**ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** Trustees Report Independent Examiner`s Report Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled Registered Charity No: 291623 Member of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) **ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED arc 1/11** **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** Despite the increase in costs of services and almost everything we need to purchase – we are pleased to report that our income exceeded our expenditure by £20,307. This does however include a one-off receipt of £5,000 – being a special donation from friends. Plus £3,052 from gift aid on donations made in earlier years through Kindlink. This still leaves us with a surplus for the year of £12,255. After losses in the past few years – we regard this as a tremendous achievement. Special thanks go to Natalie Scott our yard Manager and Chief instructor who organised a Gala Ball in 2025. After expenses this showed a profit of £4,418. We are pleased to report that Natalie is in the process of arranging a further ball for 2026. To help riders needing to use wheel chairs – we were very pleased to receive a grant of £8,018 from Sports England. This was used for the purchase of a hoist to assist riders in mounting onto “Jeremy” our mechanical horse and also for renovating his stable. The fencing to one of our fields collapsed from a lot of the wood being rotten. Our founders Dartford Lions came to our rescue with a donation of £5,000 to enable us to have it replaced. We also would like to thank all the people and organizations who have made donations or given their time to help secure our future. The demand for our services continues almost daily. This should not of course be unexpected with so many new properties being constructed throughout the Borough On behalf of the Trustees Ken Blake hon chairman/treasurer ## **ESTABLISHMENT & PROPERTY arc 2/11** The Centre was founded in 1982 by the Dartford Lions. This following permission being given by the Local Health Authority for Arrow to use, free of charge, the old farm buildings and land which originally formed part of the Darenth Park hospital complex. During the 1990`s a Public Finance Scheme was established whereby the District Health Authority agreed to release land for housing (now Darenth Park Estate) in exchange for the construction of a new hospital – “Darent A&E”. The ground and buildings that we had been using being transferred to Dartford Borough Council (DBC) together with further land (now Darenth Country Park) under a 99 year lease from the Secretary of State for Health. The transfer document stipulating that the property can only be used as public open space/country park with associated use. With the exception of the existing cemeteries and riding school or for agriculture use. No rental sum being charged. DBC obtained grants from English Countryside and the Millennium Fund with not insignificant sums raised by ourselves through the Bluewater contractors golf day, a loan, donations and matched funding – DBC with their contactor Groundwork Kent Countryside upgraded the parkland areas, our main building, indoor arena and barn. To remain in occupation however DBC required us to enter into a lease to include the re-constructed buildings, some grazing together with two stable wings built in 1875. We now hold the property under a lease from DBC for a term of 30 years from 1[st] April 2007. The current rent £3,000 a year subject to five yearly reviews. The restrictions in the use of the property being reflected by the low rental charge. We are responsible for repairs to upgraded buildings and to repay DBC for building insurance cover. We also hold under licence from DBC around 20 acres of grazing at a rent of £1 a year. We being responsible for the internal fencing. DBC make small grants to local charities run by volunteers. Since 2000 we have been fortunate enough to benefit from such awards for which we are extremely grateful. The sums completely offsetting any rent due. For our part we will continue to do our best to see that our organization continues to be a credit to both the Borough and our RDA membership ## **OBJECTS OF THE CENTRE arc 3/11** To help children and adults with physical or learning difficulties by the following:- Improve head – spine control – eye and hand co-ordination – circulation and muscle relaxation using the pony/horse to provide a unique form of therapy (Hippotherapy) developed by the Chartered Institute of Physiotherapists. Teaching to horse/pony ride. With the opportunity to progress in dressage to competing at National and international levels for disabled and also competing on level terms in other outside events. To comply with our health & safety policy and liability insurance – every rider must first have