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).

LEINSTER TREC – HORSEMANSHIP WEEKEND (16/17 June, 2018).

 

The excitement levels were high and the atmosphere was electric as a host of riders arrived on the Friday afternoon at Spruce Lodge EC in Co Wicklow for Leinster TREC’s very first Horsemanship Weekend, over the 16th and 17th June, 2018.

 

Organised by Caroline Aragane, the Keogh family’s wonderful facilities were perfect for the various training sessions throughout the weekend. A magnificent all-weather arena, part of which includes X-country obstacles and a water complex, was the principle centre of action. And for non-riding activities, a conference room for the scheduled talks and canteen facilities for refreshments on site were also provided. Furthermore, top class stabling for the horses meant that riders could have everything to hand for the whole weekend.

 

Day One (Saturday) started with riders being divided into 2 groups, according to their TREC level and skills, ready for their 1.5 hour session. One group went with Nicky Mummery (HSI Level 1 coach & biomechanics practitioner) to practice PTV Obstacles around the water complex while the other group accompanied Orlaith Delamere (HSI Level 2 coach and 2* Event rider) to the other half of the huge arena to polish up their flatwork and way of going.

 

Nicky’s first focus was on the riders’ position and the biomechanics of this in relation to the horse’s movement. After helping riders to make a few adjustments and also practicing how to ride a light seat, it was time to start the obstacles.

First was the Water Crossing, which was tackled by a confident horse ‘buddying’ one with less experience. This was a very successful technique and very rapidly all horses were happily striding through water by themselves with no hesitation.

Next came the Step Up, and again to build confidence, horses started with a small Step and then moved to a higher one, with no problems. On to the Ridden Drop next and at this point, some excitement began to creep in, with some horses doing it calmly whereas others clearly thought it essential to leap off! However, the calm atmosphere and lots of repetition meant that all finally took it in good style. Nicky’s reminder to ‘Look Up!’ was a frequently heard comment.

Next came the Hedge, with 2 pretty troughs of flowers underneath. But they were no problem to any of these horses, who all took the obstacle beautifully. And finally, on to the Ditch. This was approached in small steps again, to build confidence. The riders who wished to do it In Hand first were encouraged to have a go and then mount and try it Ridden. Others who were more confident or experienced tackled it straight away. By the end, all riders had successfully jumped over the Ditch and it was a great way to end the morning session on a high note.

 

Meanwhile, Orlaith had also started her group preparing for their flatwork session. She first asked how long each rider had owned their horse and also about the horse’s background. Then she checked on the riders’ position and contact through the reins, giving some correction and advice to each. As the lesson progressed, Orlaith encouraged riders to keep moving forward in a good rhythm, while keeping straight on the long sides of the arena and using a nice bend around cones placed at intervals. She also used plenty of transitions up and down through the paces, to help horse and rider keep their focus and improve their whole way of going, while all the time commenting and suggesting on how riders might help the horse go better. By the end of the session, it was noticeable how well the whole group were moving and the improvement in both horses and riders.

 

Everyone was more than ready for refreshments after that. Horses were comfortably stabled with their lunch while riders headed for the Canteen where Caroline’s Mother and her friend, Marion and Liz, and daughter Jess, had prepared a multitude of delicious sandwiches and cakes for all, which were eagerly devoured (Thank You!).

 

On then to the next session of the day I the Conference room, a talk by William Micklem, entitled ‘Going over the E.D.G.E.’. This 2 hour session, which flew by, was truly inspirational. Drawing on his life experience and using research and quotes from many reputable organisations and individuals, William summarised his findings into a simple acronym:

E= Enquiring – develop an enquiring mind, keep asking questions. Learn. Have a GO!

D= Demanding – keep stretching yourself. Have another GO.

G= Generous – cherish difference. Cherish your own skills. Have empathy. Have another GO.

E= Empowerment, the total of the above three together.

And many of those present thought his best quote was ‘Inch by Inch, life’s a cinch, yard by yard, life is hard’ and riders could be heard quoting this one to each other throughout the rest of the weekend, such was the impact of William’s excellent and motivational talk.

