Fancy Representing Ireland in 2013?

TREC Ireland is still looking for young riders who would like to train and represent Ireland at the European Young Rider Championships next September in Belgium. A young rider competing at  international level must be aged between 16 and 21 years old. 

TREC is a 3 phase sport consisting of orienteering (32 kms for young riders), control of paces (150 m corridor for walk and canter) and obstacles (cross country course between 1km and 5km in length, consisting of a mixture of jumping and TREC obstacles). More information about TREC and the 3 phases can be found in my previous post here :)

Assessment and training days are currently being organised with the next one being held on the 19th of January in Kilmeague, Co. Kildare at 10am.

The training day will include a riding assessment by the training co-ordinator, Karen Murphy, and a number of POR skills (map room, compass bearings and grid references). Riders will be grouped according to experience, so if you have completed the basic training before then more in depth training will be available.

Horses are not necessary as alot of the training can be achieved on foot. Some horses MAY be available locally according to their website. Paddocks are also available overnight for those travelling from afar (own feed and hay must be provided).

The entry fee (€30 for non members, €24 for TI members) includes tea & coffee but please bring your own lunch. Costs will be the same at every training session with any profit going towards the young rider fund.

Training will take place all day starting at 10am sharp with an overview of Young Rider Championships 2013 in Belgium, an introduction into Judging of PTV obstacles - "How do I score points?". The aim is to be finished at approximately 4pm. 

The training day is open to riders who are experienced TREC riders as well as those with no experience at all. 

For more information please contact Chef d'Equipe Gwen Bastian at gwenbastian@gmail.com or 087 657 8307.

The next training day will take place in Co. Donegal on February 24th.

It's a shame I'm just a tad too old otherwise I'd love to head along! It's a bit different but looks pretty fun and wouldn't it be amazing if you got the chance to represent Ireland?! Any one who heads along I'd love to hear how you get on with it :)