Gaddesden Place Riding and Driving for the Disabled Group

Briden's Camp, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 6EX

Registered Charity Number 1074313

COSTS, RISKS AND RESERVES

Gaddesden Place RDA Centre is volunteer run and receives no regular funding. With a team of six ponies and three part time yard staff our running costs are approximately £27,000 per annum. We do make a modest charge for lessons but this does not cover our costs. This means we must constantly raise funds to keep our centre open and continue to provide a high quality environment for our ponies, riders and volunteers. Our stables, fences and indoor school need to be maintained and equipment such as tack and riding helmets has to be updated to meet safety guidelines. At some stage our Indoor School will need complete renovation and this is estimated to cost around £30,000.

The Group has adopted a reserve policy as recommended by the Charity Commission in order to safeguard the future of our Centre. The current recommendation is a general reserve of 24 months running costs. Although this may seem a large amount for a small charity there are special considerations. The group has been forced to shut down during two foot and mouth epidemics (even though horses cannot catch the disease).  After a prolonged closure it takes a long time for riding activities to return to previous levels as schools, individuals and volunteers timetable other activities. Assets need to be maintained during a period of closure.  Our ponies have to be fed and cared for, premises lit, cleaned and repaired. Ponies could be disposed of but cannot easily be replaced as RDA ponies with the right temperament and ability are very difficult to find.

Also we retain a Building Fund reserve to renovate our Indoor School as and when necessary.  Both the General Reserve and Building Fund are reviewed at each AGM.

To keep the money coming in, we hold quiz nights, an annual  charity ball and we encourage people to walk, run, swim and even jump out of airplanes for us!  Many local groups and companies have lent their support.  We are happy to come and talk about our work with disabled riders and can organise visits to our centre.  Please support our events listed in the News and Diary page.   If you have a fundraising idea  please Contact Us!

SPONSORS

We are looking for sponsors for all our ponies.  Currently Clunie and Murphy are sponsored but we still have four others to feed!  It cost approximately £4,500 per year to keep each pony including shoeing, vet bills and insurance.

You can sponsor a pony as a present for someone for a week for £87!  They receive a photo and certificate and a visit by appointment. (Link to sample sponsor certificate),  If you are interested in sponsorship please Contact Us.

Again, if you pay UK income tax, and would like to sponsor a pony, we can reclaim tax from the government under the Gift Aid scheme.  This means that we will receive an additional 28p for every £1 you give.  Simply complete this Gift Aid Declaration form.  Send the form back to us along with your donation, or soon afterwards.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations to support our work are very welcome!  If you are a taxpayer please download and complete a Gift Aid form so we can claim back some of the tax you have paid. Cheques should be made payable to “Gaddesden Place RDA”.

If you pay UK income tax, and would like to make a donation, we can reclaim tax from the government under the Gift Aid scheme.  This means that we will receive an additional 28p for every £1 you give.  Simply complete this Gift Aid Declaration form.  Send the form back to us along with your donation, or soon afterwards.

Legacies could also secure Gaddesden Place RDA Centre in the future so please think about remembering us if you are making a will. Our charity number is 1074313. It really would make a difference as the residue from estates has secured other Centres like ourselves around the UK. Please Contact Us if you would like more information.

FOR SALE!