BOSWELL EQUESTRIAN
TRI EQUESTRIAN LEINSTER TREC PTV/MA LEAGUE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
 
After a long, wet winter and a recent obstacle Practice Session, Leinster TREC riders were eagerly anticipating the first outing of the TRI Equestrian-sponsored PTV/MA league.  This was held in the large arena at Boswell EC, which provided plenty of space for a wide variety of PTV obstacles as well as a 50m MA corridor.
 
The course was a clever mixture of fast and slow obstacles, both Ridden and In Hand, and was a very well planned start to the season.  One of the favourite obstacles and generally well done was the Mounted Immobility, with good TREC horses standing stock still in the marked circle, fascinated at the activity in the Working Hunter class in a nearby arena!   The Tree Trunk and Hedge Obstacles were also generally well done and the One-Handed Figure of Eight – a relatively new TREC obstacle – was challenging but generally a great success.
 
As often happens on TREC courses, the two main ‘bogey’ obstacles were the S-bend and the Gate.  The S-bend seems straightforward and easy, but oh so often one hears that little ‘tap’ as the edge is knocked over!  And the Ridden Gate also provides a constant challenge, so easy to open from horseback but so hard to close despite all the leg-yielding training!
 
And the most surprising problem obstacle of the day proved to be the model life-sized cow beside the entrance to the arena!   You would like to think that TREC horses and ponies would need to be used to livestock, but to most people’s amusement (though not the rider’s) several decided it was a monster in waiting.   However, all got past it safely and continued on to complete their rounds in style.
 
Many thanks to the owners of Boswell Equestrian for the use of their lovely facilities and congratulations and thanks to the two organisers, Celia Taylor and Margaret Lynch, for a most successful and fun competition.
 
Results:
Open – 1, Zaristo (Sheila Fuller); 2, Ser Kai (Niamh O’Huid); 3, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane); 4, Garnagree Duke (Vicky McMullan).
Intermediate – 1, The General’s Daughter (Liz Burbage); 2, Solo (Diana O’Huid); 3, Surprise (Paula Donohoe).
Novice  – 1, Polo (Madeleine Kelleher); 2, Fletch (Emma Robinson); 3, Ben (Margo Monaghan); 4, Brasso (Heather Egan); 5, Dandy (Fiona Lee); 6, Sparkle (Sheaffe Monteith).

Leinster TREC Practice Day,
Saturday 20th February, 2016
Lullymore EC, Rathangan, Co Kildare.

The fine Derby Arena at Lullymore Equestrian Centre in Co Kildare was the perfect venue for Leinster TREC riders who were keen to refresh their PTV and MA skills ready for the upcoming competitive season.

A selection of 16 natural obstacles and TREC-specific obstacles was available on the day, including lots of different height Step-Up, Drop and Tree Trunks.  There was also a substantial Water Crossing, different Inclines Up and Down and a Mound which we rarely get a chance to practice out of competition. Also set up in the large arena were the TREC obstacles including Mounting, Rein back, Slalom, One Handed Figure of Eight and Gate, plus the S-bend which was cunningly placed on top of a Step-Up and Immobility obstacle placed beside the Water complex!  
There was also plenty of opportunity for riders to practice their Paces along a 100m MA corridor.
  
Such was the enthusiasm for trying out all the Ridden Obstacles and MA corridor that each 45 minute group session was almost finished before there was much time left to try anything In-Hand!   But the objective of the day – to get riders back into TREC form – was amply fulfilled and the smiling faces as everyone left the arena (via the Ridden Gate obstacle!) showed the fun and success of the day.