completed an application form. This can be downloaded from www.arrowridingcentre.com ## **Rider`s Safety** We are licenced by DBC as a riding centre under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018. DBC have given us a five star rating. Our lessons are overseen by our yard manager/chief instructor who has many years experience and a top RDA teaching qualification. Natalie is assisted by a small team of equine experienced people. Two of whom are also able to conduct lessons. In addition we have two long serving volunteer RDA instructors. Emma Woodward a specialist Chartered Physiotherapist volunteer - who for many years has given her time to us assessing and preparing individual programmes of therapy for our clients aged from 18 months and upwards It is necessary in nearly all lessons to have volunteer horse leaders and side helpers. Each having undergone RDA training. Both volunteers and staff have been cleared under our Safeguarding Policy. During the financial year we provided 2,656 riding lessons and therapy sessions. ## **Horses and ponies** Our team who have been specially trained for the work we do are:- Beline Bertie Blue Champ Eric Mia Truffles Wilma Rosa and Jeremey (our mechanical horse) ## **Overall** Since the formation of the Centre none of our riders have ever been involved in a serious accident. With this in mind we are however aware of the danger of becoming complacent **Membership** **arc 4/11** Membership is made up from people involved with our development. Unfortunately with the loss of some of our founders we now only 7 members who are entitled to attend and vote at general meetings either in person or by proxy. Of that number we have a committee of six persons (Trustees) who are responsible for the day-today running of the Centre. Each being a volunteer who is “hands on” assisting with lessons, taking care of our ponies and horses – various tasks on the yard – cleaning, repairs, fund raising and administration. The current Trustees and committee members being as follows:- Kenneth Blake FCG hon chairman/treasurer Marilyn Stapley Valerie Blake BEM hon group organiser Patricia McMillan Noelle Basten hon secretary Diane Jefferies During the year none of the trustees received any honorarium, attendance allowance or payment of any kind. Nor are any barred or prevented by legislation from acting as a trustee. ## **Insurance** Building insurance, our tack and other equipment insurance cover is arranged by DBC with the premium recharged to us. Public, employers and trustee insurance is covered under a RDA group policies again with the premium being recharged to us. The RDA provides us with support and training including safeguarding. We confirm that during the year there were no serious accidents or incidents leading to any claims being made against us. ## **Continuance** Our accounts are prepared on the basis that we shall continue to operate in the future. However in the event of our closure any remaining assets would have to be transferred to another charity with similar objects to ourselves ## **INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026 arc 5/11** |**2024/25**
44,748
27,005
61,132
28,528
6,851
**168,264**
**2024/25**
127,953
4,782
13,539
5,328
1,846
2,008
10,797
11,847
3,777
181,877
5,000
**186,877**
**(18,613)**|**INCOME**
Donations & sponsorships (note 1)
Fund raising (note 2)
Hippotherapy & riding lessons for disabled
Stabling
Miscellaneous income (note 3)
**TOTAL INCOME FOR THE YEAR** **£**
**EXPENDITURE**
Salaries & employment costs (note 4)
Buildings & liability insurances
Electricity and water
Repairs and renewals
Communication costs
Training, transport & subscriptions
Feed & bedding
Veterinary & farrier services
Tack, yard expenses & hygiene

Special expenditure (note 5)
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR**
**INCOME FOR YEAR (deficit)**|**2025/26**
56,212
40,440
71,643
27,700
10,950
**206,945**
**2025/26**
132,464
2,445
12,440
4,410
2,114
1,407
6,142
8,228
3,159
172,809
13,829
**186,638**
**£ 20,307**| |---|---|---| **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] MARCH 2026** **arc 6/11** |**2024/25**|**CURRENT ASSETS**|**2025/26**| |---|---|---| |94,920|Bank accounts (note 6)|110,802| |101|Cash|527| |5,143|Debtors (note 7)|5,410| |**100,164**|**TOTAL ASSETS**|**116,739**| |16,640|Creditors and accruals (note 8) 12,908|| |70,000|Reserves70,000|| |86,640||82,908| |**13,524**|**ASSETS LESS LIABILIITIES**|**£33,831**| ||Represented :-|| |22,137|Accumulated funds b/forward at 31/3/25|13,524| |(18,613)|Income for year (deficit 2024/25)|20,307| |3,524||33,831| |10,000|Transfer from reserve|--| |13,524||£ 33,831| **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** **arc 7/11** ## **NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSOSHIPS** **2025/26** Adams Jackie 500 Allhallows