Phases of BHS TREC

The competition is conducted across three phases, and usually takes place over two days however phases can be split up and held over different weekends. There are many single day competitions that are held throughout the country with all three phases held on the same day and is a good introduction to the sport.

The phases are listed below in the order they would be held at a Championship event, but this may differ from competition to competition.

Phase One: Parcours d'Orientation et de Regularite (POR)

This phase is orienteering on horse back. Riders must trace a predetermined route onto a map which they must then follow. Most of the POR is completed in walk and trot depending on the level. Routes range from 12 km at beginner level, up to 45 kms long at Championship level where a higher level of horse and rider fitness is required.

The rider starts the POR with 240 points, the aim of this phase is to complete the phase whilst trying to hold onto as many of those points as possible.

The main ways of 'losing' points are:-

For missing any checkpoint or tickets - 50 penalties
For arriving at a checkpoint by a route other than that intended by the organiser – 30 penalties
For finding a checkpoint not on their route – 50 penalties
For opening their map during the bearings section – 30 penalties

Phase Two: Matrisse des Allures or Control of Paces (CoP)

The Control of Paces (CoP) is designed to demonstrate that the rider can exercise a high degree of influence over the horse first in canter, then in walk following a marked course of up to 150 metres long and between 2 - 4 metres wide.

The aim of the exercise is for the horse to canter along the marked corridor as slowly as possible without breaking its gait. The rider then turns around and walks back along the corridor as quickly as possible, again without a change of gait.

You can earn up to 30 points by cantering as slowly as possible along the marked corridor. It is the speed, not the quality, of the canter that is marked, but it must be a canter.

Walking as fast as possible back down the track can earn you up to 30 points, without any breaks in stride. One stride of any other gait will result in a zero score and any hoof that lands on or outside the corridor marking lines will also result in a zero score.

Phase Three: Parcours en Terrain Varie (PTV)

The PTV is intended to demonstrate the horse’s obedience, confidence, courage and balance as well as the correctness and appropriateness of the rider’s aids when negotiating the obstacles. 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 comprises of up to 16 natural or stimulated obstacles, including steps, water, jumps, ditches and includes some tasks which must be undertaken whilst dismounted.

There are up to 10 points available for each obstacle, each obstacle’s points consist of:

Effectiveness - how well you can carry out the task (max 7)
Style - how stylishly the obstacle is completed (+3 to -2)
Penalties (-1 to -3 for carelessness, brutality or dangerous riding) are then taken off the score as necessary.

This phase can also be affected by time penalties:

For being between 1 second and 60 seconds late - 5 penalties.
For being between 61 and 120 seconds late - 15 penalties.
For being 121 seconds (or more) late - 30 penalties total.

This time limit will be determined by the Technical Delegate and is dependant on the class, terrain, weather conditions, length of the course and the obstacles.

Scoring

The winner is determined by the number of points gained over the three phases of the competition.

Part of BHS TREC appeal is that if a horse or rider is unable to perform any part of the competition, they are not eliminated - they will just 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.

These are brief descriptions, for greater detail we strongly recommend you consult the BHS TREC Rulebook which is available is from the BHS bookshop.