By Shilea Fuller 

This annual League, generously sponsored by Loughway Stud in Co Kildare, took place this year on October 3rd and 17th.

We were very fortunate that on both days the weather remained warm and mostly dry as there was a Novelty class included each time for the Best Matchy-matchy of the Day and riders were able to remain looking their best in front of the highly impressed judges!

D-TREC is a series of dressage movements in an arena, combined with TREC obstacles to be ridden throughout the test. Both riders and horses enjoy the challenge of working together throughout a test, which asks for the flow of dressage movements followed immediately by focus on riding the accuracy needed for a TREC obstacle.

For the 2 legs of the League, there was a Novice class (walk and trot) and an Open class (with canter). Both legs were well attended and competition was hot for a fabulous set of cups, trophies & rosettes for the best six riders in each class, for each competition day.

And of course, since it was a League as well, the challenge continued right until the last moment, when the overall winners were announced.

For the first time, this year Loughway Stud also generously sponsored two Perpetual Trophies, beautiful bronze statues of horses, for the outright winners of each league class to take home for the year.

As an additional challenge this year, and a bit of TREC fun, there was an extra MA (Control of Paces) class on offer. It is not often that the full length of a 150m corridor is available for riders to try their canter and walk without breaking pace, but the circumference of Loughway Stud arena was perfect for this and lots of riders had a go. We all watched and learned it is not as easy as it looks, with some horses having a perfect canter, then jogging around in walk, or vice versa!

Another Novelty class on each day was delightful to see – The Horse or Pony the Judges would most like to Take Home! Well of course the judges loved them all but a decision had to be made… so for Leg 1, a gorgeous little pony won the day and for Leg 2, a totally sweet little mare won their hearts. Naturally the owners would not let the judges take them home but lots of pats and strokes were allowed instead!

And so, the League ended with cheers and smiles all round. We very much look forward to next year and further D-TREC fun and challenge.

By Trish Young

On the weekend of 31 July/1 August Leinster TREC ran a 2-day 3 Phase event on the shores of the Blessington Lakes at Lacken. We had individual and pairs classes at Level 1,2,2a. Covid compliance was a challenge, but the extra preparations and precautions we took were well worthwhile. It was just great to be up and running again.

As well as our Leinster riders we welcomed competitors and volunteers from the four corners of Ireland - Sperrin TREC, NI Trec, Cork and Kerry TREC and Midlands TREC.

Our base for the weekend was Blessington Equestrian Centre and our hosts, Theo, Margaret and Amy Clarke threw their amazing facilities open to us and made us really welcome. They provided camping overlooking the lakes, stabling and corralling for our horses, and gave us as much space and help as we needed in setting up the PTV and MA courses, and fine tuning POR routes.

Helen McCormack was our Chef de Piste on Saturday. As well as an MA phase she devised an inviting PTV course with enough challenges to make it interesting. Everybody was delighted with her mix of arena based obstacles and cross country.

Saturday night was socially distanced catch up with TREC friends we hadn't seen for months.

The POR routes on Sunday took full advantage of West Wicklow terrain and the fantastic scenery around Lackan, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure by our traceur Trish Young. The weather was good to us - not too hot, not rainy and perfect underfoot. Everybody came home smiling.

Huge thanks goes to Sheila Fuller, our TD for all three phases over the two days, and to Diana and Niamh O hUid our scorers. Thanks also to all our helpers and volunteers, we literally couldn't manage without ye.

Results of the POR competitions on Sunday were counted as Leg 1 of a League, with Leg 2 being run off and prizes awarded at Leinster TREC POR at Donard later in the month.

Open PTV+MA

1st Jacinta Kincade,               Shalimar Black Velvet 140

2nd Charlotte Moore,             Tully’s Valley 136

3rd Kate Higgins,                   Mr Finnegan 131

4th Jude McConville,             Severnuale Ollie 126

5th Jennifer Hamil,                 Breakfast at Tiffany’s 110

6th Aoife Douglas,                  Townend Hot Toddy 108

7th Jayne Woodward,             Boycie 104

8th Mel Surgenor,                   Grease Lightning 88

9th Samantha McDermott,     Classic Imprint 79

10th Charli Peak,                    Lounthwaite Olive 58

Novice PTV

1st Wendy Saunderson,              Clara 122

2nd Kellie Harkness,                    Willbur 121

3rd Nicky Noonan,                       Ballybriest Tambo 112

Leinster TREC's D-TREC held Sunday 3rd October. This event was the first leg of a two event league, but also a stand alone event. Beautiful trophies were given down to 6th place by 'Loughway Stud' where the event was held. A lovely day with both old and new club members taking part; also good fun with a couple of Novelty classes. A special mention must go to Clare Cronly and Foaly, ( junior member) their first time taking part in TREC.