Craft Group 116 Bluewater Greenhithe 150 Barnes Ron & Eileeen 400 Bramwell Michael & Henrietta 240 Bristow Lynn 120 Buttress Alan 1,148 City Central Cleaning Company 1,500 Connell Peter & Daryl 600 Connell Sheila 125 Co-op Dartford 200 Dartford Lions (for re-fencing) 5,000 Davies Eryl 50 Fox Estate Agents Dartford 100 Forest Trucking Dartford 200 Hawley Road Garage Dartford 100 Hesketh Park Bowling Club 150 Hillview Garage 150 Hunisett Derek & Linda 100 Jarrett Claire 315 Kennedy Cecilia 200 Langton John & Linda 5,000 LANBARA Longfield 121 Land Securities Bluewater 1,000 Leggett Janice 60 Lock Jackie 200 Maison Maurice Ltd 600 Mannion Michael & Mary 8,391 Mahoney Sandra 450 **NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** **arc 8/11** ## **NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS CONTINUED** **2025/26** Masonic Lodges Albany Park No 7432 50 Baden Powell 1907 500 Mark Masons 1494 150 Meridian 9202 1,000 North Kent 2499 250 North Kent Masters 9062 100 Sale & Seal 1963 1,000 North West Kent Oddfellows 3,056 North Kent Distributors 100 Over & under Womens` Group 91 Sports England ( for hoist) 8,018 SHDARA Active Retirement Group 556 Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Ladies Golf Club 50 Three Pillars Gravesend 506 Waitrose Longfield 1,500 Wanstall Mike & Sally 525 Write Trak Limited 7,000 Yacht PH 250 Young Teagan 100 Kindlink General funding 762 Easy Funding 47 IN MEMORY of Joan Styles 1,245 Peter Long 1,655 Edna V Cherry 340 JN Harvey 75 **£56,212** **NOTE TO THE THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** **arc 9/11** ## **NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS CONTINUED** **2024/25 2025/26** Total donations £ 44,748 £ 56,212 ## **NOTE 2 NOTE FUNDERAISING** Carol concert, collections ,events etc £ 6,345 £ 16,412 2025/26 includes gala ball Hiring out facilities 22,396 30,120 28,741 46,532 Less:- cost of fundraising 1,736 6,092 27,005 40,440 ## **NOTE 3 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME** -“- earlier years -- 3,052 Bank interest (less charges) 3,074 2,451 Sundry sale 35 -- 6,851 10,950 ## **NOTE 4 SALARIES & EMPLOYMENT COSTS** Salaries £ 122,583 £ 127,562 Employers NIC 4,765 4,151 Workplace pension 605 751 127,953 132,464 During the year we employed an average of 4 full-time and 2 part- time instructors/horse carers. Employers NIC was only payable in the tax year 2025/26 on the sum above £10,500. All employees were paid above the National living wage. **arc 10/11** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2026** ## **NOTE 5 SPECIAL EXPENDITURE** Upgrading electrics £ 5,000 Hoist, stable refurbish. £ 8,829 Re-fencing 5,000 13,829 **NOTE 6 BANKING** Current account with CAF Bank £ 24,920 £ 40,802 Charity deposit account 70,000 70,000 94,920 110,802 **NOTE 7 DEBTORS NOTE 8 CREDITORS and accruals** Hire of facilities £ 2,675 HM Revenue & Customs £ 2,900 Fund raising 440 Nest workplace pension 231 Interest on deposit a/c 1,094 Marjorie McClure lessons 4,220 Gift aid 1,201 Feed & bedding 2,290 5,410 Electricity 796 Fencing 1,350 Stabling in advance 840 Sundry creditors 281 12,908 ## **ASSETS** Ponies & horses at cost £ 32,946 ( 2024/25 £32,946) Saddles at yard managers valuation 10,000 ( “ -- -- “ £ 6,250) New Holland Tractor purchased 2015/16 18,995 Donation QBE insurance group Mechanical hoist purchased 2025/26 6,682 Sports England donation Other assets mainly s/h furniture and tack All of our assets have been purchased from donations or gifts. With our charitable status the Trustees do not see any purpose in their inclusion within the balance sheet and having to provide provision for depreciation. Which in the case of ponies and horses would necessitate write-offs in the event of the retirement or death of an animal **TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED** arc 11/11 ## **ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1[ST] APRIL 2025 TO 31[ST] MARCH 2026** The charity trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). Under Section 145(1)(a) of the Act the trustees have elected for their accounts to be examined by an independent examiner. I have been appointed by the trustees to undertake that task. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust`s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner`s statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material aspect:- - 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act or - 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or - 3 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form or content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view” which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in the report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Alan Buttress 8[th] June 2026 109 Coombfield Drive Darenth Kent DA2 7LE