Trec - Can anyone advise?

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MagicMelon

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Did our first winter Trec today just to try something different and my horse seemed to really get the hang of it, so I'd like to try a proper Trec in the summer. But could people advise how it all works? How do the classes work (different levels I assume?) and what exactly you would be expected to do in a full competition? I know there's orienteering but are there obstacles around the course or is it like endurance and then the obstacles are then in an arena before/afterwards? I really know nothing about it, so advice for a newbie would be great! Thanks
 
Usually there aren't obstacles on the orienteering (though there can be natural obstacles like ditches or slopes). Level 2 and above you usually do the orienteering on day 1. The obstacle course (PTV) and the control of paces is run the following day - you do your walk and canter as you did in your winter trec. The obstacles are usually run on a cross country course-type set up in a full trec - and it's basically similar to riding a cross country course, but obviously much slower as you pull up for most of the obstacles. It would be unusual to run a full trec obstacle section in an arena. Level 1 they often run on the same day - so you do your paces and obstacles before going orienteering.

The orienteering (POR) - you need to be able to copy down a route from a master copy onto an unmarked map. Then you need to be able to judge your pace so you're not wildly out on time, while following the route. You may also need to keep a look out for tickets - unmanned route checks - which can be tricky to spot (in my experience!), and come in various forms. But you may need to note a number or something onto the route card you carry with you to prove you're on the right route (or not - they can also mark the wrong route too!).

I have about a million photos of various TREC events down here if you want to see any, and you can download the rule book from www.trecgb.com. You may also wish to check out the TREC GB forum, or look for your local TREC group on facebook.
 
Most Trec clubs run some training days, so you can go along and find out the details. They also often run judge training days, which are very useful to attend too, so you know what they are looking for and how to gain/lose marks.

See if you can do a pairs class for your first competition with someone who has done at least one competition before. For the first one I wouldn't be too bothered about times/tickets, just concentrate of navigating your way round.

The routes for the competitions are all marked on an Ordnanace Survey map, and the OS do some useful leaflets on how to map read. Try map reading in an area you are used to. Buy a compass and as you ride out note which direction you are going in, and practice looking for turnings, footpath signs, hedge rows, etc. so you get to know exactly where you are on the map.

Then venture a little further out, still trying to keep track of exactly where you are on the map, noting the contour lines as you go up and down hills.

I think it would be quite hard to go and do a first competition completely without first attending a training session or even just going along as a steward/helper first, so at least you know what is going on. Trec has a website and a forum.
 
This page should help: http://www.trecgb.com/whatistrec.html

I recommend buying a rule book as it defines all of the obstacles and their scoring systems. You will want to practice them at home. Its also worth practicing covering a set distance at a certain KPH as you have to do this in the orienteering.

If you can find a firend its also worth starting with a pairs class. You do the orienteering together and the Control of Paces and Obstacle course separately..
 
If you are in the midlands we are running a POR only event 20th march at sandwell valley country park .
This is the orienteering phase , ours will be approx 15k .
There are plenty of events & training on the trec gb web site but as trec is a small sport you do have to be prepard to travel to events .
Before i competed at trec i used to think travelling 1 hour to sj or x country was enough , now its usually a few hours travel to trec events but at least you are there for the weekend .
 
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