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Senior Riders – Lynne Mabbitt

GB Trec 2015 shoot

Name  Lynne Mabbitt

Junior or senior Rider Senior

Occupation   Semi retired

Horse’s name, age and breed    Jigsaw 19 years Crossbred

Alaska 7 years Appaloosa cross

Horses history, how did they end up being a superstar TREC horse!

Jigsaw was taken into possession via the RSPCA as a 3 year old with a yearling foal at foot.  Neither her foal nor a 3rd horse taken at the same time survived. Jigsaw came to me as an unbroken 4 year old a year later and it was clear after the first couple of TRECs that I did with her that she had the potential to be a really good TREC horse. She`s generally very well behaved,  chilled, good at looking after herself (and me) and careful where she puts her feet

Alaska bought via Preloved as a 5 year old, still very much a work in progress!

How did you get into the sport of TREC?  Officiated at the English Championships local to me back in 2002 and amazed at the antics of the various competitors but impressed with how well behaved most of the horses were. Did one competition as a pair the following year and loved it so much signed up the following weekend for another.  I`ve been hooked ever since.

What do you love about the sport? That we get to go to some amazing places and ride some wonderful routes, combined with the technical challenge of getting the POR route correct.

What is your favourite phase and why? Has to be the POR, the more technical the better even if my score decimated as a result.

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the sport? Go for it. It`s very addictive

And the one moment of TREC you will never forget!  Switching my brain off at the end of a European Cup Competition in Germany.  Consequently I failed to take a right turn and ended up wandering around a German town that was off the edge of my map,  leading my hired horse and  trying to find my route back to the venue!

Senior Riders – Kate Gillam

Occupation

Computer programming

Horse’s name, age and breed.

Lily Langtree, 13 Irish Draught Sports Horse

Horses history, how did they end up being a superstar TREC horse!

I went to see a locally bred thorough-bred horse for sale at a farm a couple of miles from home. It ditched me in less than 30 seconds with violent bucks (I heard later that it had an abscess in his hoof), meanwhile Lily was watching the episode, wide-eyed and innocently over the stable door. I loved her beautiful white spots set against dark steel grey, a little rocking horse that I thought I could never hope to own; 30 minutes later I was loading her into my horsebox and taking her on her first trip towards TREC. Actually, she was beyond my price range, so I had agreed with the farmer to ‘ride her on’ as she was 4 years old and had just returned from being backed. Several months later it was obvious I should buy her and soon took her to her first TREC competition; I was appalled by her silly behaviour, spooking at every coloured thing available and so I returned to riding club, dressage, show-jumping and eventing, but several years later when we both ‘grew-up ‘ a bit (not much), I decided to return to TREC and so here we are today, 7 or so, years later.

How did you get into the sport of TREC?

It was mentioned in Riding Club AGM as a new sport in UK and described as “games for grown-ups”, “you gallop flat out beneath low branches and there is bending”. I was awoken from my reverie, happy memories of riding as a child in the Prince Phillip Cup team in Pony Club, always trying for the elusive Wembley, came flooding back. Games, a new sport, I was already forming ideas of getting into the team and re-living childhood fun.

What do you love about the sport?

In actual fact, although the games are what appealed to my early imagination, it is the riding across new landscapes, the exploration and the journey that I most enjoy. I love the connection and dependency that is built between horse and rider and the long weekends away together.

What is your favourite Phase and why?

Orienteering, as stated above, I love riding across new landscapes and visiting new places around our beautiful country; plodding down ancient by-ways, fleeting across hillside and mountain, listening in silent old woodlands. On the ancient tracks I think about all the many people who have ridden or walked the route over the years, the many footsteps, how the rocks are worn and what their stories are.

And the one moment of TREC you will never forget!

