OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-10-31-accounts

Charity registration number 240751 (England and Wales) Company registration number 00077583

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees S P Hird
S D Howard
P Alder
A J Kember
S J Wooderson
M R Jones
J Harforth
F Roebuck
S Palmer
L Hewitt
L Barsoum-Allen (Appointed 17 February 2024)
D Adams (Appointed 17 February 2024)
P Davies (Appointed 17 February 2024)
K Wainwright (Appointed 17 February 2024)
Charity number 240751
Company number 00077583
Principal address Arthur Rank Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Registered office c/o Gravita Oxford LLP
First Floor, Park Central
40-41 Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1JD
Auditor Gravita Audit Oxford LLP
First Floor, Park Central
40-41 Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1JD
Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc
75 Castle Street
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7LT
Hampshire Trust Bank
55 Bishopsgate
London
EC2N 3AS
Cambridge & Counties Bank
Charnwood Court
5B New Walk
Leicester LE1 6TE

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
Statement of cash flows 20
Notes to the financial statements 21 - 29

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Achievements and performance

Marketing and Publicity Committee

Committee Members: Mrs S Wooderson (Chairman); Mrs A Monsoon (Vice Chairman, Co-opted); Mr A Cooper (Co-opted); Mr P Davis, Miss L Hewitt, Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chairman); Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer); Mr M Jones (Society Chairman); Mrs S Palmer

The big news from PR & Marketing is the success of the new NPS Awards. They are gathering momentum and the nominations for 2024 have been strong. With finalists honoured and winners presented at the NPS Ball in Harrogate 2024, the awards contributed to this being a sellout success, and the forthcoming 2025 NPS Ball, which is located in Kent this year, looking to be the same. Once again, the hard work of committee members Aimee Monson and Adam Cooper cannot be underestimated in the success of the NPS awards.

The social gathering on the first evening of the NPS Championship show was well attended and the NPS Bake off was great fun, it’s likely that the social event on Tuesday evening of the Championship show is here to stay.

The new members zoom meetings were successful and the PR committee is looking forward to capitalising on that success with further events in the future.

The promotion of the BRP is something that the PR committee is working on, the Riding Pony video was put to good use at HOYS where Sacha and her colleagues were kept busy for the duration of the show.

I am now signing off as PR&MKT chairman and wish good luck to the new chairman, yet to be appointed, and the committee going forward.

Sandy Wooderson

Chairman.

Resources and Planning Committee

Committee Members: Mr S Howard (Chairman, Society Treasurer), Mr S Strang (Vice Chairman, Co-opted), Mr M Jones (Society Chair), Mr P Alder, Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chair), Mrs J McAuliffe (Co-opted).

The Resources and Planning subgroup is an integral part of the National Pony Society, working hard to ensure continued financial sustainability – reviewing and considering spend options on a regular basis.

The group, also tries to look to the future as well as overseeing the day to day operation and it is that unknown which makes requires to have to be adaptable, which is vital a piece of the society’s long term sustainability.

During 2023/24 a number of the society investments have matured and decisions taken about reinvestment have been made, which with current interest rates has been a more positive exercise than usual. The Charibonds have shown good signs of recovery following a number of stagnant years helping to ensure a positive out turn for the society, as has the producing of strong dividends throughout the year, so we remain thankful to have these investments.

2023/24 has mirrored the previous year with the challenges of higher inflation, this has benefited the society in terms of its investments but has been equally challenging with cost increases across the board. We continue to be optimistic for the future of the National Pony Society with considerable enthusiasm and interest in all activities we undertake and the resources and planning working to ensure we can continue to afford them.

Stephen Howard

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Education and Welfare Committee.

Committee members ; Mrs A Kember (Chairman) , Mr P Davis (Vice Chairman) , Mrs L Barsoum-Allen, Muss L Hewitt, Mrs S Wooderson, Mrs C Nelson (Co-opted) , Mr M Jones (Society Chairman), Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chairman), Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer)

The Education and Welfare committee are pleased to report that our random drug testing which took place during the 2024 show season achieved negative results which is very pleasing in our efforts to halt the equine drug abuse.

