Welcome to the fun of Trec

by Karen Edley

Le Trec or Trec is a fairly new sport in the equestrian arena, having been ­introduced in France some 30 years ago. It has since taken off in Britain, and under the direction of the BHS (British Horse Society) has become the fastest growing horse sport in the UK.

The word Trec is an acronym for the French title Technique de Randonnee Equestre de Competition which translates roughly to ­Technical Trail Riding Competition. Trec combines aspects of trail riding, orienteering, cross-country, working riding class, hunter ­trials and basic flatwork.

The Trec horse must be at least four years old and in reasonably fit condition. He can be shod or unshod and must have all necessary vaccinations up to date.

The Trec rider can be any age. Riders under 16 have to do Phase A with a partner who is over 16. Some events offer “assisted” classes where riders may take a partner who is on foot, on a bicycle or on a horse!

There are progressive levels for riders to compete at, starting with the training level which is very easy. Levels 1 and 2 are slightly more challenging and Levels 3 and 4 require a certain amount of skill.

Trec is made up of three phases.

Phase A: Mounted orienteering
Riders are given a map of a course through the countryside and have to follow the map to cover the course in a certain amount of time. It’s really like going on an outride with a map. The pace is usually a brisk walk, trot and a bit of cantering. Speeds are set for various stages of the ride, either 3 km/h, 6 km/h or up to (but no faster than) 12 km/h.

No assistance is allowed, unless riders ­enter as a pair. Checkpoints will be found along the way where marshals will stamp the rider’s record card.

Phase B: Control of gaits
Riders have to canter down a track, about 100-150 m long, as slowly as they can. The slower they go, the more points they earn. Then they have to walk back as fast as they can, the faster the walk the more points they earn. Of course if the horse breaks into a trot or wanders out of the 2 m wide corridor … all points are lost!

Phase C
This is similar to a cross-country course, but done at a more leisurely pace and with many more interesting and challenging ­obstacles along the way. The pace is usually a trot or light canter and the obstacles are the sort one would meet when out riding in the ­countryside.

Some are jumps such as a small log, hedge or ditch, bending poles, step jumps, gates, ­immobility, S-bends, riding and leading up and down slopes, canter poles, ­reversing, mounting and dismounting, going through water, ­under low hanging branches, ­opening gates and crossing bridges. Each obstacle is numbered and must be negotiated in the ­correct order.

If the rider does not want to attempt an ­obstacle, they may skip it out. They would ­simply present themselves to the obstacle ­official and let them know that they won’t be trying it, and then move on to the next ­obstacle. The rider is not eliminated – he or she merely loses the ten points associated with that obstacle.

Tack
A rider can use English or Western style tack, but not a side saddle. Standing martingales and any other type of fixed reins are not permitted. It is recommended to ride with a head collar and ­leadrope under the bridle, as many tasks require the riders to dismount and lead their horse.

Equipment
Riders need to ride in a fluorescent/reflective vest and carry the following items on Phase A: Compass, map case, whistle, small torch, ­basic first-aid kit and cellphone for emergencies.

More information regarding scoring, ­hosting an event and training tips is available on the Trec website. The South African Rule Book and Hand Book are available through the website on www.Trec-sa.co.za. SAH