Trec News
BHS TREC develops the skills a horse and rider needs while out hacking, with three phases testing your ability in orienteering, negotiating obstacles and basic flatwork. With competitions throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland catering for all levels of rider from beginners to experts, BHS TREC is a sport for everyone.
Competitions are run as either two phases (no orienteering) including the indoor Kelly Marks Perfect Partners BHS TREC Winter Series, or all three phases including orienteering run from March through to October.
Two phase - control of paces, a slow canter down a marked corridor, followed by a fast walk back again. Then round a course of obstacles that simulate those you may find while riding out, e.g. opening a gate, riding up hill, through water etc.
Three phase - as above plus orienteering which reflects the skill needed at each level, so basic map reading at L1 with grid references and bearings at levels three and four.
TREC is suitable for all, and you do see a huge variety of shapes, sizes and types of horse, ponies and riders. Competitions are points based, including points for each obstacle on the course. None of these are compulsory, so, for example if you don’t want to jump, you just need to tell the judge at that obstacle and move on to the next, you will not be eliminated, just score no points.
As a basic guide, for level one if you are riding for about an hour most days your horse should be fit enough to complete a three phase competition.
There are four levels L1 for beginners up to L4 for those more experienced TREC competitors. If you are not confident of your map reading skills, or just like a bit of company while riding through the countryside, there are pairs classes at all levels. You wear whatever you usually ride in (no plaiting!) and most normal tack is permitted.
Most of all it great fun and you do get to ride round some really beautiful countryside.
More information on the BHS TREC page here:
http://www.bhs.org.uk/enjoy-riding/bhs-trec
