## **One Equine Trust**
**Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31 December 2024**
Charity Number: 108890
Company Number: NI673368
## **Contents**
|Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of One Equine Trust ............................. 3|
|---|
|Annual Report .................................................................................................................. 5|
|Achievements ............................................................................................................... 5|
|_Funding_..................................................................................................................... 5|
|_1._
_Increasing Awareness and Knowledge_............................................................. 6|
|_2._
_Increasing EAS Capacity_.................................................................................. 7|
|_3._
_Increasing Connections and Opportunities_....................................................... 9|
|_Other Developments_............................................................................................... 11|
|Financial Review ........................................................................................................ 12|
|_Overview_................................................................................................................. 12|
|_Income_.................................................................................................................... 12|
|_Expenditure_............................................................................................................. 12|
|Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2024 ........................................................ 13|
|Statement of Financial Activities ................................................................................. 13|
|Balance Sheet as of December 31st2024 .................................................................. 14|
|Notes to the Accounts ................................................................................................ 15|
|General Information ....................................................................................................... 19|
|The Organisation ........................................................................................................ 19|
|_Aims and Values_..................................................................................................... 19|
|_Our Activities_........................................................................................................... 19|
|_Summary of Main Activities (2024)_......................................................................... 20|
|_Objectives for the Year (2025)_................................................................................ 21|
|_Public Benefit Statement_......................................................................................... 23|
|Structure, Governance and Management ................................................................... 24|
|_Governing Document_.............................................................................................. 24|
|_Management and Structure_.................................................................................... 24|
|_Related Organisations_............................................................................................ 24|
|Reference and Administrative Information .................................................................. 26|
|_Charity Name_.......................................................................................................... 26|
|_Charity Registration Number_................................................................................... 26|
|_Company Registration Number_............................................................................... 26|
|_Registered Address_................................................................................................ 26|
|_Charity Trustees and Employees as of December 31st 2024_.................................. 26|
|_Advisors_.................................................................................................................. 27|
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**Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of One Equine Trust** I report on the accounts of the charity for the financial year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are presented on pages 12 – 18.
## **Respective responsibilities of Charity Trustees and Examiner**
As the charity’s trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report**
I have examined the charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
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3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Independent Examiner’s Report**
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
Neil O’Prey
FCA
22 Strathearn Lane,
Belfast,
BT4 2BT
Date: 27/10/2025
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## **Annual Report**
The trustees of the One Equine Trust (OET) present the report and accounts for the period of January 1[st] 2024 to December 31[st] 2024.
## **Achievements**
## _**Funding**_
In 2024, OET secured funding from a range of private sector organisations and individual donors to support its mission. These funds contributed to both core operational costs and specific project-based activities throughout the year.
## _Belfast Black Santa Appeal_
In December 2023, the charity applied to the Belfast Black Santa Appeal, run by Belfast Cathedral. The application was successful, and OET was awarded an unrestricted grant of £1,500 in February 2024. These funds supported the charity’s core operational costs as well as ongoing project expenses.
## _The Denis Lynn Foundation_
In 2023, OET received a commitment of £20,000 from the Denis Lynn Foundation to support a two-year Equine Assisted Learning project. The project began in April 2024 at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick. The first instalment of £10,000 was received in 2024, with the second instalment due in 2025.
## _National Lottery Awards for All_
Following a successful application in April 2024, the charity was awarded a £20,000 grant by the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme. The funding supported a one-year Equine Assisted Learning project for young children with learning disabilities and significant developmental delays who attend the Mencap Children’s Centre in Belfast. The application was approved in June 2024, and the project commenced in November.
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## _Fundraising: Slieve Donard Climb_
On 19 July 2024, a supporter organised a fundraising event on behalf of OET, leading a group on a hike up Slieve Donard in Co. Down. The event raised £1,000 in unrestricted funds, which contributed to the organisation’s general operating costs.
## _Re-Gen Waste Ltd_
Following the conclusion of the initial two-year Equine Assisted Learning pilot project in December 2023, Re-Gen Waste Ltd expressed interest in supporting their local community by introducing a similar programme in Newry. The company donated £20,000 towards the development and delivery of this project, with the donation received in December 2024.
## _Grent Trust Ltd_
In December 2024, the charity received a £10,000 unrestricted donation from Grent Trust Ltd. This contribution supported both programme delivery and organisational costs.