The first weekend away with Lily, it was a warm night and I had slept in the horse box with the top flap above the side ramp open. In the morning I was able to walk out from my “bedroom” by simply pushing down the ramp into Lily’s coral. I shall never forget the look of total astonishment and wonder on Lily’s face, she just seemed so bowled over by the fact that I was in her ‘horsebox’ and so close at hand. She is such a sweetie.

Senior Riders – Liz Davison

Photo courtesy of Steve Wall

Occupation

Retired

Horse`s name, age and breed

Indy 18 years Welsh/TB

Horse`s history, how did they end up being a superstar TREC horse

We have tried lots of different riding disciplines. In 2009 we tried TREC and the rest is history!

How did you get into the sport of TREC?

Bowland TREC group`s “Cartmel Camp” great riding out, training and fun 2009

What do you love about the sport?

It`s a friendly sport

Riding and exploring lots of new places

“A weekend away” I love watching all the different types of horses that take part, it`s such an inclusive sport

What is your favourite phase and why?

Difficult to choose…  POR – spending a “few” hours riding and exploring

PTV – exciting stuff and interesting challenges

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the sport?

“Give it a go” – try a TREC camp or training day, help judge at a competition and watch what goes on.

And the one moment of TREC you will never forget?

Lots of great TREC moments – White Horse TREC Group Woodhouse Farm TREC 2015 competition – challenging POR with amazing views, great social and BBQ, challenging PTV and our first L4 competition

Senior Riders – Caitlin Crossley

Photo courtesy of Steve Wall

Occupation  Hospital Porter

Horse’s name, age and breed  Adamfield Flashlight, 10 y.o. Dales Pony

Horse`s history, how did they end up being a superstar TREC horse!
We bought Flash as a 4yo from his breeder, where he had been returned after becoming unmanageable in his previous home. He was my first proper pony as a 13 year old, and he has always needed a job to occupy his mind- TREC seems to be that perfect job! We entered our first TREC competition as a L1 pair with my riding instructor in 2010. We then competed 2 seasons as a Level 2 pair, and have been riding as an individual at level 3 and 4 for 4 years now. Flash is a very chilled out pony who takes everything in his stride, but there is nothing he loves more than exploring new places at speed!

How did you get into the sport of TREC?
My instructor has competed in TREC for many years and thought it would be a good education for both me and my young pony to enter a competition. It was especially helpful because I worked for her as an assistant ride leader and a lot of the skills learnt through TREC are transferrable to this. I was hooked on the sport from then on and haven’t missed a season since.

What do you love about the sport?
I think the independence of the sport is fantastic, it allows both you and your horse to show off ability across a wide range of skills, and demands a good partnership between horse and rider, something I have always been interested in. The people who compete in TREC are generally very friendly and encouraging, and the competitions become like a little holiday, where you meet the same people all over the country.

What is your favorite Phase and why?
My favourite phase is the POR because it allows you to ride in places around the country which you wouldn’t otherwise visit or be allowed to ride across. I prefer POR to the other two phases as it allows me to spend a lot of time on my pony, which I love, but also time to think through decisions without so much time pressure.

What advice would you give some one wanting to get into the sport?

Start riding TREC as a pair so that the POR and map reading isn’t daunting. I would also recommend arriving at the venue with time to take an OS map and go for a walk around the area to get your bearings, if you know where home is on the map its much more comforting when you are out on the POR!

And the one moment of TREC you will never forget!

When competing in the European Young Riders Championships in
Holland this year I was determined not to knock off any branches on the low branches…I therefore went very low down Flash’s neck…so low in fact that I ended up on the floor!

Senior Riders – Caroline Brammer

Name Caroline Brammer

Occupation. Clinical Oncologist

Horse’s name, age and breed

Maisie : 10 yo Welsh cob section D

Jingo: 12 yo Highland/Connemara Cross

Horses history, how did they end up being a superstar TREC horse!

