Basic Components of TREC

Even at the lower levels, competition is often conducted over two days as there is great emphasis placed on the social opportunities the competition affords. Many riders see themselves principally as trail riders or recreational riders rather than purely as competitors. The phases are listed below in the order they would be held at a Championship event, but they can be run in any order.

Phase One: Orienteering on Horse back.

Riders must follow a route on a map, at speeds predetermined by the organizers. They must be able and equipped to deal with most difficulties and mishaps on their own, although suitable emergency procedures ensure the safety of riders and horses.

The orienteering on horse back is not a race and the majority of the course is conducted in walk and trot. Routes start from 12 km at hacking pace at beginner level, up to 45 kms long at Championship level where a higher level of horse and rider fitness is required.

Phase Two: Control of Paces/Gaits

This phase is designed to demonstrate that the rider can exercise a degree of influence over the horse first in canter, then in walk following a straight line course of 150 metres long and 2-4 metres wide. The concept is that the slower the horse travels in canter, and the faster in walk, the greater the marks awarded. A shortened course of less than 150 metres is sometimes used and if the terrain prohibits a straight line track, then a curved track can be adopted.

Phase Three: Obstacle Course

This phase, which is generally 1km to 5kms long, is the cross-country obstacle course, and is seen as the most exciting and popular phase for spectators. While this phase does include some cross-country jumping, the size of the obstacles is set according to the level of competition and each obstacle is optional and does not incur elimination if bypassed.

The course also includes some tasks which must be undertaken while dismounted, as well as tests of obedience and calmness. It is designed to give an indication of the horse/rider's suitability to cope with the kind of obstacles and difficulties that might be encountered while riding in the countryside, and demonstrate the partnership working calmly and efficiently together.

The scoring is based on accumulating the most points, and one of the major appeals of this discipline is that if a horse or rider is unable to perform any part of the competition, they are not eliminated - they merely lose points. It recognises that the demands of the competition are so wide and varied that not all riders or horses can be good at everything. Injury, cheating or losing equipment can result in elimination but in practice eliminations are very rare giving the sport considerable appeal to the less than perfect rider on the less than perfect horse.