 OPEN:

1st Dallas ( Avril Clear )

2nd White Hills Willow (Chloe Kelly )

3rd Lackage Castle ( Kayleigh McCormack )

4th Mistral Rose ( Celia Taylor )

5th Woodend Peanut ( Ciara Connnolly )

6th April Raven ( Rachel Harney )

NOVICE:

1st Apache ( Suzanne O'Rourke )

2nd Talk of the Town Fudge ( Sue Walker )

3rd Kinnaveeilish Socks ( Margaret Lynch )

4th Foaly ( Clare Cronly )

5th Overhaven Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan )

6th Lackagh Oscar (Helen McCormack )

 BEST MA             Apache ( Suzanne O'Rourke )

BEST MATCHY/MATCHY       Fudge ( Sue Walker )

HORSE/PONY the Judges would most like to take home       Bella ( Jessica Cox Noonan )

By Winfred Bastian 

This competition was split over two weekends and two venues.

Sunday 12th MA/PTV-XL

20 riders entered day 1 of the event held near Glengariffe in West Cork . It was quite a challenge to set up two different PTV courses with 32 obstacles. With the help of West Cork TREC members and the Bastian family, we were able to open the course for a course walk on Saturday evening. It was also a challenge for our scorer, Jill Davies, to revamp the spreadsheets for the scoring.

It was raining when we started the first phase (MA), but fortunately after the first hour the rain stopped. In the end, it was a great success with many riders enjoying the technically demanding, but fluid PTV course, built by Chef d’Piste Bastian.

We cannot thank enough all the helpers, stewards, and judges without whom such an event would not be possible and to the Level 2 and 3 riders who had to judge in turns.

A special thank you to TD Gwen Bastian, who showed again how able she is to supervise the smooth running of such an event.

Sunday 19th POR

19 riders entered day 2 of the event. The day started in East Cork with sunshine and a blue sky as competitors got ready for the POR (Orienteering) phase. 3 riders from Leinster TREC and 1 rider from Kerry TREC had also entered the competition, as well as 6 newcomers, who rode their first POR competition.

The traceur Elaine Dolan Crowley has set up routes of 25.8 km for level 3, 17.2 km for level 2 and 11.8 km for level 1 and up to 7 checkpoints. The riders had to navigate on quiet country roads, and off-road sections over farmland and into glens with steep slopes. Level 2 and 3 riders also had to pass through parts of Glanmire village. The route included bearings and a grid reference section for level 3 riders. The riders enjoyed a beautiful day out in East Cork.

Thank you again to all the helpers, and to all the landowners, who gave permission to ride across their lands.

Congratulations to Elaine, who traced her first Level 3 route successfully and was on the day in full control of the competition and made me, the TD, “sit back” and watch.

Overall Result for the 3-phase event:

Level 3 Pairs

1st Frances Whooley on Brandy and Siobhan Wolf on Paris 647 Points

Level 2 Individual

1st Karen Vincencio on Fairytail Dreams 454 points.

Level 2 Pairs

1st Jenny Andrews on Winston & Martha Norton on Cornflake 981 points

2nd Judith Perrin on Kildarvan Cookie & Shirley Squire on Grace 916 points

3rd Mary Creedon on Silversprings Sia & Richard Creedon on Lucy Lucky on 628 points

Best MA Score ( out of 18 competitors -day 1)

Annie O Neill on Paddy 265 points

Best PTV Score (out of 20 competitors -day 1)

Annie O Neill on Paddy 265 points

Best POR Score (out of 19 competitors-day 2)

Jennie Andrews on Winston & Martha Norton on Cornflake 434 points

Top Scoring POR Level 1 pairs

Kaylee Murray on Kuro and Elaine Dwyer on Laura 428 points

Top Scoring Junior Rider PTV

Maia Lily de Zoeten on Coco 88 points.