 

Back in the saddle then, for the afternoon sessions and this time the two groups swopped over, with Nicky taking the flatwork group from the morning to now work on their PTV Obstacles and Orlaith taking over the PTV group in order to improve their flatwork.

Serious faces and great concentration were observed as riders endeavoured to make the most out of these coaching opportunities, also inspired further by William’s lunchtime talk.

 

End of the day’s training, and tired horses and riders returned to stables to bed down (horses!). Riders refreshed themselves and then met up for a meal in Micky Finn’s Pub in Redcross village, where a Spanish Tapas night with delicious food and authentic live music was included in the weekend’s entertainment. And so to bed, ready for the next day.

 

Day Two (Sunday) started with Nicky’s group continuing with the TREC PTV Obstacles, this day including the Low Branches, the Slalom, One-Handed Figure of Eight and the S-bend. As before, all obstacles were tackled ‘step by step’ so that success was experienced at all times, many horses for example ending up cantering the Low Branches successfully. And during the session, horses once more had opportunities to refresh the previous day’s obstacles so the Water Crossing, Ditch and Hedge were also practiced. By the end of the session, confidence was really high with both horses and riders working as a team to successfully complete the obstacles, and the more experienced riders getting chances to tackle bigger obstacles as well.

 

Meanwhile, Orlaith’s group had moved on to a Jumping session with a large number of poles and jumps laid out around the huge arena. Following on from the previous day’s approach, steady progress was the order of the day to achieve success. Orlaith started with a series of trotting poles, either on a straight line or after a turn. As horses and riders got their eye in and rhythm developed, she progressed to working on turns into a jump followed by a dog leg to another. All done with trotting poles at first, followed very soon after by raising each jump to X-poles. This having been successfully jumped, Orlaith then made each into an upright, and it was really obvious how this steady approach led to success as each horse and rider confidently tackled the jumps and managed to cope with the dogleg turns. By the end of the session, the more experienced riders also had the opportunity to jump higher jumps, with cheers and yippees being heard after each successful clear, as onlookers and riders enjoyed their achievements.

 

On then again to another delicious lunch in the canteen. And this time the talk in the Conference Room was by Joe Tobin, Master Farrier, entitled ‘Your Horse’s Feet’. Joe has a wealth of experience and knowledge gained over 30 years and he also judges at the RDS as well as internationally. He brought along a collection of over 40 different horseshoes used for many purposes and explained how many could help the horse. He also had some sections of legs and hoofs and it was a revelation to actually see the inside structures in reality, rather than as a diagram in a book. Joe was a very entertaining speaker, who had a wealth of anecdotes gained over the years, and the time flew by as he answered many questions from his fascinated audience, who gratefully thanked him for his time and patience.

 

Finally, back in the saddle once more for the last session of the weekend. And as before, Nicky and Orlaith swopped groups and the afternoon sessions were a repeat of the morning’s ones, for the different groups. Despite the demands of the whole weekend, both horses and riders were still willing and able to find the energy to get the most out of their training. Even the weather co-operated and what had been some rain in the morning turned into a fine hot sunny afternoon to finish on a high note.

 

So the whole weekend ended with smiling faces and high spirits. Everyone had a great time and learned a huge amount, gaining in confidence and partnership with their horses. Sincere thanks go to Caroline Aragane and her family for organising a seamlessly perfect weekend for horses and riders, to the two trainers Nicky and Orlaith for their excellent coaching, to the two excellent speakers, William Micklem and Joe Tobin, and to the Keogh family for the use of their truly wonderful facilities at Spruce Lodge EC.

-- Sheila Fuller

 

 

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.

