2024-03-31-annual-report

Trustees Annual Report Riding for the Disabled Association, Crai8antlet Group l April 23- 31 March 2024 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 address of the Charlty and Charity Commlssion contact is Mrs Rosemary Spalding, 10 Ballyharry Heights, Newtownards, 8T23 7GE. The Group met on Friday mornln8s for 18 weeks during term time with 6 children from Tor Bank Special School taking part. As well as riding the children can learn part5 of the horse and the equipment used and RDA Grade tests are used to recognise achievement and certificates given to the children to show their endeavour in rldin8 and/or horse care. Quite a number of weeks were missed due to staff and transport problem5 at Tor Bank but the children clearly enjoyed and benefitted from their riding throughout the year. The Group meets at Birr House Riding Centre at Crai8antlet and is fortunate to have the use of an indoor school and ponies thanks to the generosity of the owner Caroline Mcveigh. Payment of £15 is made per ponv hlred each day. This Is our main cost as all our coaches and helpers are volunteers. Other costs normallv include insurance and membership of the RDA. trainin& and small gifts for supporters. The principal sources ¢Jf Income during the year were a donation from the 8elfast Cathedral Sit Out Appeal Grant and a Danske Bank Charity Grant. The Publlc Benefit delivered by Cral8antlet GTI)UP is Teflected in the achievements of the rldeTS. 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 nervous or unwillin8 to take part. Physlcal benefits are apparent too such as improved core strength, balan￿ and co￿rdInatIOn. The Group makes every effort to ensure that the rides are condurted safely by using qualified coaches and trained volunteers. All volunteers are required to 80 through an Enhanced Access Nl check as well as provide 2 references. We have a Safeguarding policy which 15 reviewed annually. A qualified first alder Is always in attendance. We conslder that we have had regard to the Commission's guidance on public benefit and have fulfilled our obligations In this respect. Signed.... Mr 8111 Beattle Chairman and Trustee On behalf of the following Trustees of the Group: Mrs Barbara Hanna Miss Gloria Reynolds Mrs Rosemary Spalding Mrs Maureen Watson Mrs Florence Gray