 By W Bastian

 West Cork TREC is back on track! With the start of Covid 19 pandemic in Ireland in 2020 and the following restrictions, holding events was not possible or very limited.

The last event before the first lockdown was a compass bearing training in Glengarriff woods.

On 4th of October, when the restrictions had been temporarily eased, west Cork TREC was able to run a One Day Event at Whooley’s farm in Kilrussane, Knockraha. Despite very bad weather conditions, heavy wind and rain, the competing riders could finish all 3 phases of the competition with Frances Whooley as Traceur, and Bastian as Chef de Piste and Technical Delegate.

Since the country was slowly reopening for sports activities, including equestrian events, West Cork TREC responded immediately with organising events.

• 30.05.2021 POR training at Billy Wolf’s farm in Ballydehob.

Bastian did a short compass bearing refresher training before riders started out on the POR route, traced by Ian Squire and Bastian with a lot of off road riding across the Mizen peninsula. The riders enjoyed a sunny day with magnificent views.

• 27.06.2021 MA/PTV training at Creedon’s farm in Macroom.

The riders, were divided into two groups. One group had MA training with Bastian as trainer, and the other group had the PTV training with Frances Whooley and Elaine Dolan Crowley as trainers at the four new TREC Ireland obstacles, the “Slalom Ridden one handed”, the “Ridden One handed Corridor”, the “One handed Figure of Eight Style” and the “Ticket Punch”

After one hour the groups changed over. Following a lunch break, a PTV practice run was started over a 16 obstacle course ,designed by Chef de Piste Adele Connor.

Again we had a lovely sunny day and West Cork TREC wants to thank the Creedon family, for permission to use their land, and for all their support.

• 18.07.2021 MA/PTV Training at Whooley’s farm in Knockraha.

The training was organised in the same format as the one at Macroom with the same trainers. The PTV course was this time designed by Frances Whooley with the help of Elaine Dolan Crowley. At 28* Celsius, the heat was a challenge for horses and riders, but all had a great day with a lot of training and practice.

Our new timing system for the MA and the new long distance walkie/talkies, generously funded by the Irish Sports Capital Programme, worked perfectly.

A big “Thank you” to the venue owners, our event secretary Jill Davies, the event officials and the helpers.

Future Events:

• 31.07./01.08.2021 Leinster TREC: 3 phase competition in Lacken, Blessington, Equestrian Centre.

• 29.08.2021 Leinster TREC: POR Level 1,2,3 at Donard Co Wicklow

• 12.09 and 10.09.2021 West Cork TREC: 3 phase competition, PTV on 12.09 at Bastian’s, Glengariff followed by POR L1,2,3 on 19.09, at Whooley’s farm Kilrussane Knockraha.

Trec China International Report 2019 by Mairead Moynihan

Our China adventure began on 3rd October when the official invitation came from the Chinese government to Trec Ireland to send their chosen riders to China International Trec Competition! This is their second year to hold this competition, last year Judi Pheysey, Niamh O’Huid and I represented Ireland and Trec Ireland! Once this year’s riders were chosen, Elaine Dolan Crowley and I, the countdown started!! Flights booked, time off work arranged, minders arranged for the horses, kids and dogs and a quick chat with a wonderful sponsors Kellihers Mills Tralee about some fancy gear to help us look the part!! And we did!!

A change in venue from Weifang beach to China horse town, near Inner Mongolia, corresponding extra flights to Beijing, followed by a mad dash for visas and we were on our way to China!! Only when we arrived in Beijing airport did the reality of an international competition kick in –met by Deborah, our Chinese tour guide, and competitors Amanti from France, Alex from Singapore and Kim from USA!!!

Off we headed for China Horse town 4 hours’ drive northwards. Stopped for some Chinese takeaway on the way! Weather was bad with heavy snowfall and freezing roads so we stayed overnight in a hotel halfway and finally met up with the rest of our fellow competitors early next morning. A quick breakfast, bag drop and off to the stables to meet our horses for the competition!