The beginning of a new season can be daunting in any equestrian sport and equally so in TREC. It is particularly difficult for riders hoping to move up the ranks to the higher levels. There are four levels beginning with the entry Level 1 with a maximum of 15km orienteering and 60cm jump height. At this level riders get a taste of what TREC is all about, spending lots of quality time with their horse and enjoying different parts of the countryside, while challenging their own and their horse's orienteering skills. Then moving on to level 2 where the distances and heights increase somewhat with slightly more technically challenging orienteering routes and PTV obstacles. There is a big leap from Level 2 to Level 3 and a rider moving up to Level 3 needs to be adept at using their compass and measuring distances both on their map and while riding their route on the ground. No mean feat !

This season TREC Ireland and Leinster TREC came together with a series of training events aimed at building rider confidence and helping riders move up the levels especially that challenging leap from Level 2 to Level 3. It started with an on foot day back in March facilitated by Niamh OhUid and Ailbhe Gavin where riders began to become acquainted with their compass and measuring distances and finding themselves on the map if they were "lost" ! This was without the added difficulty of being on the horse. This challenge came at the second training session at Coolmine Equestrian Centre this time facilitated by Bambi Carroll and Sheila Fuller. Here the horse was added into the mix. This gave riders the opportunity to put into practice what they had learned at the first session and discover areas that needed a little more work.

The third training session with Niamh OhUid and Diana O'Huid in April was around the Maproom. This is a critical time for the orienteering competitor who has a very limited duration in the Maproom to copy down their route from a master map onto a map which they will carry with them to find their way. If they don't get the route copied correctly or if they don't have enough time to copy the whole route they are lost before they begin !! There was an excellent turnout for this evening session where alongside nurturing Level 2 to Level 3 riders, riders new to TREC were also introduced to orienteering. There was a fantastic turnout of aspiring TRECCIES that evening.

 

 

 

The fourth step was to set riders the challenge of a competition, something which would not scare them off but build on that confidence which was increasing with each session. This was held at Loughway Stud in Timahoe at the end of April and Sheila Fuller set the routes guided by Gwen Bastien as TD. It was a very successful event with most of the Level 3 riders riding at this level for the very first time and nearly all of the riders new to TREC who attended the Maproom Training taking on the challenge of their first orienteering competition. Confidence was definitely building as riders were talking about entering the Open Championships at a higher level than they would normally ride !

Now it's on to the FINALE, the TREC Ireland Open Championships at Slieve Aughty in Loughrea, hosted by Turas TREC. Championship competitions are by nature much more challenging than a local competition so the bar is well and truly raised. Despite this there was lots of enthusiasm from riders now armed with new skills and there were riders from the training entering at all levels up to level 3 individual. Bambi Carroll and The Turas TREC team, guided by Adrian Flynn as TD, had truly challenging routes planned which were a delight to ride and lots of fun. This was also a lovely opportunity for riders from all the regions of Ireland and beyond (England, Scotland Wales and the USA) to come together and mix and mingle, sharing experiences and helping each other discussing difficult areas on the routes and more. ALL of the riders who attended the training were placed with some winning their classes and one of our Newbees to POR Ulrike Schweder came away with the Orla O'Reilly Memorial Shield for best Newcomer. Keyleigh McCormack came away with the Grangeclare Cup for the highest scoring Irish rider at level 3.

 

A truly successful Training Series !!

 

Wesst Cork TREC Speed TREC

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking

27th May 2018

Novice - Level 1

1st Michaela (Bridget Sheeran); 2nd The Dark Raider (Anna Polly); 3rd Misty (Victoria Haffner); 4th Misty (Anna Sofie Haffner); 5th Brownie (Lucy O'Connor); 6th Bravo (Teresa Evans)

 

Intermediate - Level 2

1st Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley); 2nd Teddy (Philippa Christie); 3rd Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley); 4th Flower Power (Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 5th Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 6th Kavanaugh (Margaret Buckley)

 

Advanced - Level 3

1st Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2nd Dr Pepper Sun (Shana van Bellinghen)

 

 

Many thanks to Georgia and Bantry Bay Pony Trekking for the use of their facilities, and to all the competitors and helpers for coming along and making the day run smoothly, and to Bastian, for designing a course that rode so well and created some interesting challenges.

