TRI Equestrian MA/PTV
Brooke Lodge Riding Centre, in Stepaside, Co Dublin, with its excellent facilities, was the venue for the first leg of Leinster TREC’s MA/PTV League of 2017. This League is once again kindly sponsored by TRI Equestrian, long-time supporters of TREC, and based on the Curragh of Co Kildare.

The competition was held in the generously proportioned indoor arena, which allowed for a 50m corridor for the MA, together with ample space for an assortment of Obstacles for the PTV. The warm-up arena was outside however, high up in the Dublin hills and with wonderful views over the sunny reaches of Dublin city to Dublin Bay, and so riders were able to enjoy the scenery while also preparing to compete.

First class of the day was the Novice class. This included some newcomers to TREC who were eager to find out about this relatively new sport. Great enjoyment and some hilarity was the order of the day, particularly for Obstacle number 1, the Footbridge, which took many a horse and rider by surprise, who had never experienced the skill and obedience needed to complete this first challenge. Another fun Obstacle, the Low Branches, had riders ducking down low on the withers, trying to avoid knocking off the ‘branches’ as they walked, trotted or cantered underneath. A Tree Trunk and a Hedge were among the set of Obstacles and horses and riders had to rise to the challenge of jumping an obstacle, followed by immediate control needed for the approach to the next one. The Novices all enjoyed themselves immensely and gained good scores, with Blue Smoke and Sheila Shanley in first place, closely followed by Silver and Emma Robinson in second.
 
Next came the Intermediate class followed by the Opens. The more experienced riders and horses now entered the arena but as always the challenge of TREC meant that nothing could be taken for granted. Once more the first Obstacle, the Footbridge, caught many out and the bogey obstacle of the day turned out to be the S-bend which followed after, as the clatter of timber falling off the pole pods was frequently heard. One obstacle which was done well in general was the One-Handed Figure of Eight, not long introduced to TREC, so perhaps it has been practiced more than others recently!

Winner of the Intermediate section was Ross ML ridden by Caroline Aragane and in second place was April Raven and Rachel Harney, both riders continuing their winning streak after the D-TREC of the previous week.
The Open class was won by the lovely Connemara Bob, ridden by Ailbhe Gavin, and with Garnagree Duke in second place, ridden by Vicky McMullen.
 
Speed TREC League
For the first time, Leinster TREC riders had the chance to try out this new class of competition, based on the PTV Obstacles, and it proved to be a very popular innovation. After a rider has completed their PTV round, a fewer selected number of the PTV Obstacles is then ridden once more. This round is timed and the fastest wins. But penalties are given as seconds added for any faults, which then becomes expensive in terms of time added, so care must always be taken to try to ride the obstacle correctly. Riders had great fun doing this Speed round as all the smiles showed as each finished and it is certain that there will be more Speed TREC competitions throughout the year.

The Field Equestrian Centre, Ballyadams, Co Laois, was the perfect venue for Leinster TREC’s recent 3-phase One Day competition. Sunday, 15th May turned out to be one of the sunniest days so far this year and saw a total of 27 riders from all over Ireland, North and South, arrive at the venue ready to face the challenges of all 3 phases. 

The Field EC has a huge range of obstacles laid out on an all-weather track surrounding grassy paddocks, and this was ideal for both the MA (Control of Paces) and PTV (Obstacles). The MA track was 120m long grassy track, on a gradual uphill, and riders’ control was tested by the proximity of a dark ‘castle’ jump alongside the track as well as a 3m wide gateway to ride through on route.  Best over all levels in this section was Minna Junnikkala, riding Cocky, with a magnificent score of 53 points out of a possible 60.

The MA was followed immediately by the PTV, on the all-weather track. Chef de Piste, Ailbhe Gavin, made the most of the range of TREC Obstacles while also cleverly placing them alongside other features on the course.   This meant that horses and riders had to be prepared and concentrate both at obstacles and between them, ready for each challenge ahead. The first 2 obstacles for Level 1, a Footbridge and a Tree Trunk provided the first challenge…slow and steady and then forward. For Levels 2 & 3, the most direct route to the Footbridge was through a stretch of water, with the Tree Trunk closely following after. Next challenge also asked for focus and control…forward going to a Step up or Path Crossing, followed by either a Reinback or Mounted Immobility, depending on the rider’s level. And so it continued around this well thought-out course. A Ridden Corridor, then Immobility…A Led Incline, followed by Mounting alongside a ‘Cottage’ jump (not part of the course!)…a Hedge, followed by the Slalom…until finally, the last few Obstacles. This was a drop into a flagged water crossing followed by a Ditch for Levels 2 & 3, and then a Reinback. No let-up here, even near the end. Eager horses and riders could see the Finish line, but the control needed for the Reinback caught many out just before they could finish and relax!

The rider who achieved the best score overall in this section was Marie Gallagher and Haize, who ended up with a superb 134 points out of a possible 160.

Riders then had a sociable lunch break, before heading out on the POR (Orienteering) section, either as Individuals or Pairs, into the countryside around The Field Equestrian Centre. The lovely sunny day made the most of the stunning views on sections of their route, clear from Co Laois to the Wicklow Mountains and Level 2 riders actually crisscrossed between counties Laois and Kildare on part of their route.

