On Sunday 30th August 2009 seven Millbrook Members took part in a BHS TREC Training Day at Cefn Mably Natural Horse. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants who had the opportunity to try out a different sport with their horses.
Members had the chance to undertake training in the three phases of BHS TREC. PTV obstacles, COP - Control of Paces and POR - orienteering.
Members were able to try the obstacles, learn the best way to approach them and find out what the judges are looking for and how to gain the most marks possible.
The up and coming sport of BHS TREC appeals to all sorts of riders with all sorts of horses. This is a fun sport where you are able to go at your own pace.
It was enjoyed so much by all participants that they want to simulate some of the obstacles for members to try at a club night.
Rein Back obstacle. This was straightforward to start - just walk between the poles without touching them, then stop and rein back to a certain point. As you can see some skill is required and lots more practise on this is required to make sure that horses feet do not touch the poles or go outside of the corridor ! !
Step Up obstacle. This required a straight approach through the flags at a walk through the stream and also on exit up the steps.
Right - a walk through obstacle
Below members listening to instructors and watching others attempts at obstacles!
Leading your horse through a horsebox obstacle.
Below members attempt to open and close a gate without the "help" of their horse. This required a lot of skill and patience. Marks are deducted if you leave go of the rope or if the horse pushes the gate.
Control of paces test through bending poles. Maximum marks are gained for cantering through the bending poles. If you change pace then no marks are gained. Marks are lost if you touch the poles.
S Bend - this required the horse to go forward through the bend without touching the poles - quite tricky for most people!
Control of paces through a corridor. Maximum marks are gained for cantering through the narrow planks. If the pace changes then no marks are gained.
These a just a few of the obstacles encountered at the training day. All members enjoyed the challenge of completing the activities and recognised that there is room for improvement in completing many of the obstacles with style!