Ground still covered in snow and temperature about -4 degrees!! A draw took place to allocate horses to riders. We grabbed some tack, saddled up and off we went!! Quick photo first and then a 10km fun ride to the competition venue!! What a way to check out horses!! And competitors!! Mine was a nice handy 15hh chestnut gelding.

Dropped our horses into corrals, quick bit to eat and it was vet check time. A few minutes to teach horses to trot up, with encouraging words from fellow competitors and onlookers, some passed and others had to be substituted! Straight into a sand arena to teach them all about trec obstacles in approximately 2 hours while our PTV course was being built around us!! Just like you do at home!! It was interesting to watch riders realise that these were neck reined horses firstly and that they had never jumped before. As for low branches and S- bend, they thought we were crazy!! Reinback proved impossible for most of us, except for Amanti, who used his long legs wrapped around the horse’s chest as encouragement! And it worked!! Not one to try at home, though!!

Horses put away and a quick change for opening ceremony and food!! Amazing ceremony and main course was lamb on a spit ceremonially presented to us!!

Day 1 started with PTV, course walk already started when Elaine and I arrived, so we joined in! An amalgamation of Chinese riders and judges, French Technical delegate, Irish, Russian, Austrian, American, UK and French riders all chatting at the same time!! Saddled up and watched the Chinese national riders competing, had photos taken by amused spectators while we waited. Next it was our turn and each horse and rider was vocally encouraged around the course in several languages! That over, we dined in style, in the royal stables in the company of their royal horses. Totally surreal experience!!

A tough MA followed lunch; start line was surrounded by photographers and horses not too enthusiastic about entering corridor. We were all there encouraging each other, as true treccies, we wanted to win but on a level playing field!

Days competition over, we headed to the amphitheatre to see an amazing show with fire eaters, acrobats, trapeze artists, dancing horses and Mongolians stunt riders!! Out of this world!!

Dinner and an early night, for the next day was POR!!

First challenge was a black and white aerial photo as our master map, then photographers and drones to get by at the start of our POR!! Once we were off and travelling it was wild open plains with frozen rivers and streams, rough tracks through little villages and specular views from hilltops of skyscrapers of the city behind us and miles of countryside in front of us!! And our cute horses knew the way mostly, seems we were travelling on some of their trekking routes!! Home after a 6 hour adventure, crispy cold start but a clear sunny day!! We all headed to hotel for a quick shower and back for closing ceremony and results!!! Top table for us, no less!! Riders called out in reverse order, and next thing we knew there are 5 on the table including Elaine and I!! Two weeks later and we are still on a high!! I came third and Elaine came second!! Chinese TV interview, local paper and radio interviews, a new and exciting experience for us!!

Both of us stayed on for a tour organised for the riders which included a snow blizzard 30km ride to Inner Mongolia ,a two hour personally escorted tour of a state-of-the art expo charting the role the horse has played in the history of China. A walk on the Great Wall of China with spectacular views and VIP access!! Finally Beijing and the Forbidden City in 25 degrees heat. Flew home to a marvellous reception at Cork airport!! Doesn’t get better that this!!

Thanks to China Institute of Horse culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Wutzala Wu Gang Fang and Justin Tseng, Deborah Wang and Bruce Leung, to Trec Ireland and all who made this possible for Elaine and I!!!

NATIONAL PTV AND MA CHAMPIONSHIPS

ATHLONE EC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25TH

PTV Open Championship – 1, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Secret (Anne Laure Guerin); 4, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 5, Mo (Kate Sheehan).

PTV Intermediate Championship – 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 2, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 3, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke); equal 4, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack) and Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley); 6, Rio (Natasha O’Rourke).

PTV Novice Championship – 1, Lexy (Sue Walker); 2, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran); 3, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 4, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley); 5, Ballynolin Annie (Sheila Fuller).

MA Championship – 1, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 2, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 3, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); 4, Apache (Suzanne O’Rourke); 5, Lexy (Sue Walker); 6, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran).

D-TREC Open – 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington); 3, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 4, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson).

D-TREC Intermediate – 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 2, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 4, Haise (Marie Gallagher).

