Winter TREC

WDF · #1 24th Jul 2008, 01:21 PM

At this "Pony Playday" (Charity FUNshow) im TRYING to organise for Sept next year, id ideally like to do an introduction to TREC Class based upon the 2 phase Winter TREC series.

IF the class is advertised as an Introduction to TREC (Handy Pony but NOT as you know it!)" - it wouldn't offend any TREC people would it

The show is going to be aimed at the total amature / Happy Hacker / NON competative rider and i "think" saying its TREC would put people off - what do you think?

No_Angel · #2 24th Jul 2008, 01:23 PM

I don't think it would put anyone off, its introducing people to what is expected in Trec without the competative element to it.

WDF · #3 24th Jul 2008, 01:36 PM

Thats what i think but when ive queried it with Mercia TREC well, they weren't too happy

hmoses · #4 24th Jul 2008, 01:48 PM

What reason did they give for not being very happy?
I think its a great idea because lots of people have heard of Trec but are not sure what it is but would love to have a go. By running this class you would be giving people the chance to find out a bit more and have a go.
Mercia Trec should be grateful for the ensuing publicity. If you need any help running it let me know. I wouldn't be able to compete as I don't have a hairy horse which I believe your show is going to be for, so helping would be fine. I compete at level 1 and have done lots of the Kelly Marks winter Trecs.

WDF · #5 24th Jul 2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmoses

What reason did they give for not being very happy?
I think its a great idea because lots of people have heard of Trec but are not sure what it is but would love to have a go. By running this class you would be giving people the chance to find out a bit more and have a go.
Mercia Trec should be grateful for the ensuing publicity. If you need any help running it let me know. I wouldn't be able to compete as I don't have a hairy horse which I believe your show is going to be for, so helping would be fine. I compete at level 1 and have done lots of the Kelly Marks winter Trecs.

Thanks ever so much; thats EXACTLY how i see it and it took me a while to pluck up courage to even do a Winter TREC as i thought id be out of my depths with proper TREC people (still not brave enough to do a L1 tho - well done you!).

Im trying to get sponsorship for a "Furry Friend" class as i know some at our livery who DON'T have natives would like to have a go at the into TREC class thingy-me-jiggy, so you MAY be able to come along however; thanks for the offer of help

Reason - "TREC is NOT Handy Pony for Adults and cannot be described as such therefore, we cannnot associate ourselves with such class" (id asked them for help/assistance/guidance/sponsorship).

How DO you explain it to "Joe Bloggs" then - im sorry BUT . . . . . its like Dressage, XC, orienteering, Handy pony all jumbled together!

Whatanejit · #6 24th Jul 2008, 03:15 PM

Oooops - bit of snobbery setting in - I've noticed that recently.

You described it well - tis true

But

I dunno - maybe best not to alienate them as HELP is really needed at le Trec shows.

Call it an obstacle course

Carolynmac · #7 25th Jul 2008, 10:54 AM

Hi

I am a TREC person and can understand where Merica are coming from. We do try very hard in the TREC world to dispell the myth that TREC is hand pony and try to stop 'posh' riders sneering at TREC.

Why not stick to the Winter Series theme and call it something like' TREC - becoming perfect partners with your horse!'

Have fun - thats is what it is all about!

Ta

Liz1949 · #8 26th Jul 2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolynmac

Hi

. We do try very hard in the TREC world to dispell the myth that TREC is hand pony and try to stop 'posh' riders sneering at TREC.

Ta

is that not in itself inverted snobbery? You are dreadfully concerned about the opinions of some competitors in other horse sports who are merely ignorant and need only be ignored.

What on earth, pray, is wrong with a handy pony/horse? Would a handy equine not be clearly at an advantage in starting out in TREC, as opposed to an UN-handy equine?

If this is so, surely a handy equine competition - well and suitably run of course - could be thought of as a stepping stone to affiliated TREC competitions.

If this is NOT so, then what is the aim of TREC and what sort of horse should the prospective serious TREC competititor look for when buying with the intention of competing at a high level?

hmoses · #9 28th Jul 2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz1949

is that not in itself inverted snobbery? You are dreadfully concerned about the opinions of some competitors in other horse sports who are merely ignorant and need only be ignored.

