One Equine Trust
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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 and Financial Support...................................................................................... 5 |
| 1. Increasing Awareness and Knowledge ....................................................................... 6 |
| 2. Increasing EAS Capacity ............................................................................................ 7 |
| 3. Increasing Connections and Opportunities ................................................................. 9 |
| Financial Review ............................................................................................................. 12 |
| Overview...................................................................................................................... 12 |
| Income......................................................................................................................... 12 |
| Expenditure.................................................................................................................. 12 |
| Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2025 .............................................................. 13 |
| Statement of Financial Activities ...................................................................................... 13 |
| Balance Sheet as of December 31st2025 ........................................................................ 14 |
| Notes to the Accounts ..................................................................................................... 15 |
| General Information ............................................................................................................ 20 |
| The Organisation ............................................................................................................. 20 |
| Aims and Values.......................................................................................................... 20 |
| Our Activities................................................................................................................ 20 |
| Summary of Main Activities (2025)............................................................................... 21 |
| Objectives for the Year (2026)..................................................................................... 22 |
| 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 2025........................................ 26 |
| Advisors....................................................................................................................... 27 |
2
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 2025, which are presented on pages 12 – 19.
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:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
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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:
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
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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
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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)
Chartered Accounts Ireland
22 Strathearn Lane
Belfast
BT4 2BT
Date: 07/08/2026
4
Annual Report
The trustees of One Equine Trust present the report and accounts for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
Achievements
Funding and Financial Support
During 2025, One Equine Trust (OET) received charitable donations and recognised pro bono support with a combined value of £56,940 in support of its charitable mission. This included both unrestricted income to support the charity’s day-to-day operations, and restricted funding for specific projects and programme delivery.
The Denis Lynn Foundation
In 2023, OET received a funding commitment of £20,000 from The Denis Lynn Foundation to part-fund a two-year Equine Assisted Learning project at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick. The project commenced in April 2024, with the first instalment of £10,000 received in 2024, and the second instalment of £10,000 received in May 2025.
Re-Gen Waste Ltd
In May 2025, OET received an unrestricted charitable donation of £20,000 from ReGen Waste Ltd. In addition, the company provided pro bono support valued at £3,379. Together, these contributions supported the charity’s day-to-day operations, programme delivery, and ongoing organisational development.
Grent Trust Ltd
In December 2025, OET received an unrestricted donation of £20,000 from Grent Trust Ltd. This contribution supported programme delivery and the charity’s ongoing operational costs.
Private Donations
Throughout 2025, OET received donations from private individuals totalling £3,560. These contributions provided valuable unrestricted income, supporting the charity’s day-to-day activities and ongoing programme delivery.
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OET’s achievements during 2025 are presented in line with the charity’s mission to:
1. Increase awareness and knowledge of EAS
2. Increase EAS capacity
3. Increase connections and opportunities
1. Increasing Awareness and Knowledge
Building the Evidence Base
Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool
In 2024, OET began working with a researcher from Bournemouth University to explore ways of measuring the impact of its Equine Assisted Learning programmes. While feedback and testimonials from teaching staff had consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, generating robust research evidence would benefit both the charity and the wider sector by supporting future research, collaboration, and funding opportunities.
Children participating in EAL programmes often present with a wide range of complex educational, developmental, and additional support needs, meaning that no single standardised assessment is suitable for every participant. Furthermore, the diverse outcomes achieved through EAL are not always captured effectively using conventional assessment methods.
This work led to the development of the Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool. Drawing together appropriate elements from a range of existing outcome measures, the tool has been designed to provide a practical and meaningful approach to evaluating the impact of EAL programmes. During 2025, development continued in preparation for pilot implementation within Rathore Special School and Hill Croft Special School in 2026.
