What is TREC?

TREC stands for Techniques de Randonnée Équestre de Compétition, which roughly translates as "competition of the techniques of riding out in the countryside".  It originated in France and was designed to test the competency of professional horse-trekking guides. It has grown into an international equestrian sport.  FITE (Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Équestre) is the governing body of TREC and has 20 countries affiliated to it, including Ireland.

TREC is a three phase equestrian discipline, and is suitable for all types of horses and riders.  A TREC competition would usually be held over two days, but may be held over a single day and may comprise of just one, two or all three phases.
 
There are 4 levels of difficulty in TREC competitions.  Level 1 is for beginners,  the orienteering route is shorter and needs only basic skills in map reading.  Level 2 is for more advanced riders. The route is longer and more difficult to navigate. Levels 3 and 4 require even more skills,  the orienteering distances are much longer, and the technicality of the route is increased, the obstacles are higher and their set up tests the experienced riders.

Tell me more about the three phases of TREC.

The three phases in TREC, outlined in brief below, are POR (orienteering on horseback), MA (control of paces) and PTV (skills and obstacles test).  More detailed information is available on the TREC Ireland website.

POR
Parcours d'Orientation et de Régularité - Orienteering
​The riders copy a route from a master map and follow the route at a given speed. The length can be up to 45 km (for the most experienced competitors) and the route is preferably off road. Checkpoints are placed along the route unknown to the riders. Penalty points are calculated against an optimum time and for riding an incorrect route.  This phase is aimed at developing the skills needed to plan and execute a long distance ride in unfamiliar countryside.  The more experienced levels use a variety of navigational skills they have learnt, including map reading, grid references and compass bearings.  The maximum score available for POR is 240 points.

​MA
Maîtrise des Allures - Control of Paces
In this phase the riders are asked to show control over their horse's paces. Competitors have to canter as slowly as possible and then walk as quickly as possible along a 150m long and 2 - 4m wide corridor without breaking the gait or stepping outside the corridor. The time is used to calculate the points awarded, with a possible 30 points for each gait, giving a maximum total of 60 points for this phase.

PTV
Parcours en Terrain Varié - Obstacles
​This phase is aimed at developing the range of skills both horse and rider need to negotiate obstacles when riding in open terrain. The course is similar to a cross country course. It can be up to 5km long and consists of 16 out of 39 possible obstacles from which the course builder can choose, such as crossing water, jumping logs, negotiating drops, gate, footbridge, etc.  Marks of up to 10 points are given for each obstacle,  points for faults and penalty points for dangerous riding, brutality and time exceeded are deducted.  A perfect round for this phase scores 160 points.
POR phase: in the map room
POR phase: riding along the route
MA phase: control at a canter
PTV phase: water crossing
PTV phase: low branches
​How low can you go?

Are there other forms of TREC competitions?

New styles of competition have been created by combining TREC with other equestrian disciplines.  These have proved very popular with our own members and also with members of other TREC groups in Ireland.

D-TREC is a combination of TREC and dressage.  The competitors are given a dressage test to do whilst negotiating PTV obstacles during their test. The competitor is judged on how well both the dressage and TREC elements are executed.

Speed TREC is similar to a speed class in show jumping.  The competitors must ride a PTV course in an indoor or outdoor arena against the clock. There are no style marks, but every fault incurs time penalties. Fastest overall time wins.

X-TREC is cross-country combined with TREC.  The course contains a mixture of cross country jumps and PTV obstacles. The cross country jumps are also judged as TREC obstacles, which means that style marks will be given.

What skills are needed in TREC, and are there jobs I can do if I don't want to ride in a competition?

There is a multitude of skills which TREC asks from riders and from officials.  West Cork TREC and TREC Ireland provide training courses for riders and officials on a regional, national and international level.  For more information about upcoming training courses, please check out our calendar or contact us directly using the contact form on our site.  Even if you don't want to ride in the competitions, you may still like to attend the events, as helpers and officials are always needed and are very welcome.

Riders
​During the POR phase the rider must know how to read a map, to measure and ride the distances knowing her/his horse's strides.  A rider should be able to use a compass and know which angle to choose, know his/her position on the route at all times, and arrive at the checkpoints in the right time, and on the correct route.  Her/his horse should be sufficiently trained to be surefooted and have sufficient stamina for a very long ride.

During the MA phase,  the rider must be able to collect the horse for a slow canter and lengthen the horse's strides for a fast walk.

​During the PTV phase, the rider will be asked to negotiate a course of 16 out of a possible 39 obstacles.  Different skills are required for each obstacle, and the rider must plan how to ride the set course in the time allowed.  The rider must be always in control and balanced on an obedient horse that will change quickly from a fast pace to a slow pace and vice versa.

Finally, one of the most important skills a rider will learn in TREC is to form a partnership  with her/his horse.
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Checkpoint Stewards
Checkpoint Stewards are briefed by the Traceur at their checkpoints regarding the duties they will need to perform, and as such will not need specific training.  They may be asked to deal with special tasks, for example at grid reference sections, compass bearing sections, or at the veterinary inspection.  They must be able to check the correct shoeing and overall fitness of horse and rider, and handle a situation should many competitors arrive at their checkpoint in short succession.

Judges
An MA Judge needs to understand the paces of the horse and be able to recognise a break in the pace, a disunited canter and a diagonalised walk.  They must keep their eyes always on the horse when it is in the corridor.

​A PTV Judge must have a good knowledge of the rules and the data sheets of all 39 obstacles.  They must know what is a fault, what to look for when marking style, and know when to penalise a rider for brutality, dangerous riding or dangerous method.  A PTV judge may also need to hold a slow rider and neutralise their time when a faster rider is overtaking.
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Traceur
The Traceur is responsible for the POR route, and is therefore one of the most important officials.  He/she must trace a suitable route with enough difficulties to test the navigational skills of the different levels of riders.  The Traceur is, to a great deal, when choosing the speeds, terrain, decision points and entry routes into the checkpoints,  the person on whom the success of the whole event depends.  He/she must have a very good knowledge of the rules, and should have a lot of practical experience.
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Chef de Piste
The Chef de Piste is the course builder of the MA and PTV courses.  He/she must build a PTV course which is fluent yet technically difficult enough to test the riders at each level.  The Chef de Piste must know how to set up combinations, related obstacles and associated difficulties, and determine the time allowed for the whole course.  He/she should always have in mind what test is being asked of the rider at every obstacle.
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Technical Delegate
The Technical Delegate is in charge of the whole competition during an event and is responsible for ensuring it runs smoothly according to the rules.  He/she deals with all questions, queries and complaints unless there is a Ground Jury (which we have normally only at international events).  He/she must also be able to deal swiftly with unforeseen problems, and must be contactable during the event at all times.
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Organisers
Organisers must be able to organise all the different aspects of the event, from setting up the venue, stabling, accommodation, parking and map room, to organising the farrier, catering, veterinary personnel, public relations, sponsors, and prize giving, to name a few.  They should also be in close contact with all the other officials before and during the event.
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Scorer
The  Scorer  must be able to enter the scores for each rider into a scoring system fast and without mistakes. A knowledge of the rules is an advantage when reading the checkpoint record sheets and the MA and PTV score  sheets. The scorer must  determine the overall results quickly and accurately, ensuring the riders do not have to wait a long time for their results and to allow the organisers to proceed with the presentation of prizes.
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