West Cork TREC One-Day Event

 

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Hollyhill, Bantry, Co. Cork

 

Sunday 28th July 2019

 

 

Overall Results

 

 

Level 2A Pairs

 

1 - Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley) & Crunchie (Breda Mulcahy)

 

2 - Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters) & Kavanaugh (Margaret Buckley)

 

 

 

 

Level 2 Pairs

 

1 - Lady (Lorea O'Sullivan) & Mo (Kate Sheehan)

 

2 - Shelley (Norma Steele) & Comanche (Shirley Squire)

 

3 - Paddy (Julie O'Neill) & Angel (Katie O'Sullivan)

 

 

Level 1 Pairs

 

1 - Faerietale Dreams (Karen Vicencio) & Jim (Anna Fox)

 

2 - Silversprings Sia (Mary Creedon) & Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon)

 

3 - Girl (Majella O'Shea) & Rí Slánú (Jennifer Perry)

 

4 - Luna (Sylvi Rigden) & Clonakilla Princess (Nicole O'Regan)

 

5 - Seany (Miriam McDonnell) & Chunky (Jennifer Horgan)

 

6 - Merlin (Elaine Waters) & Pep Squeak (Saundra O'Sullivan)

 

 

West Cork TREC would especially like to thank Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities for this event, and the competition officials, Elaine Dolan Crowley (Assistant Technical Delegate and Chef de Piste), Bastian (Consulting Technical Delegate ), Adèle Connor (Traceur) and Jill Davies (Event Secretary and Scorer). Finally, we would like to thank all the competitors, many of whom not only competed but helped judge, and all the volunteers who came to judge and act as stewards throughout the day. Great gratitude can be seen with the comments riders have posted on social media.

LEINSTER TREC D-TREC

LOUGHWAY STUD

SUNDAY, JULY 28TH

Open - 1, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 4, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington); 5, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 6, Aria (Sheila Fuller).

Novice - 1, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 2, Apache (Natasha O’Rourke); 3, Peanut (Ciara Connolly); 4, Kinnaveelish Socks (Margaret Lynch); 5, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran); 6, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley).

Open H/C - 1, Whisper (Mary-Kate Willie).

Novice H/C - 1, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington).

Best Dressage - Haise (Marie Gallagher).

Best Turned Out - Peanut (Ciara Connelly).

Loughway Stud Open League - 1, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 2, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington); 4, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack); 5, Aria (Sheila Fuller); 6, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson).

Loughway Stud Novice League - 1, Rio (Niall O’Rourke); 2, Wilson (Judi Goor); 3, Lexy (Sue Walker); 4, Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran); 5, The Mighty Tim (Catherine Bartley); 6, Tango (Tina Fagg).

Loughway Stud Most Improved - Madam Rouge (Catriona Doran).

Loughway Stud Newcomer - Willow (Chloe Kelly).

LEINSTER TREC D-TREC

KYLEBROOK EC

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH

Open

1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack);

2, Haise (Marie Gallagher);

3, Boynehall Bennie (Sheaffe Monteith);

4, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington);

5, Lackagh Castle (Kayleigh McCormack);

6, Aria (Sheila Fuller).

Novice

1, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke);

2, Rio (Niall O’Rourke);

3, Wilson (Judi Goor);

4, Lexi (Sue Walker);

5, Tango (Tina Fagg);

6, Charlie (Sarah Spain).

Open H/C - 1, Wilson (Judi Goor).

Novice H/C – 1, Boynehall Bennie (Sheaffe Monteith).

Best Dressage – Wilson (Judi Goor).

Best Turned Out – Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington) and Sandy (Heather Jaynes).

PTV competition (Winter League Leg #6)

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking

28th April 2019:

Level 1 NOVICE

1, Luna (Sylvi Rigden); 2, Lucy (Richard Creedon); 3, Cody (Aoife O'Shea); 4, Sia (Mary Creedon); 5, Tilly (Roisin Whooley); 6 (tied), Ellie (Klervi Colas) and Rocky (Maria O'Mahony); 8 Paris II (Sally T); 9, Apachi (Margaret Manning).