Raising Awareness
National Lottery Media Coverage
The Equines for Education: An Early Start programme, delivered in partnership with Mencap Children’s Centre, was funded through the National Lottery Awards for All programme. In March 2025, the National Lottery featured the programme in an article
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entitled How a Shetland Pony is Helping Transform the Life of a Young Northern Ireland Boy with a Rare Genetic Disorder , published by the Belfast Telegraph. The article highlighted the positive impact of Equine Assisted Learning for children with additional needs, while raising public awareness of Equine Assisted Services in Northern Ireland.
St Colmcille's Pilot Programme
With the support of Re-Gen Waste Ltd and Consello, OET secured media coverage in the Irish News highlighting the impact of the two-year pilot programme at St Colmcille’s. Published in October 2025 under the title Pony Power: How Equine Assisted Learning is Changing Lives in Northern Ireland Classrooms , the article explored the development of the programme and the positive impact it had on participating pupils, while also highlighting wider benefits observed across the classroom and school environment.
2. Increasing EAS Capacity
EAS Programmes
Knockevin Special School Equine Assisted Learning Project
Part-funded by The Denis Lynn Foundation, this two-year project continued throughout 2025, providing weekly Equine Assisted Learning sessions for pupils with special educational needs at Knockevin Special School.
Operating across the school’s nursery, primary, and post-primary sites, an independent practitioner visited each location weekly with a pony, delivering sessions to pupils identified as having the greatest level of need. The programme continued throughout the year, ensuring pupils across all three sites had regular access to Equine Assisted Learning.
Equines for Education: An Early Start (Mencap Children's Centre)
Delivered in partnership with Mencap Children’s Centre, Belfast, and an independent practitioner, this programme began in November 2024 and continued throughout 2025, concluding in December 2025.
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Working with pre-nursery children with learning disabilities and developmental delays, the programme provided weekly Equine Assisted Learning sessions throughout the year, offering early intervention to support children’s learning, development, social engagement, and overall wellbeing.
Equines in Education: Making a Difference at Rathore Special School
Following funding secured in 2024, OET worked throughout 2025 with Rathore Special School and the delivery practitioner to develop a new Equine Assisted Learning programme, with delivery scheduled to commence in 2026. Preparatory work included programme design, practitioner recruitment, programme planning, governance arrangements, risk assessments, and close collaboration with school staff to ensure the programme was tailored to the needs of the pupils and ready for delivery.
Unlike OET’s existing school programmes, which are delivered for a number of hours each week, the Rathore programme was designed around a full-day weekly model. This was developed in collaboration with the school to maximise flexibility and better meet the needs of pupils and staff.
The programme was also selected to pilot the Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool, contributing to OET’s wider work to strengthen the evidence base for Equine Assisted Services.
Equines in Education: Helping Pupils Grow, Learn, and Thrive at Hill Croft Special School
Following an approach from Hill Croft Special School, OET worked throughout 2025 with the school and the delivery practitioner to develop a new Equine Assisted Learning programme for its pupils, with delivery scheduled to commence in 2026. Preparatory work included programme planning, practitioner coordination, governance arrangements, risk assessments, and close collaboration with school staff to ensure the programme was tailored to the needs of both pupils and the school environment.
The programme was also selected to pilot the Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool, supporting programme evaluation while contributing to OET’s wider work to strengthen the evidence base for Equine Assisted Services.
West Belfast Healthy Living Centre
During 2025, OET supported the development of an Equine Assisted Learning programme in partnership with the West Belfast Healthy Living Centre. While the programme was not managed or delivered directly by OET, the charity played a key role in its early development by coordinating with practitioners, supporting programme planning, and helping to establish appropriate governance arrangements.
This collaborative approach strengthened local capacity for the delivery of Equine Assisted Learning and established a strong partnership to support future opportunities within the community.