## _Private Donations_
Throughout the year, OET received donations from private individuals totalling £3,020. These contributions supported the day-to-day running of the organisation.
_OET achievements from 2024 have been categorised in line with the charitable mission to increase (1) awareness and knowledge of EAS, (2) EAS capacity, and (3) connections and opportunities._
## _**1. Increasing Awareness and Knowledge**_
## _One Equine and Peace of Mind NI Equine Assisted Learning Pilot Project Report_
The collaborative project between OET and Peace of Mind, an independent EAS practitioner, concluded at St Colmcille’s at the end of 2023. As part of this project, the practitioner completed a full report exploring pupil progress and demonstrating the project’s impact. The full report is available on the OET website.
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## _EAS Equine Survey_
OET welcomed a placement student from Queen’s University Belfast in the final quarter of 2024 (more information below). The student joined the charity to complete a research project on the wellbeing of equines used in EAS. The project involved:
1. Reviewing existing equine welfare research.
2. Assisting with the circulation of an online survey to EAS practitioners across Northern Ireland.
3. Collating and analysing survey findings to help identify gaps in equine welfare policy in NI.
Although the survey was not published in 2024, substantial background research and survey development were completed, laying a strong foundation for continued work in 2025.
## _EAL Outcomes Measurements_
Due to the wide-ranging and complex needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who participate in EAL programmes, standardised assessments are rarely suitable for every individual. In addition, the diverse benefits achieved through EAL can be difficult to measure using conventional tools. To address this, OET has been exploring alternative methods of evaluating pupil outcomes.
In 2024, OET began collaborating with a researcher at Bournemouth University, who is conducting a study to review available outcome measurement approaches. This partnership will enable OET to identify and adopt the most appropriate tools for assessing impact. While preparatory work began in 2024, the majority of this research will take place in 2025.
## _**2. Increasing EAS Capacity**_
## _Programme Development Partnership with Stride_
As part of its focus on expanding EAS activity in Northern Ireland, OET sought to ensure the quality and impact of its work and of the services being delivered. To support this, the charity engaged the knowledge and expertise of Stride, a social impact evaluation organisation at Queen’s University Belfast. The collaboration
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provided guidance on programme design and delivery, helping to strengthen the programme and improve outcomes. As a result, OET has developed an EAL programme that can be used by the charity, practitioners, or schools to expand interventions and build ongoing EAS capacity in NI.
## _Knockevin Special School EAL Project – The Denis Lynn Foundation_
The Denis Lynn Foundation approached OET to expand its previous EAL pilot programme and develop an additional two-year project, with funding committed for each year. The Foundation requested that the project take place in Downpatrick, Co. Down, but no school had been identified. After discussion, OET selected Knockevin Special School due to its location and the broad age range of pupils attending. With three separate sites - nursery, primary, and post-primary - the project was structured so that an independent practitioner visits each site once a week with a pony to provide sessions to SEN pupils with the greatest need. The project began in April 2024 and will continue until 2026.
## _Equines for Education: An Early Start, with Mencap Children’s Centre_
OET collaborated with staff at the Mencap Children’s Centre in Belfast to deliver an EAL programme for pre-nursery children. The project, funded through a National Lottery Awards for All grant, targeted young children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. Weekly sessions began in November 2024, offering early intervention to support skill development, social engagement, and overall wellbeing. The project also provided an opportunity to explore effective ways of measuring outcomes for younger participants, contributing to OET’s ongoing research into EAL impact.
## _EAL at Rathore Special School_
Following the conclusion of OET’s initial two-year EAL pilot project, Re-Gen Waste Ltd provided funding to support a new programme in their local community. Rathore Special School in Newry, Co. Down was selected to receive weekly EAL sessions for SEN pupils, following the model of previous programmes. Initial planning and development took place in 2024; however, the project did not commence that year.
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## _Unbridled Potential – VOYPIC: Supporting and Empowering Young Adults through EAL_
During 2024, OET developed this project in collaboration with VOYPIC (Voice Of Young People In Care Ltd) to support young people who have aged out of care at both the Belfast and Derry centres. Unlike most OET programmes, it was designed to provide Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) in a peaceful, rural setting, offering participants a novel and impactful intervention. The project aims to support mental health and wellbeing for young adults navigating the transition from care. Although the project was planned in 2024, it did not launch due to funding availability.