Level 2 INTERMEDIATE

1, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 2, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 3 Kal (Frances Whooley); 4 Shelley (Norma Steele); 5 Nugget (Sheila Winters); 6 Kavanaugh (Margaret Buckley); 7, Miley (Dave Finn)

Level 3 ADVANCED

1, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 2, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf)

We were very grateful to all who came to help set up the course at the start, and those who lent a hand with judging. Special thanks to Fiona Thurnell, an experienced judge with TREC GB, who joined us for the day to help out and judge at our local league event. Thanks also to Megan, Jill, & Adèle, all our competitors, and to Georgia & Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities.

The fantastic weather was a real bonus today, and our competitors were able to enjoy sea views over Roaring Water Bay and Carbery Hundred Isles. Thank you to all the competitors, helpers and officials, especially Adèle and Shirley, they did a wonderful job with the route and the bearing tickets.

Special thanks to Billy for the use of the farm and his stables. The latter was multi-functional today, being the map-room at the start, and the tea room at the end of the day. Riders and helpers were able to congregate there while waiting for the scores to be processed, munching on Adèle's buttery flapjacks and May's wonderful buttered tea brack , all washed down with tea or coffee.

Results:

Level 2A Individual: 1st Kaldavan Cookie (Judith Perrin), 2nd Trigger (Ellie Horgan).

Level 2A Pair: 1st Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley), 2nd Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran) and Diego (Niamh O'Carroll)

Level 1 Pair: 1st Faerietale Dreams (Karen Veicencio) and Mickey (Marlina Posthuma Quirke), 2nd Silversprings Sue (Mary Creedon) and Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon).

Special Competition Level 2A bearing Accuracy

1st Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley) 2nd Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley), 3rd Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran) and Diego (Niamh O'Carroll), 5th Kaldavan Cookie (Judith Perrin) and Trigger (Ellie Horgan).

West Cork TREC PTV Competition (Leg #4, Winter League)

Caherdaniel, Bantry, Co. Cork.

February 17th 2019

Level 3, Advanced class - 1, Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2, Lily (Patricia Kindler); 3, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley)

Level 2, Intermediate class - 1, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2, Ballyphillip Gold (Frances Whooley); 3, Goleen (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 4, Lily (Patricia Kindler); 5, Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke)

Level 1, Novice class - 1, Casper (Eimear Sheehan); 2, Paddy (Julie O'Neill); 3, Paddy (Sophie O'Sullivan); 4, Apachi (Margaret Manning); 5, Casper (Carla Rodriguez); 6, Casper (Zoe Higgins); 7, Tom (Adèle Connor)

We would like to thank Shirley Squire for taking on the role of Chef de Piste and designing the course, Bastian as Technical Delegate, and all our competitors, judges, helpers and spectators. Special thanks to Pat and Zora for the use of their facility.

Kerry Trec Ptv and Speed Trec Competition 19 Jan 2019

Intermediate

1st Paris 2/ Siobhan Wolf 131

2nd Nugget/ Sheila Winters 129

3rd Penny/ Maunza Heidtke 117

4th Molly / Elaine Dolan Crowley 106

5th Polly / Frances Whooley 92

6th=. Merlin / Elaine Waters 56

6th=. Mikaela / Bridget Sheeran 56

Beginner

1st Miley / Dave Finn 177

2nd Teddy / Phillippa Christie 174

3rd Jack / Claire Bunn 150

4th Skye / Liam Coughlan 149

5th Shelly / Norma Steele 139

6th Tom / Adele Connor 89

SPEED Trec

1st Molly / Elaine Dolan Crowley 2.03

2nd Nugget / Sheila Winters 2.06

3rd Penny / Maunza Heidtke 2.10

4th Paris 2 / Siobhan Wolf 2.24

5th Mikaela / Bridget Sheeran 2.32

6th Merlin/ Elaine Waters 2.38

7th Polly / Frances Whooley 2.49

Level 3 - Advanced

1st - Paddy (Annie O'Neill)

Level 2 - Intermediate

1st - Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2nd - Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 3rd - Diego (Niamh O'Carroll); 4th - Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 5th - Goleen (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 6th Lady (Tinso); 7th - Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran); 8th - Polly (Frances Whooley);

Not placed (out of competition) - Goleen (Bastian); Flower Power (Bastian)

Level 1 - Novice

1st - Clyde (Wayne Brealey);

Not placed - Frank (Linda Brealey)

We would like to thank our judges and helpers for their time today, and all our competitors, especially those waiting outside who got caught in the heavy downpours. Special thanks to Pippa for designing her first course, to our Technical Delegate Bastian, and also to Zora and Pat for the use of their indoor arena and facilities.

