TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2026
WHINNEY HILL RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP
CHARITY NUMBER:- NIC 104549
Whinney Hill Riding for the disabled Group offers horse riding to children with disabilities within the North down area. We meet on a Monday morning at Birr House riding school at Craiganiet.
The principle address for the charity and contact for the CC is Mrs Gillian Brown 39 Marlo Heights, Bangor, BT19 6NQ.
We offer riding to a different class each year through Torbank School in Dundonald. Over the school year we meet about 25 times with an average of 10 children per lesson. They are given the opportunity to ride indoor and outdoor in a safe and secure environment with fully trained instructors of which we have 3 anda fully trained group of volunteer helpers.
Our lessons encourage children to approach horses safely, teaching them to respect and have confidence around animals. Throughout the year we can see how much the children start to enjoy being with horses, how it helps with their balance and coordination and also improved use of limbs, eye contact and voice. It is wonderful to see the difference in a child from September to June, and also for the volunteers interacting with the children is wonderful.
We raise money through donations from local health centre, volunteer donations, fund raising events organised by our volunteers and collection boxes in various local businesses.
Our main outgoings are the hire of the horses, insurance, membership fee of RDA, equipment and a small amount on gifts for the children at the end of term.
All volunteers and coaches have to go through an Enhanced Access NI check and provide 2 referees. Whinney Hill has a safeguarding policy and officer and we have at least 3 qualified first aiders at least one is present at each session.
We consider that we have regard to the commissions guidance on public benefit and have fulfilled our obligations in this respect.
Signed
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Gillian Brown on behalf of Trustees