D-TREC Novice – 1, Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley); 2, Lexy (Sue Walker); 3, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley); 4, Dernahatten Grey Mist (Cora Halloran); 5, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); Ballynolin Annie (Sheila Fuller).

SPEED TREC Open – 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); 3, Mo (Kate Sheehan); 4, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 5, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington).

SPEED TREC Intermediate – 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 2, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke); 3, Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley); 4, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 5, Amber Sky (Patrick Byrne); 6, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley).

Non-Championships PTV Intermediate – 1, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 2, Surprise (Paula Donohoe).

Non-Championships PTV Novice – 1, Dernahatten Grey Mist (Cora Halloran).

PTV Team Championships – 1, Leinster TREC; 2, Midlands TREC; 3, West Cork TREC.

West Cork TREC One-Day Event

 

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Hollyhill, Bantry, Co. Cork

 

Sunday 28th July 2019

 

 

Overall Results

 

 

Level 2A Pairs

 

1 - Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley) & Crunchie (Breda Mulcahy)

 

2 - Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters) & Kavanaugh (Margaret Buckley)

 

 

 

 

Level 2 Pairs

 

1 - Lady (Lorea O'Sullivan) & Mo (Kate Sheehan)

 

2 - Shelley (Norma Steele) & Comanche (Shirley Squire)

 

3 - Paddy (Julie O'Neill) & Angel (Katie O'Sullivan)

 

 

Level 1 Pairs

 

1 - Faerietale Dreams (Karen Vicencio) & Jim (Anna Fox)

 

2 - Silversprings Sia (Mary Creedon) & Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon)

 

3 - Girl (Majella O'Shea) & Rí Slánú (Jennifer Perry)

 

4 - Luna (Sylvi Rigden) & Clonakilla Princess (Nicole O'Regan)

 

5 - Seany (Miriam McDonnell) & Chunky (Jennifer Horgan)

 

6 - Merlin (Elaine Waters) & Pep Squeak (Saundra O'Sullivan)

 

 

West Cork TREC would especially like to thank Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities for this event, and the competition officials, Elaine Dolan Crowley (Assistant Technical Delegate and Chef de Piste), Bastian (Consulting Technical Delegate ), Adèle Connor (Traceur) and Jill Davies (Event Secretary and Scorer). Finally, we would like to thank all the competitors, many of whom not only competed but helped judge, and all the volunteers who came to judge and act as stewards throughout the day. Great gratitude can be seen with the comments riders have posted on social media.

LEINSTER TREC D-TREC

LOUGHWAY STUD

SUNDAY, JULY 28TH

Open - 1, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 4, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington); 5, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 6, Aria (Sheila Fuller).

Novice - 1, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 2, Apache (Natasha O’Rourke); 3, Peanut (Ciara Connolly); 4, Kinnaveelish Socks (Margaret Lynch); 5, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran); 6, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley).

Open H/C - 1, Whisper (Mary-Kate Willie).

Novice H/C - 1, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington).

Best Dressage - Haise (Marie Gallagher).

Best Turned Out - Peanut (Ciara Connelly).

Loughway Stud Open League - 1, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington); 4, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 5, Aria (Sheila Fuller); 6, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson).

Loughway Stud Novice League - 1, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 2, Wilson (Judi Goor); 3, Lexy (Sue Walker); 4, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran); 5, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley); 6, Tango (Tina Fagg).

Loughway Stud Most Improved - Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran).

Loughway Stud Newcomer - Willow (Chloe Kelly).

LEINSTER TREC D-TREC

KYLEBROOK EC

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH

Open

1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack);

2, Haise (Marie Gallagher);

3, Boynehall Bennie (Sheaffe Monteith);

4, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington);

5, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack);

6, Aria (Sheila Fuller).

Novice

1, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke);

2, Rio (Niall O’Rourke);

3, Wilson (Judi Goor);

4, Lexi (Sue Walker);

5, Tango (Tina Fagg);

6, Charlie (Sarah Spain).

Open H/C - 1, Wilson (Judi Goor).

Novice H/C – 1, Boynehall Bennie (Sheaffe Monteith).

Best Dressage – Wilson (Judi Goor).

Best Turned Out – Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington) and Sandy (Heather Jaynes).