What on earth, pray, is wrong with a handy pony/horse? Would a handy equine not be clearly at an advantage in starting out in TREC, as opposed to an UN-handy equine?

If this is so, surely a handy equine competition - well and suitably run of course - could be thought of as a stepping stone to affiliated TREC competitions.

If this is NOT so, then what is the aim of TREC and what sort of horse should the prospective serious TREC competititor look for when buying with the intention of competing at a high level?

Absolutely, well said. If people want to know about Trec then they do what I did - research it properly. Its not hard with the internet and the BHS. ANYTHING which gets people having a go has to be applauded and will lead them onto Trec competitions. Isn't that what Trec wants?

WDF · #10 29th Jul 2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmoses

Absolutely, well said.

ANYTHING which gets people having a go has to be applauded and will lead them onto Trec competitions. Isn't that what Trec wants?

OH im glad to read im not the only one who thinks that way, thanks!

Liz1949 · #11 29th Jul 2008, 12:24 PM

WDF - you go for it!

Unless and until the acronym TREC is copyrighted in any way, no-one can stop you calling your competition whatever you want to call it, regardless of the blatant snobbery and unhelpfulness of the local TREC association.

It is as if the affiliated Endurance folk refused to be involved or associated with pleasure rides in any way shape or form ...

Carolynmac · #12 31st Jul 2008, 03:27 PM

Great to see TREC inspiring such conversation and passion!

My previous post was just trying to explain why (I think!) people might be touchy about it. I do TREC as well as other riding club activities and TREC people are by no means snobby / snooty / posh and are really keen for people to understand what TREC is all about and get involved. Equally they are just as keen to ensure that the understanding people have about TREC is correct.

The PTV phase (Cross Country Obstacles) - the part that sometimes gets called 'like hand pony' is just 1 of 3 phases of TREC, so saying TREC is handy pony is a bit like saying Eventing is just cross country; thats all!!

I did not mean to offend anybody and I am sure if you get hold of the TREC rule book you will get lot's of examples of PTV obstacles you can use to demo / try.

Here is how we (STAG, Scottish TREC Advisory Group) explain TREC as we try to get new people on board.

BHS TREC
The competition is conducted across three phases, and can take place on a single day, or be held over two days.

Even at the lower levels, competition is often conducted over two days as there is great emphasis placed on the social opportunities the competition affords.

The phases are listed below in the order they would be held at a Championship event, but they can be run in any order.

Phase One: Parcours d'Orientation et de Regularite (P.O.R.)
This is the 'orienteering on horseback' phase. It might sound scary, but at levels 1 and 2 the navigation is very basic and most people are pleasantly surprised. The route will be between 12 and 20 kms (7.5-12.5 miles) in length, designed to be completed mostly in walk and trot. You can often find yourself amidst some glorious scenery.

The POR is not a race and the majority of the course is conducted in walk and trot. Routes start from 12 km at hacking pace at beginner level, up to 45 kms long at Championship level where a higher level of horse and rider fitness is required.

Phase Two: Matrisse des Allures or Control of Paces/Gaits (CoP)
This phase is designed to demonstrate that the rider can exercise a degree of influence over the horse first in canter, then in walk following a straight line course of 150 metres long and 2-4 metres wide. The concept is that the slower the horse travels in canter, and the faster in walk, the greater the marks awarded. A shortened course of less than 150 metres is sometimes used and if the terrain prohibits a straight line track, then a curved track can be adopted.

Phase Three: Parcours en Terrain Varie (P.T.V.).
This phase, which is generally 1km to 5kms long, is the cross-country obstacle course, and is seen as the most exciting and popular phase for spectators. While this phase does include some cross-country jumping, the size of the obstacles is set according to the level of competition and each obstacle is optional and does not incur elimination if bypassed.
The course also includes some tasks which must be undertaken whilst dismounted, as well as tests of obedience and calmness. It is designed to give an indication of the horse/rider's suitability to cope with the kind of obstacles and difficulties that might be encountered whilst riding in the countryside, and demonstrate the partnership working calmly and efficiently together.