## _**3. Increasing Connections and Opportunities**_
## _QUB Student Placement_
In 2024, the charity welcomed a placement student from Queen’s University Belfast. The placement focused on a specific research project examining the welfare of equines used in EAS. The student began in October 2024 and continued through to 2025.
## _Pathways to Practice Workshop_
In June 2024, OET ran an event in collaboration with CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise) titled Partnerships Creating Pathways to Practice in Equine Assisted Services. The workshop focused on developing multidisciplinary teams within EAS in Northern Ireland and included presentations on collaborative EAS models and partnership opportunities. Facilitated by award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and CEO/co-founder of Dara & Co, Naomh McElhatton, the event welcomed over 40 attendees.
## _OET Webinars_
To support community engagement, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, OET introduced monthly webinars. These sessions covered topics relevant to practitioners and provided opportunities to connect and access resources to grow their practice. Each webinar welcomed almost 40 registrants and featured presentations on:
9
- _An Exploratory Study into the Backgrounds and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Service Practitioners,_ with Rita Seery and Clare O’Kane.
- _Racing Hearts: Growing the Practice of Human Health and Racehorse Rehabilitation_ , with Lisa Coffey
- _Developing an Equine Assisted Practitioner Hub in NI, with GroundWork EAS_
- _Women in Business: Creating Connections and Progressing Practice,_ with Collette Kelly
- _Exploring and Engaging with the Ever-growing Area of EAS Research,_ with Kezia Sullivan and Professor Ann Hemmingway
- _Enhancing the Human-Equine Bond_ with BHS Ireland Horse Health Days
- _Addressing the Current Needs in NI with Equine Assisted Learning,_ with Anne Brown (Learning in Harmony with Donkeys), Dianne Jones (Clady Water Farm Equine Learning Centre), and Amy Robinson (Journey NI).
- _Exploring PSA Accreditation for Practitioners,_ with Cara Collins
- _The Power of Personal Narratives: Restorative Storytelling for Change,_ with Voicing the Void.
## _MAC Collaboration_
In 2024, OET proposed a collaboration with Middletown Autism Centre (MAC) to create programmes supporting autism spectrum disorder in primary and secondary schools. The two initiatives include:
_1. Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Module for Teachers and Assistants_ Delivered as part of the PGCE Autism Studies at Stranmillis College, this module trains teachers and classroom assistants on the benefits of EAL for young people with autism. It builds capacity to advocate for and support EAL in schools while reinforcing techniques in wider classroom activities to optimise pupil outcomes.
2. _Specialist Course for EAL Practitioners_
- In partnership with Queen’s University, this accredited course provides advanced training for EAL practitioners on autism-specific outcomes, challenges, and delivery methods in school settings. Graduates receive
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recognised accreditation and ongoing access to CPD with MAC, keeping them up to date with research, best practice, and opportunities to contribute to the evidence base for EAL.
## _**Other Developments**_
## _Staff_
Since 2022, OET employed a part-time staff member who had previously completed a university placement with the charity. Due to increased activity and the charity’s expansion plans, the board decided in 2024 to convert this role to full-time. From 5 August 2024, the sole employee of the charity was contracted to a full-time position.
## _Social Value Broker Registration_
OET frequently acts as a bridge between funders, organisations, practitioners, and communities, creating programmes and providing services to those in need. In 2024, the board decided to register the charity as a social value broker in Northern Ireland. Becoming a registered social value broker positions OET to further leverage resources and connections to benefit communities and practitioners alike.
## _Chair MBE_
In 2024, the charity’s chair, Richard Moore, was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list and received an MBE for “services to Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning in Northern Ireland.” The charity leveraged the increased visibility from this award to raise awareness and promote the value of Equine Assisted Services.
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## **Financial Review**
## _**Overview**_
The finances of the year ending in December 2024, were consistent with the trustees’ expectations and objectives for the year.
## _**Income**_
The principal funding sources for the organisation consist of charitable donations and/or grants. Since January 1st, 2024, OET received a total of £69,300. This figure consisted of unrestricted donations of £18,658, and restricted donations and grants of £50,000 for sole use on various projects.