3. Increasing Connections and Opportunities
Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development
OET Webinars
Throughout 2025, OET continued its webinar programme to promote professional development, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen connections across the Equine Assisted Services (EAS) sector. The webinars provided practitioners and organisations with opportunities to access specialist knowledge, share experiences, and build professional networks. Webinar topics included:
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Spring Into Action: Promoting Equine Welfare Through Seasonal Changes , with Dr Helen Spence
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Integrating Equine Assisted Services into AHP Practice , with Eveline Milne and Rachel Annan
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New Equine Premises Registration Made Simple: Everything You Need to Know , with DAERA
Queen's University Belfast Student Placement
Following the placement’s commencement in 2024, OET continued to host a placement student from Queen’s University Belfast throughout the first half of 2025. The placement focused on a research project examining the welfare of equines used within Equine Assisted Services, contributing to OET’s wider commitment to evidenceinformed practice and equine welfare.
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Building Partnerships and Opportunities
SEN Strategic Leadership Group Presentation
In May 2025, OET was invited to present to the SEN Strategic Leadership Group, representing principals from Northern Ireland’s special schools. The presentation highlighted the potential of Equine Assisted Learning to support pupils with special educational needs and explored opportunities to expand programme provision across additional schools.
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Horse Boy Method
As ridden Equine Assisted Services remain underrepresented in Northern Ireland, despite their established use internationally, OET invited Rupert Isaacson, founder of the Horse Boy Method, to deliver an online presentation in December 2025. The session explored the methodology and its potential within Northern Ireland, generating further discussions around opportunities to expand this area of practice.
Governmental Engagement
During 2025, OET met with representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Health, including senior officials responsible for Special Educational Needs, Learning Disability, and Autism. Discussions focused on the current SEN strategy and explored opportunities for Equine Assisted Services to contribute to future departmental initiatives and pilot programmes.
RDA collaboration
Throughout 2025, OET continued discussions with the Chief Executive of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) to explore opportunities to expand Equine Assisted Services within Northern Ireland. Conversations focused on increasing the provision of non-ridden Equine Assisted Learning through existing RDA groups, and identifying opportunities to pilot this approach in Northern Ireland.
Sector Engagement and Collaboration
Evolving Role of Horses for Human Health Symposium
In March 2025, OET attended the Evolving Role of Horses for Human Health symposium at Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Limerick. Organised by the All-Ireland
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Equine Assisted Services Steering Group, the event brought together practitioners, researchers, and organisations from across the island of Ireland to share practice, research, and emerging developments within the sector. The symposium provided valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
Equine Assisted Services Partnership CIC (EASP) Symposium
In April 2025, OET attended the Equine Assisted Services Partnership CIC Symposium at Hartpury University. Bringing together practitioners, researchers, training organisations, and funders from across the sector, the symposium explored the diversity and versatility of equid partners within Equine Assisted Services and considered how the sector can continue to develop as a sustainable complement to mainstream health, education, and wellbeing services. The event provided valuable opportunities to strengthen professional networks and share knowledge with colleagues from across the UK.
Tribe Days
In August 2025, OET was invited to present at Tribe Days, an international conference centred on the Horse Boy and Movement Methods, held at St John of God Community Services, Stewarts Care, County Meath. The event brought together practitioners from around the world to share knowledge, practical experience, and emerging developments in the field. OET’s presentation highlighted the development of Equine Assisted Services in Northern Ireland and the charity’s long-term vision for the sector.
All Ireland Symposium (Castle Leslie)
In November 2025, OET participated in the second All-Ireland Equine Assisted Services Symposium at Castle Leslie Estate. The symposium explored how Equine Assisted Services can complement existing statutory and community services, while helping to address increasing pressures across the health, education, and wellbeing sectors. OET was invited to participate in a panel discussion, highlighting the importance of collaboration and joined-up working between organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to support the continued development of the sector.
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Financial Review
Overview
The financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2025 was consistent with the Trustees' expectations and objectives.
Income
The principal funding sources for the organisation consist of charitable donations, Gift Aid, and recognised donated services. During the year ended 31 December 2025, OET received a total of £56,940 in income and recognised donated services.
