Levels of competition in BHS TREC
There are four levels of competition, with Level 1 being the simplest, and Level 4 the most challenging.
The following information is provided as a guide, however each individual competition is unique. Competitors should bear in mind the type of area where the competition is being held as this may affect how challenging you find the POR route. Please also remember that a change in weather conditions can alter the difficulty of any phase of the event. There is no minimum length of the POR at any Level.
Level One – POR route up to 12kms long
Level one is suitable for beginners, but does expect the competitor to have basic map reading skills such as recognising rivers, roads, woods and field boundaries.
Riders can typically expect to be out for around two to three hours. The PTV course may include jumping obstacles of up to 2 feet (60cm) in height.
Level Two – POR route up to 20kms long
Level 2 is suitable for novices, however it does expect more developed map reading skills than Level One, such as distinguishing between different types of woodland and a basic understanding of contours.
Routes will require a higher degree of accuracy, for example choosing the correct route between farm buildings, the ability to navigate through woods and over heathland with minimal landmarks. The POR phase usually takes at least three hours to complete. The PTV course can include obstacles up to 2 feet 4 inches (70cm) in height.
Level Three – POR route up to 32kms long
Level 3 is suitable for more experienced competitors, and can include sections using grid references and/or bearings (navigating by compass without the use of a map).
There are specific rules regarding additional compulsory equipment and equine health/vet checks at Level Three and above. Competitors can expect PTV obstacles up to 2 feet 8 inches (80cm) in height.
Level Four – POR route up to 40kms long
The POR route tests the fitness of horse and rider as well as the ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain accurately over a sustained period of time. Competitors can generally expect to be on the POR for roughly five to seven hours when competing at Level 4. The PTV course will include jumping up to 3 feet (90cm) with appropriate time limits and selection of obstacles.
Championship
At the Championship of Great Britian (with classes at Level Two, Three and Four) the POR may be up to 10% longer and the PTV obstacles up to 10% higher.
International – Other nations use their own classifications to measure the degree of difficulty at domestic competitions. For advice or further information on competing abroad contact the BHS Competitions Office.