Additionally, OET ran one workshop in 2024 around collaborations and creating practice pathways for equine professionals, practitioners, and organisations, which sold 26 tickets (£642).
## _**Expenditure**_
In 2024, the total expenditure was £51,401. The main costs for the year were project outreach and delivery fees (£18,670), staff costs (£24,960), IT support (£3,138), communications/PR and report writing (£1,200), and programme development costs (£1,196). Other costs include insurance (£704), meeting and event expenses (£725), and general business costs (including Companies House, payroll, memberships, and bank fees) (£809).
The Trustees’ Annual report was approved by the trustees, and authorised and signed on their behalf on October 14[th] 2025 by:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
on … by:
**----- End of picture text -----**
Richard Moore Chairperson
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## **Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2024**
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
_For the Year ended December 31[st] 2024_
|**Income**
**Note**
Donations and Legacies
5
Charitable Activities
6
Total Income
**Expenditure**
Charitable Activities
7
Governance Costs
8
Total Expenditure
Net Income/(expenditure)
Net Movement in Funds
**Reconciliation of Funds**
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
13|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
**Total**
**2024**|**Total**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||18,658
642
30,000
20,000
48,658
20,642|30,335
11,317|
||**19,300**
**50,000**
**69,300**|**41,652**|
||16,142
23,045
39,187|30,661|
||12,214
-
12,214|17,965|
||**28,356**
**23,045**
**51,401**|**48,626**|
||(9,056)
26,955
17,899|(6,974)|
||**(9,056)**
**26,955**
**17,899**|**(6,974)**|
||10,759
10,700
21,459|28,433|
||**1,703**
**37,655**
**39,358**|**21,459**|
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## **Balance Sheet as of December 31[st] 2024**
|**Current Assets**
**Note**
Debtors
11
Cash at bank/in hand
Total
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
12
**one year**
**Net current assets**
**Funds**
13
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**Total Funds**|**2024**
**£**|**2023**
**£**|
|---|---|---|
||-
42,969|75
24,675|
||**42,969**|**24,750**|
||3,612|3,291|
||**39,358**|**21,459**|
||1,703
37,655|10,759
10,700|
||**39,358**|**21,459**|
_Note: totals may not exactly match the sum of individual line items due to rounding to the nearest £._
The financial statements on pages 12 to 18 were approved by the charity trustees, and authorised and signed on their behalf on October 14[th] 2025 by:
Richard Moore Chairperson
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## **Notes to the Accounts**
1. Accounting Policies / Rounding
All amounts in the accounts are rounded to the nearest £. Minor differences may occur between the sum of individual line items and totals.
## 2. Assets
OET has no assets which would contribute to their funds.
## 3. Trustee Expenses
No expenses were paid to the trustees, unless to reimburse them for purchases made on behalf of the Trust.
4. Taxation
As a registered charity, OET is exempt from taxation.
## 5. Income from Donations and legacies
## _Unrestricted Funds_
During 2024, OET received £18,658 in grants and donations. All funds were unrestricted and provided without conditions. They were applied towards the charity’s general organisational costs and supported its ongoing activities.
## _Restricted Funds_
In addition to the unrestricted income above, OET received several donations restricted for specific purposes. A £10,000 donation was received from the Denis Lynn Foundation (the first of two donations) for use on the Knockevin EAL programme, and a £20,000 donation was received from Re-Gen Ltd. for the development of a new EAL programme for pupils in Newry.
## 6. Income from Charitable activities
## _Unrestricted Funds_
All 2024 income from charitable activities arose from ticket sales for a joint workshop with CAFRE Equine College in June 2024. Tickets were £27.80 per person, with 26 sold for a total of £650 (after fees). Following a final processing fee of £7.99, OET received £642. This income was unrestricted; however, it was used to cover event costs, including room hire, catering, and speaker fees.
## _Restricted Funds_
The charity was awarded a £20,000 Awards for All grant by the National Lottery. This funding was restricted for the sole use of the Mencap EAL programme.