Maisie was bred by a good friend, but unfortunately shortly after Maisie was broken-in, my friend had a nasty accident which led to her decision to give up riding. Maisie then had a comfortable life as a companion horse for a few years but her breeder realised that Maisie was too special not to be worked, so Maisie came to live with me to be brought on, initially with the intention of being trained as a pony club horse for my daughter. Maisie needed to be rebroken after her extended holiday and it soon became apparent that she was a little too spirited for Louisa, but was great fun for me so she joined our family. I was looking for a horse for TREC and Maisie seemed perfect. She is sure footed and sound for the POR and has a great jump being bold but careful . She learns quickly and progresses month by month in her training.

Jingo is Louisa’s my daughter’s horse. He is solid as a rock if rather cheeky and a highly skilled escapologist (not so great for corals as he can jump out from a standstill ). He is very bold having evented at BE 100 and cannot be overfaced when jumping. He is not built for speed but has stamina in bucketfuls . I’m allowed to borrow Jingo when Louisa is working for her GCSEs.

How did you get into the sport of TREC?

We moved to Telford in 2000 and was lucky enough to get to know Heather Lucas ( who we miss greatly) who was in the process of founding the Mercia TREC club. I have always enjoyed orienteering as well as horse-riding so TREC was a natural fit for me.

What do you love about the sport?

I love TREC because it is all inclusive. You can compete with any horse as long as it is sound. All breeds have strengths and weaknesses so any horse can be a TREC horse. For some you need to concentrate on the endurance elements, others on the technical obstacles, but all can excel with a bit of training.

Plus my fellow competitors are a great crowd which always means a fun weekend away when at competition.

What is your favourite phase and why?

I’m a map geek so I love the POR. As well as the orienteering challenge I love being out experiencing the countryside in partnership with my horse.

What advice would you give some one wanting to get into the sport?

Don’t be afraid of the map. Go out of your regular rides with a map to familiarize yourself the features and then take it from there, also join your regional TREC club for friendly encouragement and advice.

And the one moment of TREC you will never forget!

The dew forming while dawn was breaking in the woods on the Centaure in France (night-time POR) – Magical. Followed by actually coming in to a ticket

Covid-19 Update – Indoor Schools

Covid-19 Update – Indoor Schools

Currently all TREC insured events, including Winter Series Arena Competitions, must take place out of doors.

TREC GB wishes to remind all Organisers that they must comply with this guidance for their insurance to be effective.

It has been confirmed that in England, fully enclosed indoor riding schools are considered ‘indoors’, and their use is not currently permitted for ‘Organised Sporting Events’.

To be classed as ‘outdoors’ more than 50%of the wall area must be ‘open to the elements’ and these arenas may be used without restriction.

The current situation is expected to remain in place until 12th April at the earliest.

Chris

Chris Paine

Chair of TREC GB

New Equitoolz Modules now available

New Equitoolz Modules now available

TREC GB have developed two further free information assignments, entitled ‘Competition Levels’ and ‘TREC Overseas and International’, to encourage riders to compete in TREC and motivate them to go further.

‘Competition Levels’, including an article from the Isle of Man, gives an overview of the levels within TREC and is intended to provide information which we hope will encourage everyone to go further within our great sport.

‘TREC Overseas and International’ gives a more detailed insight on everything you need to know to prepare for a TREC competition abroad and hopefully encourage riders to achieve the ultimate in competing as an International Rider.

Both modules are available to members and non-members of TREC GB.

Please follow the link below to the Equitoolz site to access the TREC GB modules and so much more.

Equitoolz also offer free courses on the following, with more being added all of the time.

  • BETA body protector information
  • Emergency removal of horseshoes
  • First aid
  • Horse first aid
  • Parasite control
  • Safeguarding awareness
  • Road Safety
The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge 2021

The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge 2021

As we move forwards towards Spring, the days get warmer and longer and we begin to think of our preparations towards potential Summer Competitions. TREC GB would like to invite you to join our Spring Challenge.