We are working alongside the British Horse Society with financial help towards their castration days and our welfare advisors are receiving up dated training with them as we work alongside them in line with all equine welfare issues. As chairman of this group I am part of the National Welfare Equine Council (NEWC) alongside a great many other organisations - I believe there are now 35 of them, but each meeting brings new members onboard .

We are again proud to offer the bursary schemes through this group alongside the British Riding Pony group promoting them. The Sinton Stud have continued to support this scheme now alongside the Rosslyn Stud for which we are so grateful.

Our yearly AGM also witnesses the extra awards being given out to notable riders and ponies for both the British Riding Ponies alongside the Mountain and Moorland breeds

Angela Kember

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Mountain & Moorland Committee

Participants are members of the various native breed panels

The M&M group has been busy,

Kerry Wainwright

Chairman.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

British Riding Pony Stud Book Committee

Committee Members: Mrs S Palmer (Chairman), Mr J Harforth (Vice Chairman), Mr M Jones (Society Chairman), Mrs S Hird (Society Vice-Chairman), Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer), Mr D Adams, Ms L Hewitt, Mrs M Godden (Co-opted), Miss S Coulter (co-opted), Mrs C Nelson. (co-opted), Mrs A Calvert. (co-opted), Mr A Davies (Co-opted).

The following numbers are for Vol 93- 01.03.23 to 29.02.2024:

Registrations: 295

Transfers: 335

Overstamps: 50

We have issued 6 stallion Licences for 2024 with the 7[th] one in the office waiting for a hair sample to be completed.

The 6 completed stallion licences were issued to:

Bickley (SCSB 377) Bernwode Brokat (imp) x Chaneira

Urban Terms (GSB VOL 49) Sea The Stars x Her Terms

Cosford Clarion (BRPSB 15737) Megland Blue Moon x Rivenwood Class Act

Rosedale Pearly King (BRPSB 15603) Litton Knightsbridge x Rosedale Royal Ascot

Dowhills So Blessed (BRPSB 15397) Stanley Grange Regal Empire x Made For Me

Pumpmeadow Express Yourself (BRPSB 15252) Pumpmeadow Strike A Pose x Yorketa

This year saw 32 members applying to use the breeder - only membership, showing a decrease on previous years.

It was lovely to see the ponies and horse registered as British Riding Ponies at this year Horse Of the year show. These include The Lead Rein Show Pony winner & later Supreme Horse of The Year show champion was Derw Dream Boy. In the Price family championship there were 3 Ponies in the first 5 placed. Kirkwood Tabitha Twitchit, Marcoise the Spirit of the dance & Saraison Precious Silk. The first three winners in the Andrews Family Partbred of the year championship. Were Stanley Grange Cresendo, Whiteleaze Pollyanna & Rotherwood Fancy That.

The NPS again sponsored the Mare Championship at the BSPS Summer Championships. This is proving to be a popular Championship. We are very grateful for those who continue to support.

In 2024 We reintroduced the Stallion Parade at Spring festival & we were very grateful to Stallion AI Services for support with this.

We are extremely Grateful to our New Performance sponsor for 2024-2026. Cases Ltd Sheet Metal Fabrication. This competition continues to grow in Popularity. The sections include Showing, Driving, Dressage, Area Eventing, Mounted Games & many more.

We continue to have our usual stand at HOYS & have had new Promotional Posters along with other Literature to continue to Support the Future of British Riding Ponies & their Breeders.

The Breeders Forum was launched in 2023/24/which has assisted greatly in connecting and supporting breeders, both new & established. We will be having more Members Zooms meetings in early 2025 with a number of topics including the Breeders webinar.

Sue Palmer

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Area Chairman’s Committee

Committee Members: Mrs S Wooderson (Chairman); Mr M Jones (Society Chairman); Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chairman); Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer) Mrs A Kember (NPS Dressage) & the various representatives from the various areas.

