West Cork Midsummer Trec

West Cork Trec

West Cork TREC held its Midsummer event for the second time on the 14th and 15th of June by kind permission of Siobhan Manning and family, the hosts for the POR event; and Georgia Shiels and family at Bantry Pony Trekking, the hosts for the PTV. Riders at all levels took on full length routes in the POR in glorious sunshine, a real test of stamina for both horses and riders in the unusual heat, great preparation for riders preparing for the World TREC Championships in Italy competed at Levels 3 (Young Riders) and 4 (Senior Riders). The route was traced by Adele Connor and Fiona Bastian, and challenged riders across mountain, commonage and bog; as well as allowing for some downtime enjoying the stunning scenery. The compass bearings through Schull village proved to be a stumbling block for some. Levels 1 and 2 also saw some first timers take part, who all did very well. West Cork Trec would like to thank all the landowners, who gave the traceurs access to send the competitors across their land. Judith Perrin planned the PTV course on Sunday, as well as organising and scoring the event. The course was 1.8km, challenging especially in terrain and encompassing some of the newer TREC obstacles. Winning the combined PTV and COP for Level 1 was Ciara Murphy on Brain, representing Bantry Pony Trekking – Ciara also received a special rosette for the Best Gate of the day – a perfect 10! Winning in the Level 2 was Johann Connor on Dippy, Annie O’Neill and Poppy just pipped Katie Smyth to the win on Whitethorn Jack in Level 3, and Ailbhe Gavin on Winston received the highest score in Level 4, a fantastic achievement on a hired horse.

A huge thank you to all involved at West Cork TREC, as well as sponsors and helpers, and Technical Delegate Winfried Bastian. The group is very grateful to the sponsors, the Tack shops in Bantry and Ballydehob, Fast.Net Business Suppliers, Barret’s Agri and Johanna Connor. A special mention must go to vet Tim O’Leary, who was on site both site, vetting all horses in Levels 2 – 4.

Overall winners of the weekend were as follows: Level 1 Pairs: 1st Margaret Manning (Apache) and Jo O’Callaghan (Finn). Level 2 Pairs: 1st Karin Grace (Cora) and Michelle Welsh (Daf), Level 2A Individual: 1st Johanna Connor (Dippy), Level 2A Pairs: 1st Shirley Squire (Comanche) and Jane Capener (Molly). Level 3 Individuals: 1st Katie Smyth (Whitethorn Jack), Level 4 Individuals: 1st Mairead Moynihan (Pippy).