(Editoral & Video) Leinster TREC held an orienteering training day in Calliaghstown Riding School on the 7th of February by kind permission of Grainne Sugars. Orienteering is the first part of TREC, a three phase sport, and the one that carries the most points (240), and is thus often seen as the most important.
The day started off with a brief introductory talk by TREC Ireland PRO and Leinster TREC Secretary Gwen Bastian, who gave a quick overview of what the day would involve for all the newcomers (just to calm those nerves a wee bit!), and to do a mini map reading course. Riders then went to tack up their horses and to have their equipment inspected. The basic equipment required at Level 1 (the introductory level) per rider is: a whistle, a reflective tabbard (or equivalent), a medical armband, a head collar and lead rope and a map holder.
Riders then enter the map room in their pair in 5 minute intervals, where they are given a map and a marker. They copy down the route and are given a set speed at which to ride at, yesterday it was 6.5km/h (which is a good walk). Their time starts as they leave the map room, irrelevant of how long it takes them to mount and set off on the route, which took them up a mountain to a forest, where they came upon their first checkpoint. At the checkpoint their arrival time is noted and they remain here for 5 minutes (to give horses and riders a break), after which they are give a new speed and they set off again. This time the route took them into the forest, the Level 2 riders for a 4km loop, the Level 1 riders only had a 1.4km loop to give them a taster of what riding in the forest is like.
After leaving the forest, they again came to the checkpoint where they were given a new speed and headed homewards, along which route most riders nearly missed the next checkpoints, it was so well hidden! After arriving home the day was discussed and the speeds explained over a cuppa and some biscuits. Thankfully nobody got lost and a great day was had by all.
For further information about TREC please scroll to bottom of page.
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Getting involved in TREC is simple, you don't have to join as you can just pay temporary insurance on the day (8 euro) and take part. Simply view the calendar on www.trecireland.com for upcoming events in your area or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you do want to join, membership is 80 euro for 12 months from the date of joining, which covers your insurance and entitles you to 20% discount at any events run by TREC Ireland itself, such as the National Championships, or Official's training.
TREC is suitable for anyone, and there are no pre-requisites to taking part, full training is provided. Any age of rider (over 12 - under 16s must be accompanied on the orienteering by an over 16) and horse (over 4) can do TREC, whether your first love is dressage, hacking, driving or jumping! There is no preferred breed of horse, in fact it doesn't matter whether you have a hairy cob, thoroughbred, Irish Draught or Connemara, as long as you enjoy spending time with your horse riding around the countryside, then TREC is for you.
TREC can be done individually or in pairs, so it is a very sociable sport as well. There is no need for plaiting or jackets and white jodphurs, and you'll find it a very relaxed sport, where everybody can go as far as they want. Whether you are a 'happy hacker' or want to go to the World TREC Championships - we'll cater for you!