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## 7. Expenditure Relating to Charitable activities
|**Charitable Activity**|**2024 (£)**|**2023 (£)**|
|---|---|---|
|Communication and PR
Reports and Research
Staff Costs
Outreach Work
Consultancy Fees
Staff Travelling
Postage & Carriage
Meeting/Events Expenses
**Total**|500|416|
||700|10,090|
||17,471|-|
||18,670|14,950|
||1,196|-|
||-|95|
||-|45|
||650|5,065|
||**39,187**|**30,661**|
## 8. Expenditure Relating to Governance Costs
|**Governance Cost**|**2024 (£)**|**2023 (£)**|
|---|---|---|
|Memberships
IT Support
Tech/Business Support
Insurance
Bank Fees
Staff Costs
Employers NI
Employers Pensions
Consultancy Fees
General (Companies House)
Room Hire Expenses
**Total**|365|197|
||618|2,418|
||2,520|-|
||704|568|
||34|33|
||6,001|13,000|
||909|417|
||578|789|
||375|300|
||35|173|
||75|70|
||**12,214**|**17,965**|
## 9. Staff Costs and Numbers
|taff Costs and Numbers||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Staff Cost**|**2024 (Original) (£)**|**2024 (Rounded) (£)**|**2023 (£)**|
|Gross wages and salaries
Employer's National Insurance
Employer's pension contributions
_Rounding Adjustment_
**Total staff costs**|20,003.46|20,003|13,000|
||3,029.99|3,030|417|
||1,926.36|1,926|789|
||-|1|-|
||**25,959.81**|**24,960**|**14,206**|
The charity employed one staff member during the year. The total staff costs have been allocated between expenditure on charitable activities and support costs based on an estimated 70/30 split.
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## _Rationale for Cost Allocation_
The 70/30 split was estimated based on analysis of the staff member's responsibilities, which are primarily focused on the direct management of the charity's programmes and activities (70%). The remaining 30% is allocated to support costs, which includes time spent on administrative tasks, financial reporting for the trustees, and general governance-related duties.
The allocation of staff costs is as follows:
|**Cost**|**Percentage**|**Amount (£)**|
|---|---|---|
|Expenditure on charitable activities
Support costs
**Total staff costs**|70%|17,471|
||30%|7,488|
||**100%**|**24,959**|
## 10. Donated Services and Facilities
During the year, the charity received pro-bono professional and technical support, including IT and finance services, along with donated software and website hosting.
Where the value of these donated services could be reliably measured, they have been recognised as voluntary income with an equivalent matching expenditure, resulting in no net impact on the charity’s financial result. Recognised amounts are valued at the estimated market cost of equivalent services, calculated as hours × standard professional rates.
|**Item**|**Value (£)**|
|---|---|
|Email and Teams licences
Website hosting service
IT labour costs
Finance labour costs
**Total**|378|
||240|
||1,800|
||720|
||3,138|
The Trustees also acknowledge the contribution of other informal pro-bono support during the year for which a reliable valuation was not possible. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), this support has not been recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities but is gratefully acknowledged by the Trustees.
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|Debtors
Prepayments|**2024**
**£**||**2023**
**£**||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**-**||75||
## 11. Debtors
## 12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
|**Accruals**|**2024**
**£**|**2023**
**£**|
|---|---|---|
|NET Wages
PAYE
Pension
Membership
Meeting/Event Expenses
OET Reports
Outreach Work
**Total**|-|1,200|
||-|83|
||187|108|
||-|-|
||-|100|
||-|1,200|
||3,425|600|
||**3,612**|**3,291**|
## 13. Funds
|Unrestricted
Restricted|**Balance at 1**
**January**
**2024**
**£**||**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**||**Resources**
**Expended**
**£**||**Balance at 31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||10,759
10,700||19,300
50,000||28,356
23,045||1,703
37,655|
||21,459||69,300||51,401||39,358|
|Unrestricted
Restricted|**Balance at 1**
**January 2023**||**Incoming**
**resources**||**Resources**
**Expended**||**Balance at 31**
**December 2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||12,783
15,650||27,652
14,000||29,676
18,950||10,759
10,700|
||28,433||41,652||48,626||21,459|
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## **General Information**
## **The Organisation**
## _**Aims and Values**_
One Equine Trust is a non-profit charitable organisation based in Northern Ireland, dedicated to supporting and promoting the practice of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) across the region.
Our _mission_ is to ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland who could benefit from interaction with horses has access to professional, affordable, and accredited Equine Assisted Services.
Our _vision_ is for Northern Ireland to become - and be recognised internationally as - a region of excellence in the field of Equine Assisted Services, leading the way in professional practice, practitioner training, and research advancement.