This comprised unrestricted donations of £42,387, a restricted donation of £10,000 awarded for sole use on the Knockevin Equine Assisted Learning project, and Gift Aid of £1,173 reclaimed from HMRC in respect of eligible donations. In addition, OET recognised pro bono professional support provided by Re-Gen Waste Ltd, valued at £3,380.
Expenditure
In 2025, total expenditure was £73,397. The main costs for the year comprised project consultancy and programme delivery costs (£36,267), staff costs (£28,840), and IT support (£3,380).
Additional costs included research (£1,080), communications and public relations (£653), annual insurance (£888), and general expenses (£2,289). General expenses included Companies House filings, meeting room hire, memberships, bank charges, and other operational costs.
The Trustees’ Annual report was approved by the trustees on July 31[st] 2026 by:
Richard Moore Chairperson
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Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2025
Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year ended December 31[st] 2025
| Income Note Donations and Legacies 5 Charitable Activities 6 Total Income Expenditure Charitable Activities 7 Governance Costs 8 Total Expenditure Net Income Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 13 |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ |
Total 2025 |
Total 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46,940 0 10,000 0 |
56,940 0 |
48,658 20,642 |
|
| 46,940 10,000 |
56,940 | 69,300 | |
| 32,458 26,215 |
58,673 | 39,187 | |
| 14,724 0 |
14,724 | 12,214 | |
| 47,182 26,215 |
73,397 | 51,401 | |
| (242) (16,215) |
(16,457) | 17,899 | |
| (242) (16,215) |
(16,457) | 17,899 | |
| 1,703 37,655 |
39,358 | 21,459 | |
| 1,461 21,440 |
22,900 | 39,358 |
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Balance Sheet as of December 31[st] 2025
| Balance Sheet as of December 31st 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2025 £ |
2024 £ |
| - 27,753 |
- 42,969 |
|
| 27,753 | 42,969 | |
| 4,853 | 3,612 | |
| 22,900 | 39,358 | |
| 1,461 21,440 |
1,703 37,655 |
|
| 22,900 | 39,358 |
The financial statements on pages 12 to 19 were approved by the charity trustees, and authorised and signed on July 31[st] 2026 on their behalf by:
Richard Moore Chairperson
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Notes to the Accounts
1. Rounding
All amounts in these financial statements have been rounded to the nearest pound. As a result, the sum of individually rounded figures may not always equal the corresponding rounded totals.
2. Assets
OET has no assets which would contribute to their funds.
3. Trustee Expenses
No remuneration or expenses were paid to the Trustees other than reimbursement of expenditure incurred wholly, exclusively, and necessarily on behalf of the charity.
4. Taxation
As a registered charity, OET is exempt from taxation.
5. Income from Donations and legacies
Unrestricted Funds
During 2025, OET received £46,940 in unrestricted donations and recognised donated services, all of which was 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 a single restricted donation. A £10,000 restricted donation was received from The Denis Lynn Foundation, representing the second instalment of a two-year commitment, for sole use on the Knockevin EAL programme.
Additionally, a £20,000 restricted donation received in 2024 for use on the Mencap EAL programme was applied to programme delivery during 2025. A
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balance of £1,560 remains restricted for report and evaluation costs to be incurred in 2026.
6. Income from Charitable activities
No income, restricted or unrestricted, was acquired through charitable activities in 2025.
7. Expenditure Relating to Charitable activities
| Charitable Activities | 2025 (£) | 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and PR Reports and Research Staff Costs Outreach Work Consultancy Fees Staff Travelling Meeting/Event Expenses |
653 1,080 20,188 36,274 - 478 - |
500 |
| 700 | ||
| 17,471 | ||
| 18,670 | ||
| 1,196 | ||
| - | ||
| 650 | ||
| Total | 58,673 39,187 |
8. Expenditure Relating to Governance Costs
| Governance Cost Memberships IT Support Tech/Business Support Insurance Bank Fees Staff Costs Employers NI Employers Pensions Consultancy Fees General (Companies House) Room Hire Expenses Total |
2025 (£) | 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 878 | 365 | |
| 680 | 618 | |
| 2700 | 2,520 | |
| 888 | 704 | |
| 45 | 34 | |
| 2,374 | 6,001 | |
| 4,038 | 909 | |
| 2,240 | 578 | |
| 300 | 375 | |
| 155 | 35 | |
| 427 | 75 | |
| 14,725 | 12,214 |
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9. Staff Costs and Numbers
| Staff Cost | 2025 (£) | 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross wages and salaries Employer's National Insurance Employer's pension contributions Rounding Adjustment Total staff costs |
22,562 | 20,003 |
| 4,038 | 3,030 | |
| 2,240 | 1,926 | |
| - | 1 | |
| 28,840 | 24,960 |
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.
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% | 20,188 |
| 30% | 8,652 | |
| 100% | 28,840 |
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 donated services income with an equivalent matching expenditure, resulting in no net impact on the charity’s financial result.
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Recognised amounts are valued at the estimated market cost of equivalent services, calculated using estimated hours multiplied by standard professional rates.
| Item | Value (£) |
|---|---|
| Email and Teams licences (7) Website hosting service IT labour costs Finance labour costs Total |
402 |
| 278 | |
| 1,905 | |
| 795 | |
| £3,380 |
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.
11. Debtors
The charity had no debtors or prepayments at 31 December 2025.
12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Accruals | 2025 (£) | 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Pension Meeting/Event Expenses Comms and PR (Knockevin Filming) Outreach Work Other creditors/accruals Total |
187 | 187 |
| 260 | - | |
| 480 | - | |
| 3,415 | 3,425 | |
| 511 | - | |
| 4,853 | 3,612 |
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13. Funds
| Unrestricted Restricted |
Balance at 1 January 2025 £ |
Incoming resources £ |
Resources Expended £ |
Balance at 31 December 2025 £ |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,703 37,655 |
46,940 10,000 |
47,182 26,215 |
1,461 21,440 |
||||
| 39,358 | 56,940 | 73,397 | 22,900 |
| 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 |
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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:
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Work in partnership with key stakeholders.
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Use evidence from professionals and personal experiences to guide our work.
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Speak independently.
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Are kind and caring, placing people at the centre of everything we do.
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Are innovative - we nurture and encourage new ideas and ways of thinking.
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Are determined to make a difference in Northern Ireland.
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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.
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Providing advice and guidance to the public regarding available EAS options.
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Seeking funding to support existing EAS organisations and practitioners, as well as to facilitate the expansion of services.
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Engaging with colleges and universities to support and promote the training of EAS practitioners.
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Creating opportunities for research projects related to EAS.
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Engaging with relevant government departments and third-sector organisations to promote and progress sustainable development of the EAS sector.
Summary of Main Activities (2025)
In line with the organisation's charitable mission and objectives, One Equine Trust (OET) continued to support the development and expansion of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) across Northern Ireland during 2025. The charity delivered established Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programmes at Knockevin Special School and Mencap Children's Centre, while developing new programmes for Rathore Special School and Hill Croft Special School, supporting increased access to EAL for children and young people with additional needs.
OET also strengthened the evidence base for Equine Assisted Services through the continued development of the Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool in collaboration with Bournemouth University. Alongside this, the charity continued to promote professional development, partnership working, and knowledge sharing through webinars, presentations, conferences, and collaborative working with practitioners, researchers, schools, statutory bodies, and sector organisations across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the wider UK.
During the year, OET also increased public awareness of Equine Assisted Services through regional and national media coverage, while continuing to build strategic partnerships and explore opportunities for future programme development, research, training, and sector growth.