West Cork TREC PTV Competition (Leg #4, Summer League 2018.)

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Hollyhill, Bantry, Co. Cork

14 October 2018

Sunday 14th October 2018 was the final leg of West Cork TREC’s Summer League. Less than a week after the country had got a battering from Storm Callum and subsequent days of wet and miserable weather, the dawn broke to reveal a calm and dry day, with morning sunshine promising some reasonably warm conditions for a day in mid-October (although the wind started to pick up in the early afternoon, and occasionally blew a little on the bitter side).

The first of the horseboxes began arriving at Bantry Bay Pony Trekking Centre shortly before 10.45am, followed by another and another, with the yard quickly filling up. Riders, judges and helpers began to move obstacles into their place around the arena, spacing out slalom poles, setting up the s-bend, jump, footbridge and the other obstacles, under the instruction from the chef-de-piste and the technical delegate.

The start of the actual competition was delayed, during which time the chef-de-piste gave a course walk and explanation of obstacles which was of great benefit for competitors who were new or inexperienced in TREC PTV obstacles.

After judges and assistants were allocated their obstacles, the first competitor entered the arena and we were off… The first two obstacles, the ridden corridor and slalom, were fast and some of the riders managed to get a nice canter through both. Control was required immediately after the slalom as the rider had to slow to a walk to negotiate the footbridge. Around the corner from the footbridge was the reinback, with some riders cantering from a standstill out of the reinback to pop over a jump. Skill and control was required here to gather the horse again for mounted immobility without passing through or beyond the circle. A knotted rope strung between 2 jump stands sufficed for a gate next. The method required to open the gate, move the horse through and close the gate again without letting go is more or less the same whether it be a rope or solid gate. However, this was a strange and new design for many of our equines and their riders to face, and was not without some refusals. The ridden S-Bend was next, with the rider dismounting to do the next three obstacles in-hand. The last of these three was the in-hand gate – without the previous drama as all the horses and ponies followed their riders quite happily through. Mounting from the offside was next, some riders having to think really hard about which foot to raise up to the stirrup. Once mounted, the rider took a diagonal line across the arena over the fake ditch, another obstacle newly introduced to our group’s indoor repertoire of obstacles, and it was not without a few problems. Riders had to turn sharply after the ditch to get back to the footbridge for a second time, followed by both the slalom and ridden corridor again, allowing for a quick turn of speed through to the finish line.

There was a break after the intermediate level riders had finished, allowing those judging to go and get their horses ready, and those who had just completed their competition had to put their horses away so they could judge the novice riders. The course was the same for both levels, though heights and widths of certain obstacles are adjusted to reduce the level of difficulty.

Once the last rider had finished their round, the course was dismantled and put away – many hands make light work as the saying goes. Shortly afterwards, the scorer announced the results, and rosettes were handed out accordingly. Group photographs were taken, and a steady rumble of horseboxes heading home commenced.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day and we would like to thank Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their lovely indoor arena, we are very grateful to be able to use their facility. We would especially like to thank Siobhán Wolf for taking on the role of course designer (chef de piste) for the first time and for challenging our riders, Bastian for being our technical delegate, and Jill as organiser/scorer.

Results:

Level 2, Intermediate class - 1, Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 2, Teddy (Phillippa Christie); 3, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 4, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 5, Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 6, Polly (Frances Whooley);

Level 1, Novice class - 1, Ellie (Sylvi Rigden); 2, Minty (Delilah Roberts); 3, Girl (Majella O'Shea); 4, Génie (Solenn Méleu); 5, Lucy Lucky (Richard Creedon); 6, Tom (Adèle Connor);

LEINSTER TREC POR (Orienteering)

BALLINAGAPPA HOUSE STABLES

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Level 2A Individual – 1, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 2, Robert (Ailbhe Gavin).

Level 2A Pairs – 1, Kal (Francis Whooley) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2, Floss (Anna McCarthy) and Wombat (Keelan McCarthy).

Level 2 Individual – 1, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane).

Level 2 Pairs – 1, Jack (Katie Smyth) and Fanta (Rachael Smyth); 2, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke) and Rio (Natasha O’Rourke).

Level 1 Pairs – 1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Sherry (Maria Schweder); 2, Wilson (Judi Goor) and Charlie (Katie Egan) and Tango (Tina Fagg); 3, Dan (Laura Filan) and Sparky (Eithne O’Kelly).