## _We at One Equine:_
- Work in partnership with key stakeholders.
- Use evidence from professionals and personal experiences to guide our work.
- Speak independently.
- Are kind and caring, placing people at the centre of everything we do.
- Are innovative - we nurture and encourage new ideas and ways of thinking.
- Are determined to make a difference in Northern Ireland.
- Are passionate - we strongly believe in the potential of EAS and their impact on Northern Ireland.
The incorporation of these core values into our discussions and decision-making throughout the year has enabled One Equine Trust to pursue the best possible outcomes for human wellbeing in Northern Ireland.
## _**Our Activities**_
In line with our vision to create a centre of excellence in Northern Ireland and our mission to promote Equine Assisted Services (EAS) for the benefit of all, the Trust’s main activities include:
- Supporting EAS practitioners in expanding or establishing their services.
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- Facilitating communication and building connections between practitioners to foster collaboration, enabling the development of multidisciplinary services and safe practices.
- Providing advice and guidance to the public regarding available EAS options.
- Seeking funding to support existing EAS organisations and practitioners, as well as to facilitate the expansion of services.
- Engaging with colleges and universities to support and promote the training of EAS practitioners.
- Creating opportunities for research projects related to EAS.
- Engaging with relevant government departments and third-sector organisations to promote and progress sustainable development of the EAS sector.
## _**Summary of Main Activities (2024)**_
In line with the organisation’s mission and objectives for 2024, OET supported the expansion of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) across Northern Ireland by developing and delivering multiple projects, including the launch of the Knockevin Special School EAL programme and early intervention sessions at Mencap Children’s Centre. Additionally, OET worked with a wide range of practitioners, individuals, and organisations to develop and plan further EAS initiatives, such as the Rathore Special School and VOYPIC programmes, supporting practitioners and helping those in need.
To promote Northern Ireland as a region of excellence in EAS research and training, OET engaged in collaborations with Queen’s University Belfast, Middletown Autism Centre, and other partners to develop accredited training modules, practitioner courses, and research projects. Connections between organisations and practitioners were strengthened through workshops, events, and webinars, providing opportunities for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and the measurement of outcomes in line with the charity’s 2024 objectives.
Organisationally, OET continued to grow, registering as a social value broker, expanding its staffing to full-time, and celebrating the award of an MBE to its Chair, Richard Moore, which further raised awareness of the value of EAS across Northern Ireland.
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## _**Objectives for the Year (2025)**_
It is likely that additional objectives for 2025 will be identified as the year progresses. However, at the final Board meeting of 2024 (held on 16th December) and the first Board meeting of 2025 (held on 15th January), the activities listed below were confirmed as One Equine Trust’s primary objectives for the year ahead.
## _Additional EAS Projects_
In line with the charity’s mission to ensure that all who could benefit from Equine Assisted Services (EAS) have access, a primary aim for 2025 is to increase service capacity across Northern Ireland through the development and launch of new projects. In addition to continuing those initiated in 2024, the following initiatives have been prioritised:
- _Rathore Special School_
OET aims to implement the Rathore Special School project, providing weekly EAL sessions to pupils with special educational needs. The school initially approached OET in 2023 to explore EAS opportunities, and the project was planned following a generous donation from Re-Gen Waste Ltd. Discussions with school staff resumed at the end of 2024, and the project is now a key priority for 2025, with funding and programme delivery as top objectives.
- _Unbridled Potential – VOYPIC_
- OET aims to launch the VOYPIC project, providing EAL to young people engaged with services at both the Belfast and Derry centres. The programme will continue to offer interventions in a peaceful, rural setting, supporting mental health and wellbeing and aiding young adults in their transition from care. Securing funding and implementing the project are top priorities for the year.
Securing funding for Rathore, VOYPIC, and the continuation of projects initiated in 2024 remains a high priority. This will enable OET to maintain the impactful work of EAS practitioners and continue providing essential services to those in need.
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## _Therapeutic Riding in Northern Ireland_
While significant progress has been made in the Republic of Ireland in the area of therapeutic riding and ridden EAS, such services remain largely absent in Northern Ireland despite a strong evidence base for their benefits. Expanding access to therapeutic riding is therefore a key objective for 2025.