PTV competition (Winter League Leg #6)

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking

28th April 2019:

Level 1 NOVICE

1, Luna (Sylvi Rigden); 2, Lucy (Richard Creedon); 3, Cody (Aoife O'Shea); 4, Sia (Mary Creedon); 5, Tilly (Roisin Whooley); 6 (tied), Ellie (Klervi Colas) and Rocky (Maria O'Mahony); 8 Paris II (Sally T); 9, Apachi (Margaret Manning).

Level 2 INTERMEDIATE

1, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 2, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 3 Kal (Frances Whooley); 4 Shelley (Norma Steele); 5 Nugget (Sheila Winters); 6 Kavanaugh (Margaret Buckley); 7, Miley (Dave Finn)

Level 3 ADVANCED

1, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 2, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf)

We were very grateful to all who came to help set up the course at the start, and those who lent a hand with judging. Special thanks to Fiona Thurnell, an experienced judge with TREC GB, who joined us for the day to help out and judge at our local league event. Thanks also to Megan, Jill, & Adèle, all our competitors, and to Georgia & Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities.

The fantastic weather was a real bonus today, and our competitors were able to enjoy sea views over Roaring Water Bay and Carbery Hundred Isles. Thank you to all the competitors, helpers and officials, especially Adèle and Shirley, they did a wonderful job with the route and the bearing tickets.

Special thanks to Billy for the use of the farm and his stables. The latter was multi-functional today, being the map-room at the start, and the tea room at the end of the day. Riders and helpers were able to congregate there while waiting for the scores to be processed, munching on Adèle's buttery flapjacks and May's wonderful buttered tea brack , all washed down with tea or coffee.

Results:

Level 2A Individual: 1st Kaldavan Cookie (Judith Perrin), 2nd Trigger (Ellie Horgan).

Level 2A Pair: 1st Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley), 2nd Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran) and Diego (Niamh O'Carroll)

Level 1 Pair: 1st Faerietale Dreams (Karen Veicencio) and Mickey (Marlina Posthuma Quirke), 2nd Silversprings Sue (Mary Creedon) and Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon).

Special Competition Level 2A bearing Accuracy

1st Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley) 2nd Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley), 3rd Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran) and Diego (Niamh O'Carroll), 5th Kaldavan Cookie (Judith Perrin) and Trigger (Ellie Horgan).

West Cork TREC PTV Competition (Leg #4, Winter League)

Caherdaniel, Bantry, Co. Cork.

February 17th 2019

Level 3, Advanced class - 1, Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2, Lily (Patricia Kindler); 3, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley)

Level 2, Intermediate class - 1, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2, Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley); 3, Goleen (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 4, Lily (Patricia Kindler); 5, Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke)

Level 1, Novice class - 1, Casper (Eimear Sheehan); 2, Paddy (Julie O'Neill); 3, Paddy (Sophie O'Sullivan); 4, Apachi (Margaret Manning); 5, Casper (Carla Rodriguez); 6, Casper (Zoe Higgins); 7, Tom (Adèle Connor)

We would like to thank Shirley Squire for taking on the role of Chef de Piste and designing the course, Bastian as Technical Delegate, and all our competitors, judges, helpers and spectators. Special thanks to Pat and Zora for the use of their facility.

West Cork TREC PTV Competition (Winter League Leg #3)

27.1.19 at Bantry Bay Pony Trekking

Many thanks to all who attended yesterday. We were lucky that the weather stayed fine until the last 20 minutes of the competition.

Thanks to all the people that helped build and put away all the obstacles and most importantly all the judges that gave their time to us competitors.

The course was technical and rode very well, Ellie Horgan (Chief de Piste) put time and effort into this with Bastain TD and Megan Davis Asst. TD.

Thank you to Georgia and her staff at Bantry Bay Pony Trekking.