TREC IRELAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2018.

THE FIELD EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, CO LAOIS, SUNDAY JULY 22ND

Sunday, 22nd July dawned bright and clear as riders prepared themselves and their mounts for the TREC Ireland National Championships. The venue was The Field Equestrian Centre at Ballyadams, in Co Laois, with the kind permission of Robert Owens and Kenna Chapman. The Field EC was the perfect setting for the Championships, with its fantastic all-weather cross country course and its surrounding forestry and scenic countryside. Leinster TREC were the hosts and organisers.

As a National Championships, all three phases of TREC were to be included in the competition and Chefs de Piste were Leinster TREC’s Paula Donohoe and Marie Gallagher and Traceurs for the POR were Sheila Fuller and Margaret Lynch. TD for the Championships was Bambi Carroll of Turas TREC.

The day started off with the MA (control of paces). This was laid out on part of the all-weather track, a lovely straight level stretch, but with the challenge of some jump obstacles and water feature alongside! This caused a few swerves and breaks in pace for some but many horses got decent scores here, giving them a good start to the day.

On then to the PTV (Obstacle) part of the competition, with its 16 Obstacles, planned by Paula Donohoe and Marie Gallagher This section started in the grassy paddocks and then continued onto and round the all-weather track. An excellent mixture of Style, Pace and Timed Obstacles meant that both rider and horse skills were challenged appropriately for a Championships. Obstacles included the Hedge, Gate, Shamrock, Water Crossing, S-bend, Mounting, Immobility (Ridden and In Hand), Footbridge and a final gallop to the Tree Trunk for those who wished! Several of the Obstacles also had a related difficulty, such as walking through water, and here riders and their mounts had an opportunity to show the partnership combination which is part of the original test for TREC.

After that test, riders presented their horses for a checkup, then had a welcome break before the afternoon’s challenge of the POR (Orienteering). Levels on the day were 2A, 2 and 1, both Individual and Pairs and there was also a non-Championships class.

So - Hi-Viz gear was put on horses and riders, fly masks, fly spray, fly fringes all attached and all prepared for the hot day and for the Equipment Check. Riders then entered the Maproom, copied their maps and set off on their routes. With the help of Robert Owens, owner of The Field EC with his local knowledge & contacts, the Traceurs Sheila Fuller and Margaret Lynch had managed to put together routes with lots of off-road for all Levels, with some wonderful views, old castle ruins and a walk around a lake. Also to help with the heat, checkpoints were supplied with water for the horses. And as a final surprise and to cool off horses’ legs, the last section of the route for all horses and riders was to enter and walk through a shallow forest stream for the last 250m back to the venue and final checkpoint.

Safely back at the venue, horses could be cooled off at the washbay before a rewarding haynet and rest. From then on, it was the Scorers, Brendan Gavin and Ros Lynch who were the busiest, as they compiled the rider’s results from the various sections, adding points and subtracting penalties to find the winning combinations.

In the meantime, several presentations were made. A raffle took place for all helpers on the day, to thank them for giving so generously of their time. And presentations were made of horse/rider gear to Kirsten and Kayleigh McCormack, who will be representing Ireland at the Young Rider FITE Euromondial Championships in Italy in August this year.

Finally, the Results were out, the Championships places decided and the prize giving could take place. Trophies, rosettes & prizes from TREC Ireland were awarded to all who were placed in each class and a special crystal presentation prize was generously given by sponsor Patricia Foley of Ballyglass Farms to the winners of each class.

All who helped to make the day such a success were gratefully thanked and applauded and finally, tired but happy riders and horses made their way home to all parts of Ireland.

Results:

Level 2A Individual – 1, Strandhill Batman (Kirsten McCormack); 2, Robert (Ailbhe Gavin); 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson).

Level 2A Pairs – 1, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor) and Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 2, Ballycumber Blue (Katie Elwood) and Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington) and Polly (Siobhan Wolf); 4, Juno (Trish Young) and Ginger (Sonia Serramia Ruiz).

Level 2 Individual – 1, Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters); 2, Amber Sky (Patrick Byrne).

Level 1 Individual – 1, Coolroe Gold (Diana O’Huid); 2, Kedra Hugo Boss (Liz Burbage); 3, West Joey (Louise Parkes); 4, Trigger (Ellie Horgan).

Level 1 Pairs – 1, Cedergardim Ocean (Siobhan Ovington) and Teddy (Phillippa Christie); 2, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Sherry (Maria Schweder); 3, Apache (Joanne Robb) and Ringo (Lauren Robb).

Non-Championship Pairs – 1, Ballyphilip Gold (Ann Little) and Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2, Townend Lionheart (Chloe Brophy) and Rizzo (Sophie Crow); 3, Crosskennan Jethro (Ali Shields) and Zuko (Kerry Neill); 4, Maggie (Marissa Elliott) and Riley (Neil Kearns).

 

Kilrussane, Knockraha, Co. Cork

23-24 June 2018

Overall Results

Level 3 Individual - 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Marty Zee (Bambi Carroll); 3, Winnie (Sandra Schmid);

Level 2A Individual - 1, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington);

Level 2 Individual - 1, Ballycumber Blue (Katie Ellwood);

Level 2 Pairs - 1, Ballyphillip Gold (Judith Perrin) and Polly (Siobhán Wolf); 2, Shady (Lucy Murphy) and Teddy (Phillippa Christie);

Level 1 Individual - 1, Trigger (Ellie Horgan);

Level 1 Pairs - 1, Kleine Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Casanova Kenry (Mags O'Riordan); 2, Walty (Samantha Payne Murphy) and Silver Spring Sia (Mary Creedon); 3, Cedargardim Ocean (Siobhán Ovington) and Lackagh Oscar (Helen McCormack); 4, Rocky (Maria O'Mahony) and Slieve Rushen Warrior (Shirley Squire);

Special Categories

Best POR - Kleine Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Casanova Kenry (Mags O'Riordan);

Best MA - Ballyclough Nugget (Sheila Winters);

Best PTV - Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack);

Best Young Rider - Trigger (Ellie Horgan);

West Cork TREC would like to thank our sponsors (Bluegrass Feeds, Dairygold, Equine Partnership, O'Briens Saddlery, Ryall & O'Mahony, Southern Farm & Fuel Supplies, Toymaster Ballincollig, Wolf Physical Therapy & Acupuncture Clinic, Zilco, and anonymous donors) for their generosity and lovely prizes. We would also like to say thank you to the Whooley family for the use of their farm as our venue for the weekend; to the local landowners for allowing us access across their land; to all the competitors and volunteers; and to the event officials Frances Whooley (Traceur), Adèle Connor (Chef de Piste) and Bastian (Technical Delegate).

PTV competition

 

Sunday 10-06-18

 

West Cork TREC Summer League leg #2

 

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Bantry, Co. Cork.

 

 

Novice - Level 1

 

1st Minty (Delilah Roberts); 2nd Spotty (Anna Sofie Haffner); 3rd Ellie (Sylvi Rigden); 4th Teddy (Karen Hickey); 5th Misty (Victoria Haffner); 6th Molly (Eileen Cronin)

 

 

Intermediate - Level 2

 

1st Flower Power (Bastian); 2nd Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 3rd Teddy (Philippa Christie); 4th Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley); 5th Hazel (Kate Sheehan)

 

 

Congratulations to all the competitors for coming to our league event. Thanks to Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities, to Megan as chef de piste, and to the judges, helpers and spectators for making this such a lovely TREC day out.

 

 

Our next event is our Midsummer event, which will be a 2-day, 3-phase event held over the weekend of 23/24 June at a lovely venue in Kilrussane, Glanmire, Cork, just off the M8 motorway. The first day is the POR (orienteering) phase, with routes through rolling countryside, quiet roads, forestry and local bye ways. The second day is for the MA (control of paces) and the PTV (obstacles) phases. Entries are being accepted for the full 2-day event or just a single day (choose either Day 1 or Day 2). Closing date has been extended until Friday 15th June. Please email [email protected] for the schedule.

 

We will not be able to run a Summer League event in July, but we shall be back running more events for the Summer League in August and September, so please keep an eye out on our Facebook page for news of upcoming events. We would also like to wish the best of luck to our members who will be travelling to compete in the TREC Ireland National Championships at The Field Equestrian Centre, Monascreeban, Co. Laois on 22nd July 2018.

LOUGHWAY STUD

SUNDAY, APRIL 29TH 

Level 3 Individual – 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayeigh McCormack); 2, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 3, Riley (Sonia Serramia Ruis); 4, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane); 5, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 6, Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington).

Level 3 Pairs – equal 1, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith) and Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor) and Duck Quack (Keelan McCarthy) and Floss (Anna McCarthy).

Level 2 Pairs- 1, Apache (Susanne O’Rourke) and Rio (Natasha O’Rourke). 

Level 1 Individual - 1, Haize (Marie Gallagher); 2, Song of Sixpence (Pauline Crosby).

Level 1 Pairs – 1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) and Sherry (Pawel Suchocki) 2, Dan (Laura Filan) and Sparky (Eithne O’Kelly); 3, Cedergardim Ocean (Siobhan Ovington) and Lackagh Oscar (Helen McCormack).

West Cork TREC Winter League

Leg 6 - PTV competition

Venue: Bantry Bay Pony Trekking, Hollyhill, Bantry, Co. Cork

Date: 08-04-2018

A bright and airy new indoor arena was the perfect setting for the final leg of our winter league. We had a very good turnout, and were delighted to welcome some new faces to our competition. The day was dry too, a welcome change to the recent deluges, and riders were grateful to be able to stay dry while warming up in an outdoor arena and waiting for their turn.

Not everything went to plan though. A flat tyre on the horsebox at the yard delayed the chef de piste and company. Attempts to pump the tyre were unsuccessful so they had to unhitch and change boxes before setting off on their 40 mile journey to the event. Thanks to some quick thinking and modern technology, they were able to send a photo of the course layout ahead before they left Castletownbere so that members could begin building the course while they were still en route.

Once the course was complete, another 15 mins was allowed for the riders to walk the course. There were 8 obstacles to be done twice to make it up to a course of 16 obstacles. The order for the day was Level 3 (Advanced), Level 1 (Novice), Level 2 (Intermediate).

The first Level 3 rider was called down from the practice arena, and it immediately became obvious the course was not as innocent as it looked. The spacing and positioning of some of the obstacles meant the riders had to be smart about their approach to the next obstacle, especially if they wanted to negotiate it at the higher gaits. The second obstacle was the ridden corridor but a short approach meant many didn't attempt the canter needed to get full marks. The fifth obstacle, the one-handed figure of eight tripped up some riders, and a few were caught out for not releasing the reins before the horse's front feet passed the entrance cones. The in-hand footbridge was another obstacle giving trouble - while some horses trustingly followed their rider across, others were perhaps not quite so willing.

There were 22 entries in total across the 3 classes, though some of these were repeat rounds and marked out of competition accordingly. The results were announced about 15-20 mins after the last rider had completed the course, and rosettes for 1st to 3rd places for each level were handed out.

We would like to extend a huge thanks to Georgia Shiels and Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their lovely new arena, set very nicely on the hill overlooking the pond and cross-country course. We gratefully thank Bastian who, although was not able to attend the competition, transported some of the obstacles we needed to the venue the day beforehand. Last but not least, our thanks to the judges, competitors and all who attended making this a lovely day.

Level 1 Novice

1st Shelly (Norma Steele); 2nd Misty (Victoria Haffner); 3rd Paddy (Julie O'Neill); 4th Ellie (Sylvi Rigden); 5th Spotty (Anna Sofie Haffner); joint 6th Sia (Mary Creedon) and Oatie (Christina Doyle); 8th Clyde (Wayne Brealey); 9th The Dark Raider (Anna Polly)

Level 2 Intermediate

1st Pepper (Shana van Bellinghen); 2nd Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 3rd Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 4th Grace (Shirley Squire); 5th Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley)

Level 3 Advanced

1st Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2nd Winnie (Sandra Schmid); 3rd Hazel (Kate Sheehan); 4th Hazel (Lorea O'Sullivan)

LEINSTER TREC MA/PTV/Speed TREC

COILOG EC

SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH

Level 3 MA/PTV - 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack) 173; 2, Callie (Lorna O’Neill) 122; 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson) 121; 4, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane) 104.

Level 2 MA/PTV - 1, Cheyenne (Karina McVey) 190; 2, April Raven (Rachel Harney) 185; 3, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith) 165; 4, Apache (Natasha O’Rourke) 144; 5, Ballycumber Blue (Katie Ellwood) 142; 6, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack) 130.

Level 1 MA/PTV - 1, Arabella Baby Blue (Robyn Caterall) 181; 2, Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan) 165; 3, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder) 150; 4, Freelancer (Louise Parkes) 148; 5, Dan (Laura Filan) 142: 6, Rio (Niall O’Rourke) 130.

Level 3 Speed TREC – 1, Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack).

Level 2 Speed TREC – 1, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 2, Lackagh Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 4, Ballycumber Blue (Katie Ellwood); 5, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 6, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor).

Best Overall MA – Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh).

Best Overall PTV – April Raven (Rachel Harney).

Best Overall Speed TREC – Carlanstown Kid (Kayleigh McCormack).

TREC NORTH 2 PHASE PTV & MA

24th March 2018

 Ali's Place, Tobermore, Co Derry

1, Arabella (ROBYN CATTERALL) 156

2, Rizzo ( SOPHIE CROW) 127

3=, Townend Lionheart (CHLOE BROPHY) 123 & Tabs (JENNIFER HAMILL) 123

5, Summer (KIM FIELDS) 116

6, Bella J (AVA STUBBS) 106

7, Blue (KIM MURPHY) 100

8, Molly (LYNDSAY BARNETT) 93

9, Arrab (RIO MCDONNELL) 84

On Saturday, 24 th March, in lovely sunny Spring weather, Leinster TREC held a ridden POR training day. This was part of a series designed to assist riders at Level 2 who wish to either improve their skills at that level or progress to Level 3 competition. TREC trainer Bambi Carroll, a Level 4 International rider, travelled to Coolmine EC in Co Dublin to give the benefits of her experience & skills to the riders.

The day started with each rider measuring their horse’s stride number, over a distance of 50 metres, in both walk and trot. This is essential for knowing how far to travel if asked: ‘On a Bearing of 185° ride for a distance of 75 metres’. Riders then continued with a series of different Bearings routes laid out throughout the acres of the equestrian centre. Riders had the opportunity to try to follow the detailed instructions for each set of Bearings, learning how to sit on the back of a moving horse while using their compass at the same time. It was a great opportunity in a training environment to be able to take time to return and repeat a step, if any rider was unsure of their accuracy.

After the morning spent on Bearings, riders and horses returned to the venue for a welcome break. Bambi then started the afternoon session with theory practice on maps in the venue’s conference centre. Riders were given lots of hints and tips and then were asked to copy map routes within a given time and also to check their ability to locate gridpoints on a map.

The day then ended with riders and horses heading out from the equestrian centre on a short route to put into practice all the skills they had learned. Similar to a competition day, they were given a map and instruction sheet with a set of Gridpoints to mark on it before leaving the venue and riding to each point in turn, using their compasses and looking for tickets to write down on the way. All riders and horses completed this part very successfully and the day ended on a high note.

Leinster TREC are very grateful to Bambi for giving her time and expertise for the benefit of all the riders who gained enormously from the whole day.

TREC IRELAND

WEST CORK TREC WINTER LEAGUE LEG 5

CAHERDANIEL, BANTRY

SUNDAY, MARCH 11TH

Level 1 - Novice

1st Paddy (Julie O'Neill); 2nd Winnie (Bethany Gouldsmith); 3rd Teddy (Pippa Christie); 4th Rocky (Maria Mahony); 5th Sam (Catherine Devlin); 6th Pearl (Anna Polly)

Level 2 - Intermediate

1st Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 2nd Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 3rd Grace (Shirley Squire); 4th Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley); 5th Lady (Agustin Rodriguez Villanueva);

Level 3 - Advanced

1st Templebready Poppy (Lorea O'Sullivan); 2nd Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 3rd Cornflake (Martha Norton); 4th Flora (Sandra Schmid); 5th Shady (Lucy Murphy)

Many thanks to the riders, to chef de piste Annie for the lovely course, and all the judges, helpers and spectators. Special thanks to Pat and Zora for the use of the arena.

Results West Cork TREC Winter League (Leg 4)

D-TREC Competition

Sunday 18th February 2018

Cashelane Stud, Durrus, Co. Cork

Novice Level

1st Pearl (Anna Polly); 2nd Sia (Mary Creedon); 3rd Derrivara Isabella (Christina Doyle); 4th Chess (Catherine Devlin)

Intermediate Level

1st Paris II (Siobhán Wolf); 2nd Grace (Shirley Squire); 3rd Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 4th Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley)

Open Level

1st Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2nd Templebready Poppy (Lorea O'Sullivan)