2023-03-31-annual-report

Trustees Annual Report Riding for the Disabled Association. Craigantlet Group l April 22- 31 March 2023 Charity No NIC104265 The Charity exists to provide therapeutic riding and contact with horses to children in the Ards and North Down area. The principal addre55 of the Charity and Charity Commission contart is Mrs Rosemary Spalding, 10 Ballyharry Heights, Newtownards. BT23 7GE. The Group met on Friday mornings for 14 weeks during term time with 10 children from Tor Bank Speclal School taking part. As well as riding the children can learn parts of the horse and the equipment Used and ROA Grade tests are used to recognise achievement and certificates given to the children to show their endeavour in riding and/or horse care. One child achieved Grades l & 2 in Riding and Horse Care, one achieved Grades I & 2 in Riding and Grade l in Horse Care and 4 children received Grade l in Riding and Horse Care. The other 4 children received Endeavour Awards. The children all enjoyed and benefitted from their ridin8. The Group meets at Birr House Riding Centre at Craigantlet and is fortunate to have the use of an indoor school and ponies thanks to the 8enerosity of the owner Caroline Mcveigh. Payment of £15 is made per pony hired each day. This Is our main cost as all our coaches and helpers are volunteers. Other cost5 normallv Include insurance and membership of the RDA, trainin8, and small gifts for supporters. This year there was an additional cost for new riding hats as a result in change of regulations. The Group did not seek funds in the year but received donations of £120. The Public Benefit delivered by Crai8antlet Group is reflected in the achievements of the riders. Less easy to quantify but equally beneficial is the opportunity to have close Contact with a horse and the sense of achievement and enjoyment which can be seen even in children who have initially been nep4ous or unwillin8 to take part. Physical benefits are apparent too such as improved core stren8th, balance and CO￿rdInation. The Group makes every effort to ensure that the rides are condurted safely by usin8 qualified coaches and trained volunteers. All volunteers are required to 80 throu8h an Enhanced Acces5 Nl check as well as provide 2 refer ences. We have a Safeguardin8 policy which is reviewed annually. A qualified first alder Is alway5 in attendance. We consider that we have had re8ard to the Commission's 8uidance on public benefit and have fulfilled our obligations in thls respect. Slgned....... .......................................................... Mr Bill Beattie Chaimian and Trustee On behalf of the followin8 Trustees of the Group: Mrs Barbara Hanna Miss Gloria Reynolds Mrs Rosemary Spalding Mrs Maureen Watson Mrs Florence Gray