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Objectives for the Year (2026)
It is anticipated that additional priorities may emerge throughout 2026 as new opportunities arise. However, at the Board meeting held in February 2026, the Trustees agreed the following as One Equine Trust's principal objectives for the year ahead.
Expanding Access to Equine Assisted Learning
Increasing access to Equine Assisted Services (EAS) remains OET's primary objective. During 2026, the charity aims to launch and deliver new Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programmes at Rathore Special School and Hill Croft Special School, building on the planning and development work undertaken during 2025. OET will also continue to support the delivery of its existing programme across Knockevin Special School's nursery, primary, and post-primary sites, while seeking opportunities to expand Equine Assisted Services provision across Northern Ireland through new partnerships and funding.
Strengthening the Evidence Base
Building on work undertaken during 2025, OET will pilot the Equine Assisted Learning Outcome Measurement Tool within the Rathore and Hill Croft programmes. The pilot will support programme evaluation while contributing to the wider evidence base for Equine Assisted Services. OET also aims to complete and disseminate the evaluation report for the Equines for Education: An Early Start programme delivered in partnership with Mencap Children's Centre.
Building Capacity Within the Sector
Recognising that increasing practitioner capacity is fundamental to the continued growth of Equine Assisted Services, OET will continue to explore opportunities to expand training pathways and strengthen the regional workforce. This will include engaging with education and training providers, supporting prospective practitioners to access appropriate training, maintaining an overview of practitioner capacity across Northern Ireland, and exploring opportunities to increase access to suitable facilities for programme delivery.
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OET will also continue to explore opportunities to increase access to ridden Equine Assisted Services within Northern Ireland. Building on relationships established with practitioners, training providers, and organisations across the UK and Ireland, the charity will continue discussions to identify potential training pathways, partnerships, and opportunities to support the future development of this area of practice.
Raising Awareness and Strategic Partnerships
OET will continue to raise awareness of Equine Assisted Services through webinars, conferences, media engagement, and the ongoing development of its website and communication channels. Alongside this, the charity will continue to strengthen relationships with schools, universities, statutory organisations, government departments, practitioners, and sector organisations to ensure that its work remains aligned with strategic priorities and contributes to the continued growth and recognition of Equine Assisted Services across Northern Ireland.
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 2025 to 31st December 2025.
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 Equine Assisted Services. 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 the 13[th] of October 2020 and was registered as a charity on the 27[th] July 2022. The organisation was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed by the objects and powers as outlined in the organisation’s Articles of Association.
Management and Structure
The charity is led by the Chair, three trustees, and one employee (listed below).). 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 project activity, 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 the charity's finances, policies, governance, and the charity’s activities over the previous year
Related Organisations
Memberships and Other Involvements
One Equine Trust (OET) maintains memberships and affiliations with a number of organisations that support its charitable objectives and the development of Equine Assisted Services. OET held an associate membership with the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL (HETI), an organisational membership with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and an Associate Membership with the Equine Assisted Services Partnership CIC (EASP). OET also maintained subscriptions to NICVA, the NICVA Grant Tracker, and Enthuse, and remained registered with the Fundraising Regulator and the Charities Aid Foundation.
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For transparency, the Chair of OET previously served on the steering group of the Human Equine Interaction Register UK (HEIR), now managed by the Equine Assisted Services Partnership CIC (EASP), and stepped down from this role in 2024. The Chair also volunteers with Riding for the Disabled Association Northern Ireland (RDA NI), as do two additional trustees. In addition, one trustee serves on the steering group of the All-Ireland Equine Assisted Services Steering Group.
These memberships and voluntary roles support collaboration, professional development, and the continued growth and recognition of Equine Assisted Services. None of these relationships resulted in trustees receiving remuneration or other financial benefit from the charity.
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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] 2025
Trustees
Mr Richard Alexander Glenn Moore MBE Chair 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)[ Chair ] Date 31/07/2026
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