To advance this goal, OET will engage with established centres in Ireland and explore opportunities with training providers. The aim is to create clear pathways for both existing EAS practitioners and commercial riding instructors in Northern Ireland to access relevant training and accreditation, thereby increasing service capacity across the region.
## _Growing EAS Insight: Practitioner Data and Service Capacity_
OET is committed to strengthening the evidence base for EAS and raising awareness of EAS activity across Northern Ireland. In 2025, the Trust aims to gather information on the work of EAS practitioners and any relevant engagement from the Northern Ireland Government. This includes a focus on service delivery models, client outcomes, and overall service capacity.
By collating this information, OET will develop a clearer understanding of the current EAS landscape, identify gaps in provision, and support evidence-based planning for the development and expansion of services.
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## _**Public Benefit Statement**_
The Trustees of One Equine Trust (OET) confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and that this requirement has informed the Trust’s activities throughout the year from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.
In line with the commitment to public benefit, the Trustees note that access to the OET website and its resources is open to all, with no fees or membership required. Contact details for further information and guidance are also publicly available.
During the year, the Trust engaged with institutions for both practitioner training and research purposes, thereby advancing its objective to raise awareness and promote education in the field. These efforts have contributed to increased public understanding of equine-assisted services and improved access to professional and accredited provision.
By securing funding for a range of Equine Assisted Learning projects, the Trust has actively advanced its second charitable objective - to expand and enhance the provision of such services.
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## **Structure, Governance and Management**
## _**Governing Document**_
One Equine Trust is a private company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated on 13th October 2020 and registered as a charity on 27th July 2022. The organisation was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed by the objects and powers set out in its Articles of Association.
## _**Management and Structure**_
During 2024, the charity consisted of a Chairperson, four Trustees, and one employee (all listed below). However, on June 18th, 2024, one Board member resigned (as noted below). As previously reported in the 2023 accounts, the sole employee was working part-time. As of August 5th, 2024, the employee transitioned to a full-time contract.
The team meets at least once a month for regular Board meetings to discuss current or upcoming projects and to provide updates on weekly progress. The Chairperson and the employee also meet weekly to manage day-to-day operations, address outstanding tasks, and prepare agendas for Board meetings.
Depending on ongoing projects, the team may meet more frequently or as required, often in collaboration with external individuals or organisations. In addition, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held each year to review finances, policies, governance, and the charity’s activities over the previous year.
## _**Related Organisations**_
Memberships / Other Involvements
Since 2021, One Equine Trust (OET) has held an associate membership with the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL (HETI). Additionally, OET has subscribed to NICVA and the NICVA Grant Tracker fundraising software since 2021 and has been registered with both the Fundraising Regulator and the Charities Aid Foundation since 2023.
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In 2024, OET became an organisational member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (September), an Associate Member of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership CiC (EASP) (October), and joined Enthuse as a member (October).
The OET Chairperson previously served on the steering group for the Human Equine Interaction Register UK (HEIR), now known as Equine Assisted Services Partnership CiC (EASP), and stepped down in February 2024. For transparency, it is noted that he also volunteers with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA NI), as do two of OET’s trustees and the member of staff.
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## **Reference and Administrative Information**
## _**Charity Name**_
One Equine Trust, also known as One Equine and OET
## _**Charity Registration Number**_
108890
## _**Company Registration Number**_
NI673368
## _**Registered Address**_
8 Dufferin Villas Bangor BT20 5PH
## _**Charity Trustees and Employees as of December 31[st] 2024**_
_Trustees_
Mr Richard Alexander Glenn Moore Chair Mrs Beulah Louise Skelly Director (Resigned 2024) Mrs Hazel Elizabeth Winning OBE Director Mrs Juliet Clare Frazer Director Mrs Molly Elizabeth McCluskey Director
_Employees_
Ms Aisling Jane Dunnion Project Development Officer
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## _**Advisors**_
Banking Danske Bank (Branch Business) Donegall Square West Belfast BT1 6JS Insurance Lockton Companies LLP The Clarence West Building, 2 Clarence Street West, Belfast BT2 7GP Solicitors Edwards & Co. Solicitors 28 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
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## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Mr Richard Moore Position (e.g., Secretary, Chair, etc)[Chairman ] Date 14/10/2025
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