Slieve Aughty Equestrian Centre

11-13 May 2018

Level 1 Individual

1. Shalamar Black Velvet (Jacinta Kinkade)

2. Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder)

3. Cassanova Kenry (Mag O'Riordan)

4. Frankie (Tracie Burroughs)

Level 1 Pairs

1. Slieve Aughty Grey (Carmel O'Callaghan) and Slieve Aughty Spring (Annie Ward McLaughlin)

2. Slieve Aughty Pinto (Kerry Neill) and Apache (Joanne Robb)

3. Cedergardim Ocean (Siobhan Ovington) and Lackagh Oscar (Helen McCormack)

Level 2 Individual

1. Ballycumber Blue (Katie Ellwood)

2. Amber Sky (Patric Byrne)

Level 2 Pairs

1. Paris II (Siobhan Wolf) and Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley)

2. Nugget (Sheila Winters) and Ballingarry Badger (Anne-Marie Cronin)

3. Haize (Marie Gallagher) and Surprise (Paula Donohue)

Level 2A Individual

1. April Raven (Rachel Harney)

2. Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington)

3. Johnny (Mary Harcourt)

Level 2A Pairs

1. Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor) and Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith)

2. Rushams Golden (Antje Keller) and Schalke Blue Rocco (Sabine Linka)

3. Floss (Anna McCarthy) and Duck (Keelan McCarthy)

Level 3 Individual

1. Apache (Jo McCormack)

2. Wooda (Sarah Thurnell)

3. Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack)

4. Batman (Kirsten McCormack)

5. Lissataggle Black Pearl (Elaine Waters)

6. Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson)

7. Riley (Sonia Serramia Ruiz)

Level 3 Pairs

1. Lissatagle Ebony (Karen Nicholson) and Penny (Maunza Heidtke)

Level 4 Individual

1. Cricket (Shiela Watson)

2. Slieve Aughty Panache (Dot Still)

3. Lily Langtree (Kate Gillam)

4. Slieve Aughty Tinka (Hilary Bernard)

5. Slieve Aughty Mag (Sue Lee)

6. Pippy (Mairead Moynihan)

Grangeclare Cups (Highest Placed Irish Rider)

Level 1

Shalamar Black Velvet (Jacinta Kinkade)

Level 2

Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley)

Level 2A

Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor)

Level 3

Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack)

Level 4

Pippy (Mairead Moynihan)

MA Leaders

1. Cricket (Shiela Watson)

2. Apache (Jo McCormack)

3. Wooda (Sarah Thurnell)

4. Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley)

5. Nugget (Sheila Winters)

6. April Raven (Rachel Harney)

European Cup

1. Cricket (Shiela Watson)

2. Slieve Aughty Panache (Dot Still)

3. Lily Langtree (Kate Gillam)

4. Slieve Aughty Tinka (Hilary Bernard)

5. Slieve Aughty Mag (Sue Lee)

Young Riders Leaders

Level 3

Apache (Jo McCormack)

Level 2A

Piccolo Boy (Bobbie Ovington)

Orla O'Reilly Memorial Shield for Best Newcomer

Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder)

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)

In March, we are starting with D TREC @ Loughway Stud on the 4th. This is a mixture of dressage movements and obstacles with rosettes and prizes sponsored by Feaha Moore of Loughway Stud. Entry form, Poster and Tests will be sent out shortly. Suitable for all levels.

On 11th March - an event taught by International TREC riders. It will consist of on foot off road and bearings training in Punchestown and surrounding area. This will be for people who have some level 2a/3 experience and also those looking to move up. Time will be allowed at the start to teach people how to follow the map using their compass, how to measure distances and also how to complete a bearings section.

All of the above, followed on the 24th March with POR training from Bambi Carroll, another International TREC rider.This is for those L2 riders who wish to advance to L3 and also for those L2 riders who wish to enhance their skills.

Details will be circulated before the events.