Level 3 riders had a shorter route than usual, due to the 3 phase event being held over a single day, but Traceur Sheila Fuller included all the usual challenges. First surprise came in the Maproom, when they were handed an aerial photograph of the forest area around the venue, and maps were sealed. A set of marked points indicated their route out of the venue, starting by riding along a stream through the forest! Finally out of the stream, Bearings were then required to navigate to the next Checkpoint, quite a challenging start to the POR. The next section also had its surprises – riders had to navigate a route around a forested lake which wasn’t marked on the OS map and several were observed pausing, double checking map and lake! One of the L3 checkpoints was high up a forest track and riders enjoyed the fabulous views as they relaxed for a few minutes, before encountering their last surprise challenge of Grids as the final section of their route.

Level 2 and 1 riders had a kinder start to their afternoon, heading out the driveway to go either right or left respectively. All soon reached the first of many lovely grassy tracks and could enjoy a trot or canter. The routes also included riding through the woods and around the lake, but the traceur had been kinder and had drawn the lake onto their maps! Some even found time to take their horses into the water for a paddle. Level 2 riders then finished by riding back to the venue via the stream used by the L3 riders.

Fortunes varied on the POR and the best score of the day was achieved by L2 Pair, Susanne and Natasha O’Rourke, riding Apache and Bronte.

Leinster TREC are very grateful to Robert Owens, Proprietor of The Field EC, for the use of his wonderful facilities and for helping to make the day such a great success.

The lovely Derby Arena at Castlewarden Horse and Pony Club, Co Kildare, was the venue for Leg 2 of the TRI Equestrian Leinster TREC MA/PTV League, 2016. On a fine and sunny morning, Sunday, 24th April, a total of 23 riders and horses arrived to walk the course and prepare for the experience of competing on a grass surface, a big change from the previous arena-based events of early in the year.
The ground was in wonderful condition and the Organisers had included a great variety of TREC Obstacles, putting the existing Derby obstacles and the lie of the land to great use to plan a course that was both fun and technical to ride.
 
The competition started with the MA corridor of 50m laid out in the adjacent tree lined arena. Riders then immediately headed towards the Derby Field via a connecting grassy lane to start the PTV course.
For the Open level, the course started in that grassy lane, with 2 onward bound obstacles- a Ditch and a Tree Trunk. Out then to the open Derby field to see a Rein-back right in front, to test control of rider and horse. Forward then to the Slalom and Low Branches. Horses were ready now for the Path Crossing which comprised a jump up onto a bank and down off it… BUT only 3 strides in front was a drop into water! So riders had to be prepared and ready to turn their horse immediately or risk a ducking! Luckily, no one had that experience.
Next followed a set of very well placed obstacles…. The Mounted Immobility within a grassy circle of bushes, the Water Crossing with a related difficulty of stepping up out of it, and the Footbridge which was laid out on top of a mound so that horses had to approach up a rise and descend immediately after.
Onward again to the Hedge, beautifully decorated with yellow Gorse flowers and bushy branches and then the S-bend – also well placed on top of a mound so that riders had to prepare the horse to steady for it. Then came the last of the ridden obstacles, the One-handed Figure of Eight just after riders came down from the mound, so again preparation was the key.
 
After this, riders dismounted for the last four Led Obstacles, first through the Horsebox, then back again to the S-bend and back over the Footbridge. The final obstacle was Mounting and this was a real challenge, since the natural bank at the edge of the grassy field was part of the circle! Riders could use this as the ‘mounting block’ if they needed one and careful placing and obedient horses was the key here! Then riders left the field through the nearby gate to their horseboxes, a fitting finish to a well thought-out and enjoyable course.
 
The Intermediate and Novice levels followed much the same course and challenges, the main differences starting with a Ridden Corridor rather than a Ditch for the first Obstacle and the Tree Trunk and other ‘jumps’ being relatively lower according to the rules.
The Open class was won by Niamh O’Huid and her handsome Ser Kai, who clearly enjoyed the Ditch and Tree Trunk start to the course but also obediently listened to his rider as he negotiated the rest of the obstacles, TREC being a relatively new challenge to this ex-eventer. Liz Burbage won the Intermediate class, continuing her success with The General’s Daughter, a lovely cob with whom she clearly has a great relationship. The Novice class was won by Minna Junnikkala, riding Cocky. Minna is quite new to TREC but has made a great start and Cocky, who has had success in the past with Louise Parkhill, made a willing partner and together they completed the course to include a fantastic set of twelve ‘10s’ for the obstacles as well as the highest score of the day, 58 points, for the MA.
 
Well done to all competitors and grateful thanks to the Proprietor, Jane Foley, of Castlewarden and to the Organisers, Rosemarie Bryson and Trish Young for a very well run and thoroughly enjoyable event.
For Results, see Leinster TREC’s Results page and Facebook.
For photos of the day, see Leinster TREC’s Facebook page and James Keown Photography’s Leinster TREC album.
 

