RIDE TREC Announces New Group Clinics for Equine Sport of TREC in Virginia.
Submitted by: David Hasbury-Snogles
Email Address: david_hasbury(at)yahoo.com
Date Added: 3/15/2012
RIDE TREC Announces New Group Clinics for Equine Sport of TREC in Virginia.
RIDE TREC is dedicated to introducing Virginia riders to the sport of TREC and facilitating its growth as both a competitive and fun sport in the USA. Their intention is to offer training to Riders, Trainers, Judges and Officials alike to ensure the standards of competition and skill sets of all concerned are maintained throughout. Take a look at the new website http://www.ridetrec.us for more information on this excellent sport.
Louisa, VA. 15 March 2012 - RIDE TREC are holding a number of "Taste of TREC" clinics over the next few months, starting April 21 to give riders and their horses the opportunity to try out a little of the skill sets required to succeed in the new sport of TREC. For more information on RIDE TREC and details of both the sport and the upcoming clinics, please see http://www.ridetrec.us.
What is TREC?
TREC is an established sport in Europe and little more than a “fledgling” one here in the USA. The concept of TREC was born as a suitable way to test the expertise of professional equestrian guides in France and soon began to appeal to the everyday grass roots rider.
TREC started 14 years ago in the UK with the backing of the British Horse Society and is now known officially as BHS TREC. Events are held all over Europe and different levels have evolved to maintain a balance of difficulty in the range of competitions from starter level (Level 1) to the more challenging, taxing, international standard (Level 4). Riders can now undertake a sporting challenge that matches their competitive aspirations with a desire to develop a closer understanding and working relationship with their horses.
The sport is very popular with recreational riders, but can be considered complementary rather than competing with the traditional and established sporting disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Endurance and even Fox Hunting. TREC is aimed at getting the rider to develop a broad range of horsemanship skills, and focus on doing them well.
Advantages of TREC
There is no particular type, breed or size of horse or pony required or specified for TREC. Neither horse nor rider needs to be super-fit or undergo years of specialized training to participate in TREC, particularly at the lower levels. There are also “Pairs” competitions, and riders under 16 can compete provided the other half of the pair is over 18. The tack/gear requirements only relate to helmets and equipment specified as compulsory for the competition. English, Western or any combination of tack is permitted provided it is fit for purpose and is not altered for the duration of the competition. Bits are not compulsory.
“We have competed at a National Level in Dressage, Trail Class, Hunter/Jumper and Pleasure...the cost of special tack, clothing, and the ‘right’ horse is very discouraging. We are not wealthy and to discover a sport that rewards good horsemanship, nice horses, and the joy of trail riding was overpowering to us!”
Patti and Marty Goettler, Fredericksburg, VA
A TREC competition tests the rider's navigational competence, control of their horse’s paces and their ability to tackle a variety of obstacles, and usually runs in three phases – the POR or orienteering phase, the COP or control of paces phase, and the PTV or obstacle course. At the lower levels the competition phases can all take place on the one day, but in higher level competition it is carried over to a second day.
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