TREC IRELAND

LEINSTER TREC

WINTER PTV LEAGUE

BALLINAGAPPA HOUSE STABLES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH

Open - 1, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 2, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 4, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 5, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 6, April Raven (Rachel Harney)

Novice – 1, Gloria (Rachel Woollett); 2, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder); 3, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); Equal 4, Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan) and Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 5, Dan (Laura Filan); 6, Kinnaveeilish Socks (Margaret Lynch)

Top Score PTV – 1, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 2, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 3, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 4, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 5, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor)

Accumulator PTV – 1, Freelancer (Louise Parkes); 2, Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Gloria (Rachel Woollett); 4, Dan (Laura Filan); 5, Rushaun Milly (Eileen Maguire); 6, Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan)

Open PTV League Final – 1, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 3, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 4, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 5, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 6, April Raven (Rachel Harney)

Novice PTV League Final – 1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder); 2, Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 4, Rio (Natasha O’Rourke); 5, Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan); 6, Dan (Niamh Fitzpatrick)

TREC IRELAND

WEST CORK TREC WINTER LEAGUE

CAHERDANIEL, BANTRY

SUNDAY, January 21ST

Level 1 - NOVICE

1st - Pearl (Anna Polly); 2nd - Paddy (Julie O'Neill); 3rd - Mikaela (Bridget Sheeran); 4th - Lady (Tinso)

Level 2 - INTERMEDIATE

1st - Molly (Elaine Dolan-Crowley); 2nd - Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 3rd - Ballyphilip Gold (Frances Whooley); 4th - Kildavan Cookie (Judith Perrin)

Level 3 - ADVANCED

1st - Paddy (Annie O'Neill); 2nd - Hazel (Kate Sheehan); 3rd - Templebready Poppy (Lorea O'Sullivan)

TREC IRELAND

LEINSTER TREC

WINTER PTV/SPEED TREC LEAGUE

BALLINAGAPPA HOUSE STABLES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 TH

Open

1, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 2, Haise (Marie Gallagher); 3, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 4, Ben (Margo Monaghan); 5, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 6, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane).

Novice

1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Schweder); 2, Sinatra (Karina Kerrigan); 3, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith); 4, Rushaun Milly (Eileen Maguire); Equal 5, Kinnaveekish Socks (Margaret Lynch) & Bonnie (Sheila Shanley); 6, Bella (Trish Carey).

Speed TREC

1, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 2, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Ben (Margo Monaghan); 4, Cheyenne (Karina McVeigh); 5, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 6, Ross ML (Caroline Aragane).

Speed TREC League Final

1, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Bob (Ailbhe Gavin); 3, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 4, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 5, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 6, Surprise (Paula Donohoe).

TREC IRELAND

WEST CORK TREC WINTER LEAGUE

CASHELANE, DURRUS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 TH

Level 3 – 1, Paddy (Annie O’Neill).

Level 2 Intermediate - 1, Cookie (Judith Perrin); 2, Paris II (Siobhan Wolf); 3, Flower Power

(Marlina Posthuma Quirke); 4, Molly (Elaine Dolan Crowley).

Level 1 Novice – 1, The Dark Raider (Anna Polly); 2, Micaela (Bridget Sheeran); 3, Kal (Aoife

Buckley); 4, Clyde (Wayne Brealey).

TREC IRELAND

LEINSTER TREC

WINTER PTV/SPEED TREC LEAGUE

BALLINAGAPPA HOUSE STABLES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD

Open - 1, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 2, Gallarus Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 3, Haise

(Marie Gallagher); 4, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 5, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 6, Surprise

(Paula Donohoe).

Novice – 1, Kleiner Onkel (Ulrike Scheder); 2, Oscar (Kirsten McCormack); 3, Rio (Natasha

O’Rourke); 4, Boynehall Benny (Sheaffe Monteith) 5, Bonnie (Sheila Shanley); 6, Rushaun

Milly (Eileen Maguire)

Speed TREC – 1, April Raven (Rachel Harney); 2, Caspian (Kayleigh McCormack); 3, Gallarus

Boy (Rosemarie Bryson); 4, Regal Ivy (Celia Taylor); 5, Surprise (Paula Donohoe).