Trustees Annual Report MAntrIm RldOn¥ forthe Dlsabled. I"January 2022.31" December 2022 Charlty M Nl 103831 The Charity exists to provide Therapeutlc Riding and assoaated activities to thildn with Speclal Need5 in the Ballymena and surrounding Area. The Princlpal Address of the Charity and contart for the Charity Commission Is: Mrs Jane Hanna, 8 Cardinty Road, Cullybackey BT42 IPH. The 2022 year continued to be impacted by the Covld 19 pandemlc, wlth the group decidin8 to maintain the volunteer rota on a weekly basis. Due to the poor weather in February, the riders started in March and rode weekly during term tirne until the beginning of June. The riders came from Castle Tower School, who due to the reduced availability of buses and bus drivers were only able to send a single class of pupils each week. The 8 pupils were split into 2 groups with each group getting both a riding session and a session in the clubroom where they worked towards the theory part of their riding experience- stable management, horse care and other riding related information. Of the class, 6 pupils completed their Grade l Riding and Horse care and recelved their badges and certlficates. The puplls ended their tenn of rldlng by taking part in a countryslde challenge and BBQ at Galgorm Parks Rlding School. Followlng on frorn the success of the summer scheme in August 2021, the group operated 3 4-week summer scheme for young people from both Castle Tower School and the local communlty. We had two sessions each morning, with nine riders overall who were accompanled by their parents and grandparents. Thls was a great opportunity for the families to see the progress thelr children made each week. At the end of the 4 weeks, the proud riders received rosettes. The group were dellghted to increase the opportunity to ride to a larger number of young people and the development of not only their riding skllls, but also their confidence. self- esteem and social skllls was evident. In September, we resumed our weekly Thursday moming rides ft)r Castle Tower School and 2 external rlders (who had attended the summer scheme). Unfortunately, agaln due to the impact of bus availability in school, we were restritted to one class of pupils {9 pupils), who came in their dass bubble. We continued with our covld frlendly protocols which resulted in two rldes of 4-5 riders - whffile not riding the young people were once again taught stable management, horse care and other rldlng inforTnation mapped to the RDA Grade I Horse Care and Riding awards. This enhand their understandin8 of their riding experience and the stable environment. One of the students did not want to flde but as a group they were encouraged to work wlth Geronimo (a miniature pony) and over the weeks developed their confidence around the pony and learnt stable management and horse care. In December, 6 riders were awarded Grade l Riding and Horse Care certfficates and badges, 3 rlders achieved Grade 2 Rlding and I student their Endeavour certificate. As a group, we were delighted to see the young riders develop not only thelr riding skills but also thelr confidence, communication, and social skills. The final day was to be a Christrnas party whlch unfortunately, was cancelled due to bad weather, but Santa made a visit to school instead. The group continue to benefft from the hiring of the excellent riding facilities and equines, from Mrs Sara Kyle at Galgomi Parks Riding School, Sand Road, Ballymena. As well as exclusive use of all the facilitie5 for £15 £175 per momln& Sara continues to support the group with advi to help provide the most beneficial experience for the pupils. The rent of the facilities is the rnain annual cost for the group as all 5UPPOrt is
provided by volunteers. induding Coaches. leaders and side walkers. Other operational costs included: RDA membershlp and insuran. and our annual BBQ/Countyside Challenge and Christmas Party. The principal sour5 of income during the year induded £ICKIO in a grant from the Education Authorlty. The group also received a number of generous donations: £81XI from I" Ballymena Presbyterian Church, £425 in lieu of flowers for Hllary Robinson. £250 from Ballymena Academy Chafity Commlttee and £510 from other supporters of the charity. We also purchased a defibrillator using the fvnds reIVed in memory of a longstanding volunteer. Due to the generous donations during the year. the group's funds remain in a more secure position however. applications for furKling may be necessary In 2023, for example: Children In Need and Big Lottery. The Public Benefft delivered by Mid-Antrim RDA is detsiled above in temis of achievements of the rlders. Less easy to quantify but equally benefioal is the opportunty provtded by having close contact wtth a horse and the sense of achievement and enjoyment which can be observed in many of the young rSders, especially those who were initlally nervou5 or unwilling to take part. It is often the physical benefts of Improved core strength, balance and co-ordination which are most apparent. As a group, we make every effort to ensure that the Se10nS are conducted safely by using suitably qualified Coaches and tralned volunteers. Ongoin8 training is provided for the volunteer leaders and side walkers, both by our group and attendance at sessions organised by RDA Nl. Durln8 the year the group continued to update Access Nl checks for existing volunteers meanwhile all new volunteers will complete an Access Nl check and provlde 2 references. The Group's Safeguarding policy is reviewed annually along with the Health and Safety, Flrst Ald and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies. For health and safety. a qualified first alder Is always In attendance, and during the year a number of volunteers renewed their first aid course. We conslder that we have had regard to the Commisslon's guldance on publlc benefit and have fijlfilled our obligations in this respect. Slgned: Lady Juliet Frazer Chalrman On behalf of the following Trustees of the Group Lady Jullet Frazer Mrs Patsy Morrogh Mr5 Catherine Maybin Mrs Emma Wells Mr5 Heather Robinson Mrs Sally Glass Miss Yvonne Parker Mr5 Madeline Mcllroy Mrs Sheelagh Canty Mrs Jane Hanna Attachments l. Copy of the Accounts and Llst of Assets 2. Copy of Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees