Trustees ReporL
Report of the trustees relates from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024.
Our Aims
The Fort centre RDA Maghera (therein known as the Fort centre- Company No.
N1660376) are a voluntary charity (registered under Charity no. 104575) aiming to
provide therapeutic horse riding for children and adults with a range of physical and
mental disabilities within the Mid Ulster area. The Fort centre became an
incorporated organisation in April 2019.
Publlc Benefits
The service provided by the Fort centre has numerous benefits. Horse riding
improves physical health in areas such as balance. mobility and core stability, and
enhances cardiovascular health. Furthermore, there are mental health benefits
associated with horse riding as an exercise, particularty outdoors. These advantages
extend to volunteers in addition to riders, as they lead the rides. Wellbeing and
confidence are increased, as riders and volunteers have the opportunity to socialise
with each other and create relationships in a safe and appropriate environment.
Riders and volunteers can leam new skills and re￿1ve qualifications related to horse
riding and horse care. The group as part of wider RDA adopt their ethos, guidelines
and regulations which ensure that the public re￿1ve a service delivered by
experienced and trained individuals. The Fort ￿ntre trustees are well versed in the
purposes of the charity and their role in promoting these. The Fort centre building
have purchased a hoist to allow them to provide rides to a larger number of servi
users, and a new horse, Toffee. Plans have also been approved to renovate the
front of the building with new fencing.
Group Achievements In 2023124
Training
One new riding instructor has been qualified and joined the ￿ntre as a riding
instructor.
Riding instructor training updated as needed throughout the year.
Child Protection Training completed by all relevant volunteers and committee
members.
First Aid Training completed by all relevant volunteers and committee members.
Several riders underwent Grades 1, 2 and 3 with other riders working towards these
grades.
Fundraising
Several local businesses held fijndraisers with the fort centre as their beneficiary.
The 'Friends of the Fort, account remains active and is routinely publicised locally.

The ￿ntre have organised for a dothing bin to be set up in the centre carpark. with
income from all dothes donated going to the fort ￿ntre.
The committee are in the prO￿sS of setting up PayPal for make donating more
accessible. 'QR' codes will be added to all fort ￿ntre advertising which links directly
with PayPal.
Financial Report
Forward audlted report for Submission to Charlty Commlsslon.
Trustee minutes submltted by Sean McKenna
Group organiser