The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association , the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by 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 (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016) .
The charity's objects are to provide horse riding activities for disabled people from its present premises and to continue to raise funds in support of those activities. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to continue to have the support of both paid staff and volunteer helpers and there has been no change in these during the year.
Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities they should undertake.
During the year, Riding for Disabled Association Abingdon Ltd has carried out its duty with regard to the objectives of the charity and to public benefit.
On the 1 st of March I sent a WhatsApp to all our Coaches saying “as from next Monday we can reopen”. What a much awaited and exciting statement it was. However getting going again proved to be more difficult than I thought. Firstly National Office said we had to ride outside – the clocks hadn’t gone back, so that ruled out the evening classes. Side walkers had to be parents, carers or friends, but not our volunteers, which again proved difficult for some. After endless WhatsApps and emails by mid March we were doing well with a maximum of 3 riding at any one time. Our very grateful thanks go to Iris and several volunteers who kept our ponies and horses going during lock down so that when we restarted there were few problems and to all our Coaches who coped with endless changes to the rules and regulations.
By mid March the steel frame of the new building was up and we were waiting for the electricians to move in – all very exciting.
The start of April and the good news – we could now ride inside again should the heavens open. Those who wished to enter the South Region Show by zoom started to work on their dressage test, the qualifying date being the 24 th May. As a result of this zoom qualifier several of our riders qualified for the zoom Nationals where they did very well – congratulations to all the qualifiers and to those who were placed.
During the summer holidays Alice organised many “spend a day with a pony” days, which were an enormous success with our riders. Thank you to Alice and to the army of volunteers who helped to make the days so memorable for children and parents. This is also a great fund raiser for the Group. The children pay £25 for the day.
At the beginning of the year the Oxford Bus Company held a competition for local charities to produce the best, and most interesting video of their charity. The prize for this was to be an advertisement on the back of a bus relating to the chosen charity and for a whole year. Although we didn’t win, they were so impressed with our video and charity, that they decided to run two buses with adverts. On the 22 nd July Alice and Julie took Jim Bob and Jasper to the Bus Company yard, where our bus was unveiled. I wonder how many of you have seen it. It runs between Radley, Oxford and Wolvercote, and is great publicity for our Group.
Our first on the ground fundraising event for a very long time was our annual plant and tack sale which took place in May. For many this was a first outing into the outside world, and was thoroughly enjoyed by many, raising £2,200 towards Group funds. Thank you so much to Sarah and Mark for your splendid organisation and so many plants.
The White Horse Community Lottery (50p of every £1 ticket goes to Abingdon RDA) We should make£1,300 in the first year and you could win £2,500!
In June Melanie Cumberland ran a First Aid Course for our Coaches so all Coaches should be alright for the next 3 years. In the same month India was interviewed by Radio Oxford which was highly successful – well done India.
As a Group we have been exceptionally lucky with our horses and ponies. There appears to be a shortage of suitable ponies countrywide. Since April we have been offered several loan ponies. We bought Marshall & Bill, and then were loaned Duke, Elbow, Wizard, Delilah and Hope. Sadly Delilah had to go back to her owner as she was lame. However, we hope that she may return one day. Hope is still being assessed for suitability, but we hope to be able to use her in a month. We are so lucky to have so many ponies who all do a wonderful job for us. Having loan ponies has also saved us a fortune – since the lifting of COVID restrictions the cost of buying horses has rocketed, making it even more difficult for RDA Groups.
The holidays came to an end, and then we were in September – what a great month with loads of fun, and extremely hard work for our volunteers. On the 11 th we had our annual Fun day which this year incorporated the opening of our new arena. The arena was opened by Ed Bracher, the Chief Executive of RDA, who gave a great speech, and then it was time to enjoy the Fun Day, the barbeque, the cups of coffee, and to talk to people who had been invited. Very many thanks go to Alice, and Sharon, and to the army of volunteers who make a day like this such a success. Also to the riders for riding so beautifully and showing off their riding skills.
On the 16 th , 17 th 18 th and 19 th we were this year’s charity for the International Horse Trials at Blenheim Palace. Wow, what an amazing four days. Our Group had a tombola stall, and ran the “shop and drop” tent. On the first day Lyndsey, one of our riders, and Alice joined a sponsored ride just outside the Palace grounds. The group they joined were doing a sponsored ride from Cheltenham, over 2 days with all the sponsor money coming to us. Jim Bob and Maple enjoyed the adventure. Prin also joined the party as a stand in for Chris Hughes’ horse who had gone lame! On the following 3 days 2 of our ponies were brought in to be led round with volunteers shaking buckets. During the 4 days we raised £6,500, which was amazing. We were extremely lucky to be offered this opportunity and are so grateful to the Jockey Club for making it possible. To all the volunteers and the 2 organisers – Sharon and Alice – so many thanks for a memorable 4 days..
