West Cork News July 2021

 By W Bastian

 West Cork TREC is back on track! With the start of Covid 19 pandemic in Ireland in 2020 and the following restrictions, holding events was not possible or very limited.

The last event before the first lockdown was a compass bearing training in Glengarriff woods.

On 4th of October, when the restrictions had been temporarily eased, west Cork TREC was able to run a One Day Event at Whooley’s farm in Kilrussane, Knockraha. Despite very bad weather conditions, heavy wind and rain, the competing riders could finish all 3 phases of the competition with Frances Whooley as Traceur, and Bastian as Chef de Piste and Technical Delegate.

Since the country was slowly reopening for sports activities, including equestrian events, West Cork TREC responded immediately with organising events.

• 30.05.2021 POR training at Billy Wolf’s farm in Ballydehob.

Bastian did a short compass bearing refresher training before riders started out on the POR route, traced by Ian Squire and Bastian with a lot of off road riding across the Mizen peninsula. The riders enjoyed a sunny day with magnificent views.

• 27.06.2021 MA/PTV training at Creedon’s farm in Macroom.

The riders, were divided into two groups. One group had MA training with Bastian as trainer, and the other group had the PTV training with Frances Whooley and Elaine Dolan Crowley as trainers at the four new TREC Ireland obstacles, the “Slalom Ridden one handed”, the “Ridden One handed Corridor”, the “One handed Figure of Eight Style” and the “Ticket Punch”

After one hour the groups changed over. Following a lunch break, a PTV practice run was started over a 16 obstacle course ,designed by Chef de Piste Adele Connor.

Again we had a lovely sunny day and West Cork TREC wants to thank the Creedon family, for permission to use their land, and for all their support.

• 18.07.2021 MA/PTV Training at Whooley’s farm in Knockraha.

The training was organised in the same format as the one at Macroom with the same trainers. The PTV course was this time designed by Frances Whooley with the help of Elaine Dolan Crowley. At 28* Celsius, the heat was a challenge for horses and riders, but all had a great day with a lot of training and practice.

Our new timing system for the MA and the new long distance walkie/talkies, generously funded by the Irish Sports Capital Programme, worked perfectly.

A big “Thank you” to the venue owners, our event secretary Jill Davies, the event officials and the helpers.

Future Events:

• 31.07./01.08.2021 Leinster TREC: 3 phase competition in Lacken, Blessington, Equestrian Centre.

• 29.08.2021 Leinster TREC: POR Level 1,2,3 at Donard Co Wicklow

• 12.09 and 10.09.2021 West Cork TREC: 3 phase competition, PTV on 12.09 at Bastian’s, Glengariff followed by POR L1,2,3 on 19.09, at Whooley’s farm Kilrussane Knockraha.