The Area’s had a good meeting in advance of the 2024 NPS AGM, Sandy Wooderson was re- elected as the Area Chairmans Rep for 2024. Overall the Areas are in good shape with committees working hard to provide shows and events for their area members. The Areas are always happy to hear from members with any ideas they might have or with any offers of help. If anyone feels that they can give up some time joining an area committee just let the area know or contact the office.

Sandy Wooderson

Area Chairman’s representative

Show Committee

Committee Members – Mr P Alder (Chairman) Mrs J McAuliffe (Vice Chairman) Mr M Jones (Society Chairman) Mr S Howard (Society Treasurer) Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chairman) Mrs A Kember (Council) Mrs L BarsoumAllen (Council) Mrs S Palmer (Council) Mr P Davis (Council ) Miss K Wainwright ( Council) Mr D Adams (Council) Mr A Cooper ( Co-opted) Mr M Sheen ( Co-opted) Mrs J Webb, (Co-opted) Mrs J James (Co-opted) Mrs P Ashton (Co-opted) Mr R Parsons ( Co-opted) Mrs C Nelson (Co opted) Mrs A Monson (Co-opted)

2024 was another busy year for the show team, with 4 shows to oversee and new people in charge of the stewards and judge selection groups.

The Spring Festival at Malvern, although cold was very well supported and the front rings felt busier than usual. Overall the feedback was very positive.

We introduced some assisted classes for the first time and these were generally well supported, along with the Combined Training section, which was also well received.

The Stallion Parade had mixed reviews and is being tweaked for 2025.

Heading into the Summer Championships in August, we were aware that pre entries were up so were hopeful for a good show. The weather was kind and the entries kept on coming, resulting in the busiest Championships we have had for several years. A major shake up of the catering outlets resulted in happy stall holders and even more importantly happy competitors.

The office team and ancillary volunteers worked long hours and coped admirably with the extra competitors and the demands of a busy schedule, resulting in fabulous feedback that we hope will stand us in good stead for 2025.

We hardly had time to catch our breath before the Great British In Hand Show was upon us. Held at the new venue of Bury Farm on September 7[th] . Entries were not the best, although the evening performance was exciting both in person and on the live stream. For 2025 we hope this event will continue as a joint venture alongside the Performance show.

Two weeks later on the 21[st] September came the Performance Show at Aston le Walls. Those that came had a really good day and we do feel that we must continue to encourage the performance aspect of the Society. A special thank you is due to our enthusiastic Arena Eventing sponsor Anthony Evans.

As ever, I would like to express my thanks to my team, Jayne McAuliffe, my Vice Chairman for her input and support, the whole of the hard working Show Committee and of course the office team of Sacha, Fiona, Hollie and David, who meet every challenge head on with positivity and enthusiasm. Thank you also to our amazing sponsors, some of whom have been with us for many years and last, but by no means least the trustees, members and competitors, who make it all worthwhile.

Philip Alder

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Judges Selection Committee

Committee Members: Mr J Harforth (Chairman), Mr S Howard (Vice Chairman), Mrs S Hird (Society Vice Chairman), Mr M Jones (Society Chairman), Mr D Adams, Mr P Alder, Mrs L Barsoum-Allen, Mrs A Kember, Mrs S Palmer, Mrs F Roebuck, Mrs K Wainwright.

The committee has had a very productive year, following a questionnaire sent round to our A panel M&M judges, to ascertain who would be interested and have the knowledge through breeding and showing RP/HP to include them in the 2025 RP/HP judges panel. Following this route 12 judges were approved to join the RP/HP panel, which we hope will help shows to continue the classes and keep their costs down.

After a very successfully judges assessment day at Bury Farm 9 M&M judges and 4 RP/HP judges will now start their probationary periods.

6 of our M&M and 3 of our RP/HP probationary judges have successfully completed their probationary periods and now moved onto the relevant panels.

10 of our M&M judges and 1 RP/HP judges have been upgraded from the B panel to the A panel.

Can I please remind all judges that they are to attend a judges seminar once in every 5 years. Dates for 2025 are 01/02/2025 alongside the BSPS and a provisional date of 01/11/25 at Stoneleigh Park.

We are planning to hold a Zoom meeting with David Russel to discuss safeguarding early in 2025. I do hope many of you will attend this.