RESULTS

Novice (Level 1)

1st - Spot (Maddie O'Sullivan); 2nd - Misty (Victoria Haffner); 3rd - Minty (Delilah Roberts); 4th - Girl (Majella O'Shea); 5th - Girl (Katie Cullinane); 6th - Cody (Aoife O'Shea)

Intermediate (Level 2)

1st - Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 2nd - Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 3rd - Cookie (Judith Perrin); 4th - Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 5th - Polly (Frances Whooley); 6th Sia (Mary Creedon)

Advanced (Level 3)

1st - Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2nd - Flora (Sandra Schmid); 3rd - Cookie (Judith Perrin)

Kerry Trec Ptv and Speed Trec Competition 19 Jan 2019

Intermediate

1st Paris 2/ Siobhan Wolf 131

2nd Nugget/ Sheila Winters 129

3rd Penny/ Maunza Heidtke 117

4th Molly / Elaine Dolan Crowley 106

5th Polly / Frances Whooley 92

6th=. Merlin / Elaine Waters 56

6th=. Mikaela / Bridget Sheeran 56

Beginner

1st Miley / Dave Finn 177

2nd Teddy / Phillippa Christie 174

3rd Jack / Claire Bunn 150

4th Skye / Liam Coughlan 149

5th Shelly / Norma Steele 139

6th Tom / Adele Connor 89

SPEED Trec

1st Molly / Elaine Dolan Crowley 2.03

2nd Nugget / Sheila Winters 2.06

3rd Penny / Maunza Heidtke 2.10

4th Paris 2 / Siobhan Wolf 2.24

5th Mikaela / Bridget Sheeran 2.32

6th Merlin/ Elaine Waters 2.38

7th Polly / Frances Whooley 2.49

Level 3 - Advanced

1st - Paddy (Annie O'Neill)

Level 2 - Intermediate

1st - Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2nd - Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 3rd - Diego (Niamh O'Carroll); 4th - Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 5th - Goleen (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 6th Lady (Tinso); 7th - Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran); 8th - Polly (Frances Whooley);

Not placed (out of competition) - Goleen (Bastian); Flower Power (Bastian)

Level 1 - Novice

1st - Clyde (Wayne Brealey);

Not placed - Frank (Linda Brealey)

We would like to thank our judges and helpers for their time today, and all our competitors, especially those waiting outside who got caught in the heavy downpours. Special thanks to Pippa for designing her first course, to our Technical Delegate Bastian, and also to Zora and Pat for the use of their indoor arena and facilities.

West Cork TREC PTV Competition (Leg #4, Summer League 2018.)

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Hollyhill, Bantry, Co. Cork

14 October 2018

Sunday 14th October 2018 was the final leg of West Cork TREC’s Summer League. Less than a week after the country had got a battering from Storm Callum and subsequent days of wet and miserable weather, the dawn broke to reveal a calm and dry day, with morning sunshine promising some reasonably warm conditions for a day in mid-October (although the wind started to pick up in the early afternoon, and occasionally blew a little on the bitter side).

The first of the horseboxes began arriving at Bantry Bay Pony Trekking Centre shortly before 10.45am, followed by another and another, with the yard quickly filling up. Riders, judges and helpers began to move obstacles into their place around the arena, spacing out slalom poles, setting up the s-bend, jump, footbridge and the other obstacles, under the instruction from the chef-de-piste and the technical delegate.

The start of the actual competition was delayed, during which time the chef-de-piste gave a course walk and explanation of obstacles which was of great benefit for competitors who were new or inexperienced in TREC PTV obstacles.

After judges and assistants were allocated their obstacles, the first competitor entered the arena and we were off… The first two obstacles, the ridden corridor and slalom, were fast and some of the riders managed to get a nice canter through both. Control was required immediately after the slalom as the rider had to slow to a walk to negotiate the footbridge. Around the corner from the footbridge was the reinback, with some riders cantering from a standstill out of the reinback to pop over a jump. Skill and control was required here to gather the horse again for mounted immobility without passing through or beyond the circle. A knotted rope strung between 2 jump stands sufficed for a gate next. The method required to open the gate, move the horse through and close the gate again without letting go is more or less the same whether it be a rope or solid gate. However, this was a strange and new design for many of our equines and their riders to face, and was not without some refusals. The ridden S-Bend was next, with the rider dismounting to do the next three obstacles in-hand. The last of these three was the in-hand gate – without the previous drama as all the horses and ponies followed their riders quite happily through. Mounting from the offside was next, some riders having to think really hard about which foot to raise up to the stirrup. Once mounted, the rider took a diagonal line across the arena over the fake ditch, another obstacle newly introduced to our group’s indoor repertoire of obstacles, and it was not without a few problems. Riders had to turn sharply after the ditch to get back to the footbridge for a second time, followed by both the slalom and ridden corridor again, allowing for a quick turn of speed through to the finish line.

