TREC essentials?

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Twiglet

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Am in the midst of entering my first TREC comp, for the beginning of June.

Is there any equipment I'd need just for a Novice unaffiliated event? I have a clear map holder and saddle panniers, is there anything I desperately need to buy - ie. do they provide compasses etc?

Can anyone offer any advice for first timers?!
 
I have a list here of compulsory items etc that I will scan for you later on if you want
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You have to carry a first aid kit, a torch (though this can be a keyring torch for L1 and L2), a compass, wear a minimum of a Hi-Vis tabard, carry a headcollar and leadrope unless you have a combination bridle, and you will need pens to mark up your map - I think a orange gel pen for marking the route and a red one for marking on any part of the route that arouses your suspicion.

When you say Novice - do you mean Level One?
 
Ta very much Bounty - I think the organisers have used that BHS list as a basis for their schedule/entry form.

I just wondered if they were all necessary for level 1 - obviously they are
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It's a Level 1 pairs that we've entered.
 
You'll have loads of fun!

I did a level 2 pairs (with HHOer Teasel) for my first attempt and LOVED it!
We are now hoping to do a couple more this summer and I am stupidly overexcited!
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You'll have loads of fun!

I did a level 2 pairs (with HHOer Teasel) for my first attempt and LOVED it!
We are now hoping to do a couple more this summer and I am stupidly overexcited!
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Don't think I'm brave enough to leap in at level 2!

Any tips for first timers?!

Twiglet is rather stressy at sponsored rides etc, so am just hoping that all the orientation section will be well spaced and not crowded, otherwise I could be in for some airs above ground!
 
The orientation is effectively similar to a sponsored ride, but you are all started at set intervals. There are then check points around the route where you are held, and again set off at intervals, so you might spend some of the route with a handful of other people, but it is never big groups and no one comes whizzing past at high speeds as you are all trying to hit the same speed target.
On ours there were 2 or 3 people that we tended to always catch up with after the checkpoints, so for the most part the ride was quite a social affair!

The COP is quite basic - you do what it says on the tin! It is an easy place to gain marks though, so work on getting a slow canter and a fast walk and you'll be more than fine!

The PTV was just SUCH good fun!!!
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You get marks for style and effectiveness I think - the style being how easy you make it look and the effectiveness being how well you carry it out. Whatever obstacle you are faced with, decide what pace you are going to do it in and stick to it as you will lose marks for changing pace.
For the led obstacles you will get more marks if you can walk with the horse behind you, rather than at it's shoulder as apparently it shows more trust/bond between horse and rider. And don't forget to run up or cross over your stirrups!

The S bend, rein back, mount (remember you could be asked to mount from offside) and immobility were things I tried to practice at home before we went - though it actually only amounted to 2 'training' sessions before we went out and did it ;o
There are some training tips on the BHS website that might help you know what to expect.
You can opt out of any of the PTV obstacles if you don't want to do them - you will receive a score of 0 for that obstacle.

Anyway - hope that helps you a bit! It is really good fun and you'll probably find yourself booking in for the next one before you know it!
 
Bounty's covered just about everything I'd have said!
For the PTV you can also practise bending poles - you get more points if you do it in canter than trot etc, but don't miss out any poles as that'll lose you a lot of marks.
If you have to open a gate, then you lose marks for taking your hand off the gate, and get zero if you take your hand off twice, so work out how to do it beforehand. Ideally you need a flexible horse and a big space.

Enjoy it - I loved doing it, and can't wait for a trailer so I can do it properly next year
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Have printed this out and am going to refer to it! Thanks very much - will let you know how we get on - isn't for a few weeks yet, so got some practise time hopefully!
 
LOL Fairhill - you've just written the things I'd realised I'd forgotten and come back to write!
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We'll make Trec coaches between us
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One more thing.... it might be a good idea to practise walking over some tarpaulins or plyboard or something so that if you are asked to negotiate a footbridge on the PTV your horse isn't going to refuse to step on it
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LOL Fairhill - you've just written the things I'd realised I'd forgotten and come back to write!
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We'll make Trec coaches between us
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One more thing.... it might be a good idea to practise walking over some tarpaulins or plyboard or something so that if you are asked to negotiate a footbridge on the PTV your horse isn't going to refuse to step on it
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Excellent info - thanks guys.

Is there likely to be jumps at level 1? I know it says to a max of 60cm, just wondered if they're likely to be included.
 
I have booked Teasel to accompany me again on the 22nd June and the 26th July
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I'm in the mood to have a play around now - might get some poles out later and see if me and Boo can find reverse!
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I warn you - it will rouse your competitive spirit! I went after being persuaded by Teasel, and was just thinking 'oh, I'll give it a bash, it'll be fun, I don't care if I make a fool of myself' but as soon as I was out on the PTV the perfectionist in me overtook everything else
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I had one log to jump, I thought it was quite high at the time, but on my second visit to the venue I realised it was less than 1'6".

With the orienteering section, if you're very competitive then it's worth trying to get the correct speeds. I think if you measure a distance of say 500m, then time yourself walk, trot and cantering, you should be able to figure out your average speeds.

It's tricky to guess cos you don't know when the next checkpoint is coming up. I never bothered, and we just ambled round the course in our time (very slowly!).
 
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