And then the 24 th . This was our annual Sponsored Ride – so amazingly organised and run, and thoroughly enjoyed by so many riders from far and wide. The sun shone, and there was a wonderful atmosphere of lets make the most of a lovely day out. Several of our ponies came with both able bodied and disabled riders. Thank you to Sue, Joyce and Sharon and the rest of your team for such a special day that also raised huge funds for the Group – just over £7,000 in the end.
During the course of the year a voluntary organisation called Green Gym have done a wonderful job on the stream that runs through our land. It had was completely overgrown and the water was no longer able to flow properly. After 2 visits from Green Gym we have a flowing stream again. They will be back in the spring to finish off the last little bit. Thank you so much to Janet, who is a member of the group, for introducing them to us.
Now a massive thank you to all our volunteers without whom we would be stuck. At this moment we have just under 170 coming to the yard most weeks, and we are so grateful to you all for giving up your time. For those of you who raise money for the Group, either on the ground or by applying for endless grants, thank you so much. Applying for grants is a soul destroying business as I know only to well, but without the finance we would be unable to function. During lock down we were extremely lucky to get several good COVID grants, but now it is becoming more and more difficult as so many charities are struggling financially.
My final thanks goes to the Bunce family – to Iris for her dedication to RDA and all that we stand for, for her care and understanding of our ponies and horses, for her ability to work so well with our volunteers and riders. To Helen and George who pitch in and help when help is needed, and to Chris – when Chin left we had no idea who was going to help us with the many handiman jobs that come up, particularly when a building is over 30 years old, or who would help us with building a new set of stables, who would be able to stop the rain pouring into the new arena on to the sound system – the answer is Chris – thank you so much for all you do for us – we are so grateful.
I would like to end this report on a very special note. During the summer one of our riders was approached and asked if she would like to be part of the British Team to enter the Virtus Intellectual Disability Para Dressage World Championship Team. Mia was delighted and became a member of the 10 strong team. This was obviously to be virtual competition. Mia, riding Maple, had her two tests filmed and sent off to be judged, and then there was a long wait, but it was amazingly worth while waiting for. In her Intro Test she got gold and in her Novice test she was awarded Silver. What amazing achievements Mia, not just for you, but for your Group and your country. So very well done, and you coped with it all so calmly. I am sure Mia would like to thank Alice and her team for giving her the confidence and the skills to compete at such a high level. Well done to you all.
Unrestricted donations have increased from £93,006 to £112,256 and restricted donations have increased over the course of the year. All restricted funds generated have been utilised in the current year towards the completion of the building.
None of our unrestricted funds have been designated for a specific purpose. Our reserves policy is to maintain readily available funds at a level equivalent to eighteen months expenditure. Readily available funds this year exceed this amount by £282,671.
The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The charity is also a company limited by guarantee. The governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated February 2011.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Appointment of new trustees is based on knowledge and suitability, and confirmed at special or annual general meetings.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022, which are set out on pages 6 to 18.
The charity’s trustees, who are also the directors of Riding for Disabled Association Abingdon Limited for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
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 financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Riding for Disabled Association Abingdon Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Grove House, Station Road, Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 7PF. The registered office address is Grove House, Station Road, Grove, Wantage OX12 7PF. The company is also registered with the Charities Commission for England and Wales.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the charity . Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to do so.
Charitable activities include expenditure associated with meeting its charitable objectives. This includes the cost of grant making, and direct provision of charitable services.
Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities .
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ) .
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity 's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity ’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Charitable expenditure
Utilities
Insurance
Repairs
Telephone
Fuel and oil
Just giving fees
General expenses
Depreciation
Rent
Governance cost includes amounts paid for payroll costs and disclosure services.
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, the trustees had no reimbursed costs.
Unrestricted donations received received from trustees during the year totalled £1,665 (2021 - £1,460).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
During the year ended 31 March 2022 the charity received grants totalling £47,097 for the purpose of building an indoor arena. The charity spent £92,890 building the arena which has been capitalised in these accounts. There has therefore been a transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted funds of £78,894 as the restrictions had been satisfied on building costs.
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds