THE TREC EDITORIAL SECTION |
Welcome to TREC - an equestrian sport for every horse and rider |
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Welcome to TREC - an equestrian sport for every horse and every rider! |
| BHS TREC is a unique equestrian sport based on the French discipline 'Le Trec'. Introduced to the UK by the British Horse Society in 1998, BHS TREC appeals to a wide variety of riders with all kinds of horses and ponies... |
| What is TREC? |
TREC competition is designed to test a horse/rider combination through a whole range of activities rather than focussing on one particular discipline. The sport requires versatility and training, combining the requirements of trail riding, with jumping and correct basic flatwork.
BHS TREC is a FUN riding competition which usually comprises three phases:
1) Orienteering on Horseback (POR)
2) Control of Paces/Gaits (CG)
3) Cross Country/Obstacle Course (PTV)
BHS TREC involves skills and hazards that any rider might encounter out hacking, including map reading, mounting and dismounting, going through water, under low hanging branches, opening gates, crossing bridges and jumping over fallen logs. The winner is determined by points gained over the three phases of the competition. Pairs Class is the combined points of the two riders. Events are usually run over either one or two days.
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| What Does TREC Involve? |
The three phases are listed here in the order in which they are run at an International Competition - they may not always be run in this order and some events may not have all three phases. There will usually be a briefing before riders set out, with lots of help and advice available. The sport is very much geared towards competitors enjoying themselves and building a good partnership with their horse.
ORIENTEERING (often known by its international terminology - POR)
You start with a map and a record card and you must find your way along the route via a number of checkpoints, at pre-determined speeds for each section. You will be given time to copy the route onto a map before starting out, and riders start out at 5-10 minute intervals. Generally, you can expect to be out for between 2 and 3 hours.
CONTROL OF GAITS (CG)
You will need to be able to canter as slowly as possible over a short distance and walk back as fast as possible.
CROSS COUNTRY/OBSTACLE COURSE (PTV)
PTV is a series of obstacles with points awarded to effectiveness and style. Examples are given in the BHS TREC Rulebook, but could include jumping fallen logs, opening gates or leading down an incline. The good news is that you can miss an obstacle without being eliminated - you just lose points. |
| What if I'm New to TREC? |
First timers are very welcome. Everyone has to start somewhere!
Training days are held in the South West and these are a great way to start - but really, you don't have to be afraid to just begin by trying a competition! Composed of challenges you would commonly meet out riding in the countryside, BHS TREC is designed to be manageable to every rider, no matter what level of ability. The emphasis is on fun.
You can order a copy of the BHS TREC Rulebook (cost £5) from the BHS Competitions Office or from the BHS Bookshop. Call 08701 201918 or visit www.britishhorse.com. This tells you all you need to know about the different elements of the competition and what is required. |
| The Four Levels of Competition |
| There are four levels of competition, plus International Championship level - with Level One being the easiest. Riders under 16 may only compete in Pairs classes and must be partnered by a rider of 16 years or over. Pairs ride together for POR and separately for CG and PTV. The Get Smart BHS TREC League runs throughout the year. It is decided on a points basis and is open to BHS Gold members and members of Affiliated Riding Clubs. |
| What Equipment Do I Need? |
| Most riders take part in their normal hacking gear. There is a brief list of required equipment you must carry as part of the competition (see the BHS TREC Rulebook). A bum bag, saddle bag or waistcoat with pockets is useful to carry it in. The list includes basic first aid kit for horse and rider, compass, headcollar and rope and a waterproof jacket. A hat to recommended standard (PAS 015 or EN 1384 or ASTMF 1163) is essential. |
| What Happens Next? |
The object of the whole competition is to enjoy yourself and have fun. Many competitions are run over two days at a weekend with a social 'get together' on the Saturday evening. Accommodation for horse and rider can usually be arranged on site or locally. It is also sometimes possible to hire horses.
Dates for TREC competitions can be found by contacting the BHS Competition office on 08701 202244 and we will be bringing you details of dates in this editorial section.
All Affiliated BHS TREC competitions offer reduced entry fees for BHS members and members of BHS Affiliated Riding Clubs.
To Join the BHS please CLICK HERE for the BHS South West regional website section on equinetourism.co.uk or visit visit www.bhs.org.uk/content/spt-join.asp Becoming a member of the British Horse Society offers many benefits to horse owners, including £10 million personal liability cover for you and the horses in your care and ownership.
(Plus Personal Accident Insurance; Access to Legal, Tax and VAT Ratings Helpline; Six issues of British Horse magazine - exclusive to BHS Members; 10% discount at the BHS Shop; Reduced Entry Rates at selected BHS events; and many more benefits.)
Most importantly, you will also be supporting the UK's largest and most influential equestrian Charity and helping us achieve a better future for horses. Members of the BHS know that their membership is helping fund our work, improving equine welfare through education, training and advice. Join us and give yourself a voice! iVisitwww.bhs.org.uk/content/spt-join.asp |
For more information:
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CLICK HERE for BHS South West Training & Diary Dates
www.bhs.org.uk
Competitions Office, The British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ.
Telephone 08701 202244. Email [email protected] |
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