TREC noob looking for TREC advice from TREC experts

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ridefast

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Hello so I saw an article on TREC recently and it looks interesting so I was just wondering... How do I start? How do I find out where competitions are, does anywhere do training days? How fit do I need to have my horse? how much does it cost etc etc etc
 
I'm no expert although I have dabbled in TREC :)

http://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/BHS_TREC.aspx
is good for info.

It's a good time of year to get interested - see if you can get to one of the arena/Kelly Marks TREC's, where you only do the obstacles/PTV section. Think giant 'handy pony' test although you can find information on the obstacles you can expect on the bhs site (and there are loads of Youtube videos too if you search). A lot of riding clubs will run trec training days too over the winter.

There are not many proper TRECs over the winter; most of them start again in the Spring. For a level 1 you don't really need to have a super fit horse; if it is hacking most days with a bit of schooling they should cope well - the POR/orienteering is set speed, not a 'fastest wins' and is not far (12km). For your first proper TREC I would advise seeing if you can find a more experienced partner and do a pairs class. :)

Warning though - it is very addictive :D
 
Whereabouts in the country are you? I can give you a link to your nearest TREC club then...

:D

It's awesome, I love it, but didn't compete this year due to my mares lameness. She is sound now, but have my Anglo waiting in the wings to take over in the spring if it's going to be too much for her....hopefully not!

:D
 
I'm certainly no expert, but I've dabbled too...

BHS website for dates, details etc or the trec-uk forum http://www.trec-uk.com/ If you do decide to have a go, the rulebook is availabe from the BHS for under £6 and is a sensible investment as it explains the scoring and all the obstacles.

How much? In the vicinity for £30 -40 for a full trec entry fee (depending on whether you're a BHS member), normally plus coralling if you need to (normally involved a bit of travelling :rolleyes:). Winter series classes are similar to unaff. dressage in cost, I guess.

How fit? L1 is really pretty tame, 12km is nothing at the speeds they usually set. Even unaff L2s I've done haven't been challenging for my only vaguely fit older lad. Unless you're planning on leaping into the deep end, I wouldn't worry too much - provided they can happily hack the distance at a normal hacking speed :)

It's pretty easy going and friendly, so just go and enjoy :)
 
I competed mostly in that area too, Moreton EC used to run a nice TREC, as did Lulworth and Shipton Riding Club held one at Hardy's Monument near Dorchester :)
 
I've done a lot of 'dabbling' but this one is still on my list of things to do. Would be interested in any information for the SE area - travelling distance from Herts. Must check out the website and see if I can join in the fun too !
 
http://www.setrec.org.uk/

There's a few indoors run in Essex (Chemsford area). Usually one full in Aug on the Herts border (though this year it was Newarks, C'ford). Talk of another full trec out East Essex way.

There's a also a L1 in spring in Cambs and sometimes indoors out that way too I think.
 
Brenster - Depending on where you are in Herts, Shuttleworth College near Biggleswade have a few Kelly Marks Winter Series (dates are on the BHS website) & Keysoe Riding Club are planning a full TREC at the end of May.
 
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