4,540 4,460
Interest receivable 3,351 3,370
7,891 7,830

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

6 Other income

7
8		 UnrestrictedUnrestricted
funds
funds
2021
2020
£
£
Other income
5,691
20,570
Raising funds
UnrestrictedUnrestricted
funds
funds
2021
2020
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Cost of membership benefit and administration
54,602
56,871
54,602
56,871
Charitable activities
2021
2020
£
£
Show expenditure
118,738
11,224
Pony registration expenditure
4,284
5,228
National Pony Society review expenditure
-
5,747
Welfare and education
90
270
Branch expenditure
107,437
69,452
230,549
91,921
Support costs (see note 9)
123,709
95,366
Governance costs (see note 9)
6,878
6,730
361,136
194,017

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

9
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
38,275
-
Depreciation
667
-
Administration fees
7,094
-
Bookkeeping fees
2,171
-
Premises costs and
business insurance
21,463
-
Travel and subscriptions
1,356
-
Printing, postage and
stationary
15,849
-
Irrecoverable VAT
16,838
-
Other costs
19,996
-
Audit fees
-
6,000
Legal and professional
-
878
123,709
6,878
Analysed between
Charitable activities
123,709
6,878		 2021
£
38,275
667
7,094
2,171
21,463
1,356
15,849
16,838
19,996
6,000
878
130,587
130,587		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
38,753
-
-
-
2,323
-
2,063
-
20,149
-
898
-
8,702
-
9,126
-
13,352
-
-
6,250
-
480
95,366
6,730
95,366
6,730		 2020
£
38,753
-
2,323
2,063
20,149
898
8,702
9,126
13,352
6,250
480
102,096
102,096

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:


11
Staff costs and emoluments
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2021
Number
3
2021
74,529
1,703
318
76,550		 2020
Number
3
2020
74,176
2,715
614
77,505

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2020: none).

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

12
Tangible fixed assets
Equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 November 2020
499
5,831
Additions
-
2,022
At 31 October 2021
499
7,853
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2020
499
5,831
Depreciation charged in the year
-
667
At 31 October 2021
499
6,498
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2021
-
1,355
13
Stocks
2021
£
Rosettes held
9,919
14
Debtors
2021
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
5,065
Other debtors
2,831
Prepayments and accrued income
8,818
16,714
15
Current asset investments
2021
£
Market value at 1 November 2020
200,058
Net gains/(losses) on revaluations in the period
(4,604)
195,455
Historical cost at 31 October 2021
200,000		 Total
£
6,330
2,022
8,352
6,330
667
6,997
1,355
2020
£
13,443
2020
£
629
297
18,554
19,480
2020
£
195,598
1,593
200,058
200,000

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2021
£
9,473
1,606
8,021
19,100		 2020
£
2,447
4,757
22,827
30,031

17 Retirement benefit schemes

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.

18 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Movement Movement
in funds in funds
Balance at Incoming Balance at Incoming Balance at
1 November resources 1 November resources 31 October
2019 2020 2021
£
£		 £
£		 £
Welfare fund 200
-		 200
-		 200
Life membership fund 3,250
-		 3,250
-		 3,250
3,450
-		 3,450
-		 3,450

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2021 2020
£ £
Fund balances at 31 October 2021 are represented by:
Tangible assets 1,355 -
Current assets/(liabilities) 814,111 737,407
815,466 737,407

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

20 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the Charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases relating to office equipment, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2021
£
6,961
613
7,574		 2020
£
11,929
4,623
16,552

21 Related party transactions

Trustees received no remuneration during the current or preceding period. F our trustees received reimbursement for expenditure during the period amounting to £ 641 (20 20: five trustees received £ 1 , 148 ).

Certain trustees were reimbursed for expenditure amounting to £3 5 (20 20 : £23 3 ) 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.

22 Areas' income and expenditure

Total
£
Opening balance as at 1 November 2020 196,766
Total income 126,846
Total expenditure (101,969)
Closing balance as at 31 October 2021 221,643
Areas' income is split between:
Total
£
Donations and legacies 3,582
Income from charitable activities 119,184
Other Income 4,080
Total income 126,846
Areas' expenditure is split activities between:
Total
£
Expenditure on charitable activities 101,969