TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT
East Antrim Group Riding for the Disabled Association
1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025
Charity Number 104491
The charity exists to provide children with special needs in the Antrum and Newtownabbey Borough Council areas with the opportunity to ride and contact with horses and volunteers for their health and well being.
The principal address of the charity and contact for the Charity Commission is Mrs Karen McRoberts, 1 The Fort, Lylehill Road East, Templepatrick BT39 0JU.
In 2025 we were able to accommodate 65 children from two local schools – Hillcroft and Thornfield as well as non associated children during a summer scheme. Riding takes place at Laurelview Equestrian Centre and children are accompanied by teachers and classroom assistants. The children developed good riding skills and worked towards Riding and Horse Care Awards.
Main sources of income for the group were from the following sources
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Education Authority Grant
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LTF Trust Grant
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Legacy donation – A W Orr
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Donations from various groups and individual
Main outgoings during the year were as follows
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Pony & arena hire
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Insurances
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RDA membership
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Competition entries & pony hire
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Travel costs to National Competitions in England
The public benefit delivered by East Antrim RDA is evidenced in the achievement of the riders. There is a noticeable change in confidence, social interaction, muscle tone and co-ordination. This is delivered through a varied programme built on learning while having fun.
All volunteers and coaches go through Enhanced Access NI checks as well as providing two references. The group has a Safeguarding Policy with designated Safeguarding Officers, a Health and Safety Policy and a Risk Assessment Policy which are reviewed annually.
We consider that we have regard to the Commissions guidance on public benefit and have fulfilled our obligations in this regard.
Signed
Karen McRoberts, Chair
On behalf of the following Trustees of the Group Mrs Judith Watt Mrs Lesley Ann Cromie Mrs Rosemary Farquhar Mrs May Andrews Ms Deborah Yea