show report Meredith Baker warming-up on Miz, Meredith went on to win the Level 3 Individual class Trec in the Surrey Hills Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June 2014 Words by Ali Large and pictures by Martin Bamford A lmost 100 riders descended on Kilnhanger, Farley Heath at the end of May to test their navigation and horse and rider skills over the sandy tracks and wooded areas that make up the beautiful Surrey Hills. This special event was a BHS Trec competition which is a challenging and enjoyable equestrian sport based on the skills required for hacking, navigational competence, control of horse’s paces and the ability to tackle a variety of obstacles. These skills are tested over three phases: orienteering on horseback (POR), control of paces (CoP) and cross-country/obstacle course (PTV). Competitions are run at four levels, catering for beginners through to those at international level and riders can compete individually or in pairs. French influences TREC was first developed in France in response to demand from the equestrian tourist industry as a way to test the expertise of equestrian guides. The sport quickly grew to accommodate all levels of riders, and spread internationally under its French name Technique de Randonee Equestre de Competition (T.R.E.C). The British Horse Society introduced the sport to the UK in 1998 and BHS TREC was born. The sun shone on all competitors, many of whom had come from as far afield as Devon, Wales and Scotland. Members of the Great Britain team were competing in front of selectors for their place in the European Championships in the Autumn, whilst a range of other competitors at other 34 Localrider august 2014 levels were competing for a place in the UK and Southern Trec Leagues as well as for the wonderful first prize kindly donated by Centaur Photographic - A location shoot of rider and horse, with make-over and a colour enlargement worth over £200 for every worthy winner. A great fundraiser Lynn Roberts who runs the Kilnhanger Stables said: “It was so nice to see a vast mixture of horses and riders enjoying the sport and raising money for good causes in the process. I feel passionate about cancer research because I lost my brother to cancer and he would have just loved this sport of Trec. It’s also amazing that competitors travel so far to compete and I am really thrilled that they enjoyed my Kilnhanger venue so much.” The main sponsor was Martin Bamford, Managing Director of Informed Choice the financial planning company in Cranleigh, who kindly presented all the rosettes and prizes. Martin said: “We were delighted to support such a fantastic event, which clearly required a great deal of mental and physical skills from both horses and riders. It was a great weekend for everyone involved and a wonderful showcase for this stunning part of the Surrey Hills.” Lots to praise In first place in the highest section was GB Team rider Sue Lee riding Daisy, who commented: “What a wonderful weekend in the Surrey hills. An outstanding area of natural beauty making for a very challenging orienteering route, and I was then thrilled with my horse putting in a great performance on a testing second day. Grateful thanks to the organisers and the sponsors for their support.” In the next section down, Level 3 Pairs the winners were Diana MacLean riding Murphy and Sarah Leggat on The Soot, Individual Level 3 winner was Meredith Baxter on Miz. Level 2 Pairs winners were Amanda Marfleet on Hector and her partner, Vicki Glynn on Red Rock with Level 2 Individual Winner Jane Chivers on Alice. Last but not least in Level 1 Pairs the winners were Graham Clack and Zoe White and Diana Steward won the Level 1 Individual class. Lots of people to thank Organisers of the event Ali Large and Joy Taylor said: “We couldn’t have been more pleased with the way the competition ran. Our thanks go out to The Hurtwood, who so kindly allowed full use of the amazing country that surrounds us and Mark the Hurtwood Ranger who also helped build some of the obstacles. Plus very special thanks to our wonderful sponsors Informed Choice and Centaur Photographic and all the volunteers, helpers and judges without whom we could never have put this event on. We are thrilled that everyone including our four-legged friends all had such a good time and that we raised money for the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, the Brooke and Cancer care to. And the sun shining all weekend was the icing on the cake.” Jacqui Peterson, Lynn Roberts (Manager of Kilnhanger Stables) and Georgina Knott Leigh Nixon second in the Level 3 Individual class with the sponsors, Martin Bamford (left), Managing Director of Informed Choice and Alec Whitby, Director of Centaur Photography Sponsors, Martin Bamford and Alec Whitby presenting Diana MacLean and Sarah Leggatt with their very first and worthy Level 3 win, hence the smiles and surprise Julie Broadhurst on Nutkin trotting the bending to come fourth in Level 2 pairs Paula Tidy making a fine job of the ditch obstacle Vicky Glynn from New Zealand riding Red into first place for the Level 2 pairs class, Vicky and her partner Amanda and well known for their fun, pink attire! Martin and Alec present Brian McLeod with his third place for Level 3 Martin and Alec presenting Sue Lee with her first place rosette and photographic prize for winning the top Level 4 class Alec and Martin with GB team rider, Sue Lee and Daisy, winners of Level 4 Martin and Alec present Brian McLeod with his third prize for Level 3 Winners of Level 1, Graham Clack and Zoe White Martin and Alec present Meredith Baker with her prizes for winning Level 3 august 2014 Localrider 35