Category Archives: TREC

Although the local competitive riding club scene is quiet at present, there’s plenty of non-AIRC activity throughout the summer. Last weekend Louise and Christopher travelled as part of the Donegal representation to the TREC Ireland National Championships in Ross House Equestrian Centre in Cavan. They finished 2nd in the Level 1 pairs competition but that wasn’t the end of the story. Christopher was awarded the Grangeclare perpetual trophy for the highest scoring Level 1 rider while Hannah was expertly piloted by Louise to take second prize in the veteran horse class, just four points behind the overall winner.

As with any major event there are plenty of hurdles to overcome merely to get to the starting line. These championships were no exception and it was thanks to another of our members that the Donegal partnerships actually got to the competition. With Christopher’s jeep laid up on its sick bed and no van to be hired for love nor money, it was Audrey who came to the rescue, generously donating her jeep for the excursion. Some acts of generosity leave you speechless and Audrey has an endless capacity for pulling them out of the hat. What a friend!

Orla has been in touch to say that the closing date for Sunday’s TREC competition in Rathmullan has been extended to Wednesday 1 May. The day will include individual and pairs TREC competitions. Each class will comprise three phases; control of paces ridden in canter and walk over a distance of 150 metres, PTV obstacle course comprising  16 obstacles over a distance of 1–3km and a POR (orienteering) phase ranging in distance from 12km at level 1, 17km at level 2 and 24km at level 3. 

Riders aged 12 and over may take part (under 16s wishing to take part in the orienteering phase must pair with a rider aged 16 or over).

Classes
1. Level 1 pairs (POR up to 12km)
2. Level 2 pairs (POR up to 17km)
3. Level 2 individual (POR up to 17km)
4. Level 3 pairs (POR up to 25km)
5. Level 3 individual (POR 25km)

Entry fee members: Full competition €30, non-members €35
POR (orienteering) only €17, non-members €23
PTV & CoP €17, non-members €23

The presentation of prizes on Sunday evening will be followed by a social evening, tickets for which must be booked in advance through event secretary. Contact donegaltrec@gmail.com or 087 643 2458 to receive an entry pack. 

Donegal TREC will hold a POR (orienteering) practice competition on Saturday 16 February in Kilmacrennan. This is a Level 1 training route and suitable for newcomers to TREC. Entries are in pairs. Horses should be aged 4 or over. Minimum rider age is 12 years and riders under 16 must partner with an adult.

Entry forms are available from donegaltrec@gmail.com. Entries should be made by Tuesday 12 Febuary and rider times will available on Thursday 14 Febuary via email or by phoning 087 643 2458 (8-9.30 pm). Entry Fee: Members €8, Non-Members €13

If you fancy trying out the equestrian sport of Trec, you’ll be glad to hear that Donegal TREC will hold a TREC skills training league over the autumn and winter months. The aim of the league is to give riders an opportunity to build their TREC skills or to try the sport for the first time.

The league will commence with an orienteering practice day at Nixon’s Corner, Derry. The routes will take riders on quiet farm trails, lanes, forestry and small amount of road work. The day will start with an information session for newcomers to TREC. Riders may choose to complete the Level 1 or Level 2 routes.  Level one will be ridden in pairs (riders under 16 must partner an adult) and the longer and more technical level 2 route may be ridden in pairs or individual. As this is a training day there will be with map reading available so it is a perfect opportunity to try out the orienteering phase of TREC.

The league will then focus on the PTV (obstacle) and Control of Paces skills with the competition, moving to Stracomer Stables (Bundoran), Lenamore and Templemore. Rosettes will be awared at each leg of the league, with overall prizes presented at the final.  Riders may compete with more than one horse with league points being awarded to the horse and rider combination.

League dates
Saturday 13 October – POR Orienteering at Nixon’s Corner, Derry
Saturday 20 October – PTV & CoP at Stracomer Stables, Bundoran
Saturday 3 November – PTV & CoP at Lenamore
Sunday 18 November – PTV & CoP at Templemore
Sunday 9 December –  PTV & CoP (League final) at Templemore

League classes
Class 1: Open (experienced TREC riders)
Class 2: Novice (new to TREC)
Class 3: Children’s,(ages 10 – 15)
Newcomers always welcome. All riders aged 12 and over may take part in the first leg of the league (orienteering) and riders aged 10 and over in the subsequent legs.

Conditions and cost
Minimum age for horses/ponies is four years of age.
It’s not necessary to be a member to take part as riders may avail of temporary insurance for the day. Entry fee €12 for members of TREC Ireland and €17 for non-members.

Entries and information
Please enter by the Wednesday before each leg so that times may be allocated to riders. For entry forms or further details please visit the Donegal Trec website or email donegaltrec@gmail.com or phone 087 643 2458.

Donegal TREC moves from Bundoran further north on Sunday 9 September with POR (orienteering) and PTV (obstacle) training taking place in Milford.  The training is suitable for all levels of riders and perfect introduction for those who have not tried TREC before as well as catering for riders with experience of TREC.

If you’re interested in participating, contact Orla on 087 643 2458.

Donegal TREC are hosting an introduction to TREC day in Bundoran on Saturday 8 September. The day is suitable for all levels of riders. It will be a perfect introduction for those who have not tried TREC before as well as catering for riders with experience of TREC.

Young riders interested in applying to join the list of potential candidates for the Irish team to compete in the European Young Riders Cup (2013) will have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session following the training.

Entry fee TREC Ireland members €20, non-members €25, and on foot participants €5. Entries close 5 September.
Venue Stracomer Stables, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Please send entries and any queries to event secretary:
Orla O’Reilly, 1 Pound Street, Ramelton, Co. Donegal; 087 643 2458.