There was a break after the intermediate level riders had finished, allowing those judging to go and get their horses ready, and those who had just completed their competition had to put their horses away so they could judge the novice riders. The course was the same for both levels, though heights and widths of certain obstacles are adjusted to reduce the level of difficulty.

Once the last rider had finished their round, the course was dismantled and put away – many hands make light work as the saying goes. Shortly afterwards, the scorer announced the results, and rosettes were handed out accordingly. Group photographs were taken, and a steady rumble of horseboxes heading home commenced.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day and we would like to thank Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their lovely indoor arena, we are very grateful to be able to use their facility. We would especially like to thank Siobhán Wolf for taking on the role of course designer (chef de piste) for the first time and for challenging our riders, Bastian for being our technical delegate, and Jill as organiser/scorer.

Results:

Level 2, Intermediate class - 1, Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 2, Teddy (Phillippa Christie); 3, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 4, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 5, Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 6, Polly (Frances Whooley);

Level 1, Novice class - 1, Ellie (Sylvi Rigden); 2, Minty (Delilah Roberts); 3, Girl (Majella O'Shea); 4, Génie (Solenn Méleu); 5, Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon); 6, Tom (Adèle Connor);

LEINSTER TREC POR (Orienteering)

BALLINAGAPPA HOUSE STABLES

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Level 2A Individual – 1, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 2, Robert (Ailbhe Gavin).

Level 2A Pairs – 1, Kal (Francis Whooley) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2, Floss (Anna McCarthy) and Wombat (Keelan McCarthy).

Level 2 Individual – 1, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane).

Level 2 Pairs – 1, Jack (Katie Smyth) and Fanta (Rachael Smyth); 2, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke) and Rio (Natasha O’Rourke).

Level 1 Pairs – 1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Sherry (Maria Schweder); 2, Wilson (Judi Goor) and Charlie (Katie Egan) and Tango (Tina Fagg); 3, Dan (Laura Filan) and Sparky (Eithne O’Kelly).

TREC IRELAND

NATIONAL PTV AND MA CHAMPIONSHIPS

ATHLONE EC

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH

PTV Open Championship – 1, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Templebready Poppy (Lorea O’Sullivan); 4, Strandhill Batman (Kirsten McCormack); 5, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 6, April Raven (Rachel Harney).

PTV Intermediate Championship – 1, Shalamar Black Velvet (Jacinta Kinkade); 2, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane); 3, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 4, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 5, Flower Power Diamond (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 6, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke).

PTV Novice Championship – 1, Rio (Natasha O’Rourke); 2, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 4, Zaristo (Sheila Fuller).

MA Championship – 1, Strandhill Batman (Kirsten McCormack); 2, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane); 3, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 4, Templebready Poppy (Lorea O’Sullivan); 5, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); equal 6, Apache (Suzanne O’Rourke) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley).

D-TREC Open – 1, Robert (Ailbhe Gavin); 2, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack).

D-TREC Intermediate – 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 2, Shalamar Black Velvet (Jacinta Kinkade); 3, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 4, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 5, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 6, Flower Power Diamond (Winfried Bastian).

D-TREC Novice – 1, Zaristo (Sheila Fuller); 2, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley).

SPEED TREC Open – 1, Templebready Poppy (Lorea O’Sullivan); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Robert (Ailbhe Gavin); 4, Paddy (Annie O’Neill); 5, April Raven (Rachel Harney).

SPEED TREC Intermediate – 1, Shalamar Black Velvet (Jacinta Kinkade); 2, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 3, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke); 4, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 5, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 6, Ballyphilip Gold (Francis Whooley).

Non-Championships PTV Intermediate – 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh).

Non-Championships PTV Novice – 1, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 2, Bella (Colette Gaffey); 3, Song of Sixpence (Pauline Crosby).

Team PTV Championships – 1, Midlands TREC; 2, Leinster TREC A; equal 3, Leinster TREC B and West Cork TREC A.