The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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 2019).”
The charity's objects are to promote the objects of The Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving (registered company number 5010395 and a charity registered in England and Wales under charity number 244108) by providing disabled people with the opportunity to ride and/or to carriage drive to benefit their health and well-being in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Area.
RDACCG was established in 1975 to provide recreational and therapeutic riding opportunities for persons with a disability living in Coleraine and surrounding districts (now combined as the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Area). We will celebrate 50 years of service to the community in August 2025, the Group has provided services to over 6000 clients, currently about 250 per year.
It is a cross-community voluntary organisation set up to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride and/or work with horses, which has physical and psychological benefits to health and well-being. It also uses its facilities to promote inclusion amongst young people in our community by welcoming and engaging with those vulnerable, at risk, and most excluded from society, by providing education and the opportunity to work with the horses in a safe and supportive environment. It provides education and helps build confidence and social skills for both participants and its volunteers, encourages participation in sport, and supports and enables sporting ambition and excellence.
As well as offering riding opportunities, RDACCG offers a number of employability courses for volunteers, riders and the general community. These courses are designed to develop knowledge and skills and build confidence and self-esteem, enhance CVs, and increase the likelihood of gaining employment.
RDACCG is the only voluntary organisation in the North West catchment area that runs equestrian activities for disabled users on a voluntary ‘not for profit’ basis. Its current facility sits on 22 acres of land and comprises state of the art indoor and outdoor arenas, both with warm up areas, and the indoor arena is equipped to enable disabled riders to mount and fully engage in a riding experience.
The centre currently draws its user base from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
As well as providing a wide range of activities for the disabled in the local community, RDACCG also supports and provides a high-quality service to the wider equestrian community across N Ireland, which includes delivering riding lessons and offering hire of the arena facilities. RDACCG also organises a number of high-profile equestrian events throughout the year to generate income to subsidise the costs of core RDA activities.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Our RDA centre is going from strength to strength, entering an exciting new chapter marked by growth and new collaborations.
The dynamic Board has ensured strengthened leadership and enhanced governance structures which promote openness, transparency and accountability, while time aligning our strategic direction with the evolving needs of our service users.
Continued success in fundraising efforts has allowed us to invest in key areas of infrastructure, including the development of several new turnout areas, the beginnings of a new track system and there has been significant investment in our arena surfaces which has led directly to increased arena hire and reputational elevation within the equestrian community. This has also had a very positive impact on this particular income stream.
We have also expanded our services, with more RDA Coaches trained, to accommodate more RDA riders than ever before, with plans to deliver even more again from September 2025.
We are also now supporting a growing number of British Horse Society (BHS) riders, broadening the scope of our reach and inclusivity.
A significant milestone has been the establishment of a formal referral pathway in partnership with the local Multi-Disciplinary Health Service Team. This collaboration has improved access to our services for individuals who are most in need of therapeutic support, creating a seamless connection between healthcare professionals and equine-assisted activities.
Additionally, we are actively developing partnerships with other charitable organisations to extend our impact further. One such initiative involves working closely with Women’s Aid to design and deliver tailored therapeutic programmes and interventions for their service users.
These collaborations reflect our commitment to addressing a wide range of social and emotional needs through the transformative power of the horse-human connection. With these foundations in place, we are poised for sustained growth and deeper community engagement.
The company returned net expenditure for the year of £102,674 (2024 - £119,531). As at 31st March 2025 the total funds of the charity amounted to £721,948 (2024 - £824,622) comprising designated funds of £351,454 (2024 - £474,839), restricted funds of £30,814 (2024 - £30,323) and general unrestricted funds of £339,680 (2024 - £319,460).
Of the total funds reported above, £24,176 is made up of cash at bank and in hand, with bank debt of £4,575.
Risk
The Trustees have 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.
Reserves
The Trustees endeavour to maintain sufficient reserves to ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
Plans for the future
The charity plans to continue to grow and to aid the personal development of the riders as the finances of the organisation permits.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:
None of the Trustees have 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' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 17.
The Trustees, who are also the directors of RDA Causeway Coast & Glens Ltd for the purposes of company law, 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 Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
I have examined your 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. The 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 our attention giving us 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
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.
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.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
RDA Causeway Coast & Glens Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 184 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, BT51 3RW.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance 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). 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 applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The designated funds for fixed assets is that part of unrestricted funds that represents fixed assets held.
Restricted funds are funds donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
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.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
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).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell.
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 payments 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.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Grants
Capital grants are included as incoming resources when receivable and categorised within designated funds. Depreciation is subsequently charged against the fund each year equivalent to the rates on the relevant assets in question.
Grants of a revenue nature are credited to income in the period to which they relate.
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.
The income from donations and fundraising was all unrestricted in 2025 and 2024.
Education Authority grant
Kitchen income
Dog training
Coaching fees
Disability summer scheme
PBNI Grant
Education Authority grant
Dog training
Coaching fees
PBNI Grant
Show expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds during 2025 was split between £4,842 restricted funds (2024: £2,619) and £8,867 unrestricted funds (2024: £3,250).
Opening stock
Closing stock
Support
Coaching
Support
Light and heat
Support
Repairs and maintenance
Support
Stationery, advertising and telephone
Support
Support
Insurance
Support
Motor & travel
Support
Bank charges
Support
Sundry expenses
Support/Governance
Purchases
Support
Governance costs include payments to the independent examiner of £2,160 (2024 - £900).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
Unrestricted General Funds
Unrestricted Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Certain grants received and receivable may become repayable to the funder if the charity is no longer able to meet the conditions under which they were awarded. Due to the nature of these contingencies it may not be possible to quantify the potential financial effect or give an indication of the timing as to the liabilities that may arise.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Sport Northern Ireland hold charges over land and premises situated at 155A Castleroe for security over the obligations of the Company to repay any financial assistance.
There were no related party transactions in the year, other than that referred to in note 10.