Jerome Harforth

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Competitions & Rules Committee 2024

With 4 shows to oversee the Society as a whole had a very busy year. Both the Spring Festival and Summer Championships saw increased entries and had very good feedback from the membership, which we hope will bode well for next year’s membership figures. The introduction of the grass roots type classes was generally applauded and we intend to expand them to make sure we provide something for everyone. The knock on effect was that the Junior classes and their evening performance were well supported and a lot of fun. The Handy Pony proved so popular that plans are afoot to introduce a new competition that can available to the Areas. Shows around the country saw good solid entries in our prestigious Royal Internation Horse Show WHP competition. So important for the revenue of the Areas and for the profile of the Society. Once again, the standard at the final was exceptional and truly shows the versatility of all of our Native breeds. The Great British In hand Show entries were disappointing, however the final of the HOYS Price family semi final was of the highest stand, producing the eventual reserve horse at HOYS. Encouraging signs, however, that the Riding Pony sections were some of the better supported. Further tweaks will be implemented for 2025. The final show of our season, the Performance Show, was held, once again at Aston le Walls. Our generous and supportive sponsor of the Arena Eventing final Anthony Evans, came and stayed all day. The good news is that more qualifiers were given out and supports our stance on encouraging the performance aspect of the Society. Grateful thanks are due to all of our sponsors, who continue to support our Competitions of all kinds. We certainly couldn’t provide the variety that we do without them, from In Hand sections for all breeds, through Novice & Open Ridden for RPs and M&Ms, WHPs and Dressage. 2024 saw the introduction of the Combined Training and this was a huge step forward towards our goal of providing an all round range of classes.

Whilst there are no major rule changes planned for 2025 some of the smaller changes include:

Competitions committee also continues to monitor any complaints, thankfully few in 2024

Long time headline sponsors, Supreme Products, Mole Valley Farmers and Baileys Horse Feeds are very much appreciated and particular thanks are due to them for their support.

Philip Alder

Chairman

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Financial review

Treasurers Report

The 2023/24 year has been successful financially for the National Pony Society, with trustees having good control of both income expectations and its operating and event costs.

The final outturn of the society shows a £50k surplus, this is split between the areas at £20k and the parent body

£30k.

Looking specifically at the head office figures the surplus is largely due to a very successful summer championship show; reduced costs wherever possible; maturing investment bonds and a recovery of the charibond investments.

This performance is obviously very positive but we should not ignore the continuing rising cost to operate, which

we have endeavoured to meet but obtaining three quotes wherever possible.

As I stand down as treasurer at this years AGM (having served 2 consecutive terms of 3 years), I believe I am

handing over a very stable set of accounts.

It would be easy to see £908k as a huge amount from which to operate, however we must not lose sight of the fact that c.£268k of it belongs to the areas. A further c.£240k is from the property sales (this is not formally ring fenced) which may at some point need to be made available again for that purpose, leaving c.£400k as our real operating budget which is only one year without income.

I believe the above to be a strong financial position but it is not quite as positive as the £908k may seem.

Huge thanks go to the office staff and the trustees for appreciating the need to rein back on costs to aid this position, but also to our enthusiastic members and sponsors who help us maintain this position.

I have no doubt I will be back’, but for the short term I offer my continued support (moving away from the treasurer role will not be instant, as those that have tried to hand over bank signatories will know) and wish the society continued success.

Stephen Howard

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.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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.

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.

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 Pony 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:

S P Hird S D Howard M A Taylor (Resigned 17 February 2024) J S P Webb (Resigned 14 February 2024) P Alder A J Kember S J Wooderson M R Jones J Harforth F Roebuck S Palmer L Hewitt L Barsoum-Allen (Appointed 17 February 2024) D Adams (Appointed 17 February 2024) P Davies (Appointed 17 February 2024) K Wainwright (Appointed 17 February 2024)

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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.

Constitution of the Council

President Mrs J Godden Chairman Mr M Jones Vice-Chairman Mrs S Hird The Trustees As detailed on pages 1 and 2 Hon. Treasurer Mr S Howard

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

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 LLP, 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 2024

Chairman’s Statement

In 2024, I continued my second term as Chairman of the National Pony Society (NPS), reflecting on both the challenges and rewarding experiences of leading an organisation with such a proud history. Throughout the year, I was supported by our dedicated office team and council members, emphasising the collective nature of our success.

The NPS remains driven by a shared passion for ponies, whether through breeding, showing, or simply enjoying them. Our members come from diverse backgrounds but are united by a love for ponies and their wellbeing. This sense of community was seen through initiatives such as our shows, young judges’ competitions, probationer judges’ assessments and more, helping the NPS fulfil its broad purpose of supporting pony breeding, pony welfare, and the education of those who have ponies in their care. Events like the spring festival, summer championship show, NPS dressage finals, Great British in-hand show and arena eventing finals, showcased the impressive talent within our membership and the dedication of pony breeders and owners.

The success of these events is largely thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, whose support enables us to provide valuable opportunities for members to enjoy their ponies. Despite economic challenges, the NPS remains resilient, supported by this sponsorship.

In a time when social media plays a significant role in connecting people, it’s crucial to address both its positives and challenges. As a Society, it is important we stay focussed on the positives and promote a supportive atmosphere by celebrating our achievements and those of our members. I hope in 2025 we can foster a more encouraging environment within the pony world.

Looking ahead, the NPS will continue to grow and adapt to remain responsive to the needs of our members and their ponies. This success depends on the collective effort of everyone involved. I want to express my gratitude to our trustees, volunteers, stewards, judges and office team for their dedication and hard work.

Finally, I thank all members—both long-time and new—for their invaluable support. Here’s to a successful 2025 for the NPS and all those who share in the joy of ponies.

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 report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. M R Jones Trustee Dated: .........................

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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 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 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and 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 Financial Reporting Standard 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, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within 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 Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees responsibilities, 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

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.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

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

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:

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: https:// 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 MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’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 charitable company’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 charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Robert Kirtland (Senior Statutory Auditor) Gravita Audit Oxford LLP

3/2/2025

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

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

First Floor, Park Central 40-41 Park End Street Oxford OX1 1JD

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 248,023 244,441
Charitable activities 4 412,011 404,291
Investments 5 25,934 11,001
Other income 6 5,326 6,378
Total income 691,294 666,111
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 18,380 21,882
Charitable activities 8 624,505 640,741
Total expenditure 642,885 662,623
Net gains/(losses) on investments 3,318 (3,043)
Net income and movement in funds 51,727 445
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 November 2023 856,887 856,442
Fund balances at 31 October 2024 908,614 856,887

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds
19		 2024
£
10,768
19,627
405,207
435,602
(22,818)		 £
2,528
493,302
495,830
412,784
908,614
908,614
908,614		 2023
£
10,636
20,675
374,493
405,804
(24,319)		 £
1,604
473,798
475,402
381,485
856,887
856,887
856,887

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

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

S D Howard

Trustee

Company registration number 00077583 (England and Wales)

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
24
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Gains and losses of investments
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
(1,506)
(16,187)
25,934		 £
22,473
8,241
-
30,714
374,493
405,207		 2023
£
(1,207)
(4,468)
11,001		 £
(24,466)
5,326
-
(19,140)
393,633
374,493

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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 c/o Gravita Oxford LLP, First Floor, Park Central, 40-41 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD. 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, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 amounts 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 2024

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 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

1.10 Leases

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

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

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.

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.

