Midlands TREC hold successful versatile TREC competition

After having to postpone the event due to terrible weather forecasts, we were pleased to wake up to dry weather on the 3rd February for our Versatile Trec training & competition. Versatile Trec comprises of three phases, Control of Paces; where you score points for a slow canter and a fast walk, PTV (obstacles) and an obedience test.  Midlands Trec has chosen to combine the PTV obstacles into the obedience test, to really test the horse & rider. It means that you have to complete the obstacles in the pace dictated by the test, not the pace that suits your horse, which makes it more challenging.

It was held at Mullingar Equestrian Centre which has fantastic facilities, we had use of 2 outdoor arenas, a cabin for shelter, plus their cafe was open. The promise of chips when you get cold, keeps everyone happy.

We started with training in the morning, so that everyone could practise the obstacles they would meet in their test later, plus a few extras. There were plenty of new faces at this event and everyone did really well, picking up how to ride obstacles like the S-bend, Low branches and Corridor very fast. The Ridden Gate was most peoples down fall, and hopefully riders now have an idea of what they need to go away & practise to improve.

For the afternoon, the competition ran until it got dark! There were 2 classes; a Novice and an Open class. The Open class includes cantering the obstacles, where as the Novice class is made easier as you trot the obstacles. It was a hotly, contested competition with a lot of close scores. The tests rode nicely and everyone enjoyed themselves. Well done to all who took part and thank you to the volunteers who made the event possible.  Visit the photo gallery for some pictures from the day. 

The results were as follows:

Open Class:

1st Tara Creighton & Zee

2nd Katie Smyth & Whitehorn Jack

3rd Feeha Moore & Tara

4th Clodagh Barry & Mervyn

5th (joint) Sophie Webb & Red

5th (joint) Jean Robertson & Robin

6th Tina Fagg & Tango

Novice Class:

1st Linda Navan & Dan

2nd Donna Hynes & Robbie

3rd Karen Reilly & Roxy

4th Kathleen Heavey & Sunny G

5th Holly Long & Max

6th Karina Kerrigan & Harristown Lad

If you want to find out any more information about Midlands Trec or our events calendar, then you can find us on facebook or email midlandstrec@gmail.com. Our next Versatile Trec competition is on the 17th February at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, come along and have a look.