Evie O'Keeffe TREC Trainer is doing a survey on whether people would be interested in online TREC training. We would be very grateful if our followers could filll it out.

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Leinster TREC POR League, Sunday 13th March, 2016.
The Field EC & Holmestead Saddlery POR League, leg 1.
Coilog Equestrian Centre, Kilmeague, Co Kildare.
 
The first of Leinster TREC’s POR League competitions, on Sunday, 13th March, drew a total of 27 riders out of their Winter hibernation to take part in what turned out to be a thrilling start to the season.  
For the first time, Levels 1, 2 and 3 were available to enter for both Individuals and Pair riders, and these were run over 3 different routes.  The Organisers were kind enough this early in the year to make the routes shorter than usual to suit horses who might not be quite fit (never mind the riders!) but this was compensated by the technical elements for the higher levels.
The area around Coilog EC is within the countryside adjacent to the Grand Canal and routes included lovely stretches of grassy tracks allowing high speeds, forestry roads and paths and quiet country lanes.  
 
Level 3 riders were first into the Maproom and were delighted to complete their copying in record time, until they were surprised by being handed their Grids sheet just before leaving, not expecting such a challenge so soon.   However, all successfully marked their maps and found their way to the next checkpoint, spotting the tickets along the way.   They were rewarded thereafter with a lovely scenic route, criss-crossing back and forth over the canals and ending up on a 2km stretch of fast grassy track.  After that, it was a fairly leisurely pace back to base, with just the odd ticket to be found off road by the alert rider, just to check that at Level 3 their map copying skills had been up to standard! 
Back to the venue finally, but not finished yet – last challenge of the day was the Ridden Bearings.   Compasses in hand, riders and mounts paced their way around the grounds of Coilog equestrian centre answering questions on bearings and distances, trying to avoid picking up penalties.   Again, this section was well done, and horses and riders finished appropriately enough, right by where their trailers were parked.
 
Meanwhile, Level 2 riders had set out on their route.  No Grids and Bearings for them, but enough challenges for them to work out which bridges to cross over the canals, to get to the lovely forest area.   Relieved to be on the right route, many just followed the quiet forest track to the far end Checkpoint, not having noticed in the Maproom that there were two sections off road within the woods.   The tickets placed there were missed by several riders, as shown by the ‘Oh, No!’ comments heard afterwards!  
After the forest section came another delight, a short bit of country road and then a 3.5 km curving stretch of unused grassy towpath, a real treat for horses and riders.   The high speed given for this section encouraged all to move on and it was voted one of the highlights of the route.   After the canal checkpoint, it was time to go slow and cool down.   But a surprise, typical of the challenge of TREC, awaited riders who were not watching their speed – an early checkpoint within 2 km of the previous one– and caught out several riders.  However, it was then finally back to the venue and once again the smiling faces of riders entering the Coilog gates showed the fun and fascination of TREC.
 
As the last of the Level 2 riders went out on their route, it was the turn of the Level 1 riders.   For the first time, Leinster TREC had some experienced Individuals who had requested to compete at Level 1, due to either new mounts or lack of horse fitness, and it was for them a great opportunity to ease back into TREC.
Both Level 1 Individual and Pairs followed the same route, and had the same challenges of timing their speeds between unknown checkpoints.   They started off down a quiet country lane, similar initially to the level 2 riders, but with a more simple canal crossing to get to the forest area.  For them, no hidden tickets, just the challenge of being able to find the forest and then navigate through it to the far end by following the route from their maps.
This part successfully done, it was back out onto quiet roads once more, decisions of right vs left needing to be made a few times, heading by a shorter route back to the canal crossing.    Landmarks joyfully recognised, it was finally a fairly straightforward last section back to the venue.
 
At the prize-giving, the buzz of anticipation and excitement reflected the challenge that is TREC.   Everyone does their best to try to match the Speeds given, all different throughout the route.   No one knows how far the Checkpoints are.   Higher levels hope they have found any hidden tickets.   With the result that anyone has a chance to win – it’s the most accurate horse and rider on the day.  
And on this occasion, the happy winners came from both experienced and from new combinations, all of which makes TREC one of the fairest and most interesting sports for all.
 
Leinster TREC would most sincerely like to thank their Sponsors for the generous prizes, The Field Equestrian Centre, Ballyadams, Co Laois and Holmestead Saddlery, Kill, Co Kildare as well as the Byrne family of CoilOg Equestrian Centre for the use of their fine venue.
 
 

We are thrilled to announce that The Field Equestrian Centre, Ballyadams, will sponsor the 2016 POR league.

The will be league prizes at every leg and Championship vouchers for overall League winners.

Save the following league dates:
Leg 1: 13 March, Coilog EC, Kilmeague, Co. Kildare
Leg 2: Mid-June, date TBC
Leg 3: 21 August, venue TBA
Leg 4, 9 October, venue TBA

The Field EC has something for everyone, with an all-weather XC track with over 130+ jumps, drains, water complexes, and banks. They also have show jumping arenas filled with multi-coloured jumps. Check out their Facebook page here.

We will also be holding a one-day three-phase event at The Field EC in May, stay tuned for further details.

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).