There were no material accounting estimates in the year to note.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts 101,881 99,331
Subscriptions 146,142 145,110
248,023 244,441

4 Charitable activities

Show income
Pony registration and prefix income
National Pony Society review
Branch income		 2024
£
238,765
20,971
5,057
147,218
412,011		 2023
£
210,425
24,878
5,466
163,522
404,291

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Other income 7,328 5,655
Interest receivable 18,606 5,346
25,934 11,001

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Other income 5,326 6,378
7 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Membership schemes and social lotteries 18,380 21,882
8 Charitable activities
2024 2023
£ £
Show expenditure 330,875 315,432
Pony registration expenditure 2,352 4,010
Welfare and education 1,949 5,577
Branch expenditure 127,260 142,958
462,436 467,977
Support costs (see note 9) 151,500 150,783
Governance costs (see note 9) 10,569 21,981
624,505 640,741

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

9
Support costs allocated to activities
Staff costs
Depreciation
Administration fees
Bookkeeping fees
Premises costs and insurance
Travel and subscriptions
Printing, postage and stationery
Irrecoverable VAT
Other costs
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
10
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
11
Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

12
Staff costs and emoluments
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
£
57,097
583
-
1,547
23,439
2,855
24,467
20,270
21,242
10,569
162,069
162,069
2024
£
10,000
583
2024
Number
4
2024
107,203
5,479
1,438
114,120		 2023
£
51,273
291
190
3,069
18,209
2,627
27,673
22,667
24,784
21,981
172,764
172,764
2023
£
11,490
291
2023
Number
4
2023
98,480
2,870
1,002
102,352

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023: none).

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

14 Tangible fixed assets
Equipment Fixtures and
Total
fittings
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 November 2023 499 9,060 9,559
Additions - 1,507 1,507
At 31 October 2024 499 10,567 11,066
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2023 499 7,456 7,955
Depreciation charged in the year - 583 583
At 31 October 2024 499 8,039 8,538
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2024 - 2,528 2,528
At 31 October 2023 - 1,604 1,604
15 Fixed asset investments
Unlisted
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 November 2023 473,798
Additions 15,426
Valuation changes 4,078
At 31 October 2024 493,302
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2024 493,302
At 31 October 2023 473,798
16 Stocks
2024 2023
£ £
Rosettes held 10,768 10,636

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

17 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
6,561
3,704
9,362
19,627		 2023
£
6,182
1,791
12,702
20,675

18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
7,855
741
2,421
11,801
22,818		 2023
£
-
6,665
1,786
15,868
24,319

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
November
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
£
£
£
£
Welfare fund
200
-
-
-
Life membership fund
3,250
-
-
-
General funds
853,437
691,294
(642,885)
3,318
856,887
691,294
(642,885)
3,318
Previous year:
At 1
November
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
£
£
£
£
Welfare fund
200
-
-
-
Life membership fund
3,250
-
-
-
General funds
852,992
666,111
(662,623)
(3,043)
856,442
666,111
(662,623)
(3,043)		 October
2024
£
200
3,250
905,164
908,614
October
2023
£
200
3,250
853,437
856,887

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fund balances at 31 October 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets 2,528 1,604
Investments 493,302 473,798
Current assets/(liabilities) 412,784 381,485
908,614 856,887

21 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 rent and the IT contract, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2024
£
6,733
-
6,733		 2023
£
9,026
12,576
21,602

22 Related party transactions

Trustees received no remuneration during the current or preceding period. Trustees received reimbursement for expenditure during the period amounting to £3,020 (2023: Trustees received £2,362).

Certain trustees were reimbursed for expenditure amounting to £6,852 (2023: £7,115) 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.

23 Areas' income and expenditure

Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £
Opening balance as at 1 November 2023 247,470 226,906
Total income 147,218 163,522
Total expenditure (127,260) (142,958)
Closing balance as at 31 October 2024 267,428 247,470
Areas' income is split between:
Total Total
£ £
Donations and legacies 9,705 9,993

THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

23
Areas' income and expenditure
Income from charitable activities
Other Income
Total income
Areas' expenditure is split between:
Expenditure on charitable activities
24
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Fair value gains and losses on investments
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
Increase in deferred income
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations		 135,255
2,258
147,218
Total
£
127,260		 (Continued)
150,916
2,613
163,522
Total
£
142,958
2024
2023
£
£
51,727
445
(25,934)
(11,001)
(3,318)
3,043
583
291
(132)
(1,274)
1,048
2,711
(9,356)
(18,681)
7,855
-
22,473
(24,466)

25 Analysis of changes in net funds

The Charity had no material debt during the year.