The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge provides a range of challenges, both ridden and non-ridden, horsey and non-horsey to help to motivate you in these times of uncertainty.  The Spring Challenge has also been designed to work with our Affiliated TREC Clubs so that any events they have put on in the Challenge period will be eligible and can be included in your goals.

How does it work?

The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge has 4 challenge levels which can be completed either ridden or walking/running/cycling (for those who don’t or can’t ride):

Level 1: Hack out (or walk/run/cycle) for at least 1 hour per week

Level 2: Hack out (or walk/run/cycle) for at least 2 hours per week

Level 3: Hack out (or walk/run/cycle) for at least 3 hours per week

Level 4: Hack out (or walk/run/cycle) for at least 4 hours per week

Select the level you wish to do and commit to that number of hours per week throughout the challenge.

In addition to the basic levels above, we invite you to select 10 challenges from the Challenges list to be completed over the 10 weeks of the Spring Challenge. If you wish to choose more challenges, you are more than welcome to!

Join us on our Facebook Group, introduce yourself and your horse, if you have one, and the challenge level you have selected. The Facebook Group is there to help you with motivation and encouragement towards your goals – your own support team from fellow Treccies!

As you progress through the challenges, keep a record of them on our Tracker sheet and, when completed, send it in to challenge@trecgb.com. All completed Tracker sheets will be entered into a free prize draw for a selection of lucky dip prizes.

Do I need a horse?

No! Anybody can take part whether they ride/own a horse or not.

When does the Great TREC GB Spring Challenge run?

The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge runs from Saturday 27th February to Monday 3rd May 2021.

How much does it cost?

The Great TREC GB Spring Challenge is free to members and £7.50 for non-members.

Ok sounds good, how do I sign up?

To join us, click on the link below to sign up via our Shop and we will send you the Tasks List, Tracker sheet and a link to the Facebook Group to join.

 

Want to find out how to get started in TREC? FREE Information Modules now available

Want to find out how to get started in TREC? FREE Information Modules now available

TREC GB have developed two free information modules, entitled ‘Welcome to TREC’ and ‘Starting your TREC Adventure’, to help newcomers get started in TREC in collaboration with Equitoolz.

‘Welcome to TREC’ gives an overview of TREC and is intended to provide information which we hope will encourage everyone to try our great sport. ‘Starting your TREC Adventure’ gives a more detailed insight on everything you need to know to prepare for a TREC competition. Both modules are available to both members and non-members of TREC GB.

For those new to TREC we suggest you start with the Welcome to TREC module first. Further TREC modules will be available to TREC GB members soon.

Please follow the link below to the ‘New’ Equitoolz site, to access the TREC GB modules and so much more.

Equitoolz also offer free courses on the following, with more being added all of the time.

  • BETA body protector information
  • Emergency removal of horseshoes
  • First aid
  • Horse first aid
  • Parasite control
  • Safeguarding awareness
  • Riding safely on the roads.

Click here to access the TREC GB modules on the Equitoolz website

Christmas Greetings

Christmas Greetings

What a year of unexpected twists and turns. This time last year, coronavirus was a ‘distant’ threat and the words ‘social distancing’, ‘lockdown’ and ‘furlough’ (among many others) had yet to enter daily use.

Covid-19 has had an impact on every one of us – whether personally, through work or through people we know – and normal life and hobbies have been seriously altered or cancelled.

But we are now in the shortest days of the year and there is new light, with new beginnings on the horizon. There is positive news about vaccine development and with that, new hope of some return of normality – even if sometime next Spring.
At TREC GB, we have:
  • Amy and Caroline dealing with all the admin tasks
  • plans for new and different Summer competitions (in case a ‘normal’ Summer is not possible)
  • hope for the return of Competitions, Championships and International Competitions (even if they are not as we knew them)
  • hope that socialising will not have to remain so distant.
More details will follow in our Newsletter which is planned for early in the New Year.
 
And if you feel your cup is half empty – then it’s time for a refill!

Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Hopeful New Year
From
Dave and his band of merry helpers