| Featured Article - June
2006
In The Shadow of Equus BC TREK Trekking On |
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| BCTREK
is now CanTREK. According to Horse Council BC, TREK is now recognised
by Equine Canada, and the sport, introduced from Europe to British
Columbia just two years ago, is going national. But CanTREK is still a “what’s-that” sport. At our farm, we have been hosting a number of clinics and training days, and riders always have questions. So for all those still fascinated about the sport and what it offers, here are the top ten questions and answers about TREK. #1: What Is TREK? TREK (known in Europe and the UK as TREC) is a three-phase competition that includes a distance ride using a map and compass, flat work in a marked corridor, and a cross country obstacle course. There are five levels: Discovery, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Masters. Each phase is scored separately and the scores are totalled at the end. The rider with the highest score wins. #2: What Does The Distance Ride Entail And How Do I Use A Map? OK, don’t panic. A map and compass are familiar gear to backcountry riders but few others. First of all, get familiar with the look of an ordnance survey map and how it is laid out. Good orienteering books such as Orienteering Handbook, by Anne Anthony (Big Country Books) and Be Expert with Map and Compass, by Bjon Kjellstrom (John Wiley & Sons Canada) help you get going with map reading, and they are really helpful in teaching how to use a compass. Then it’s practice. Phase One, Speed and Orienteering, is a distance ride set out over a course that is marked out on a master map. Riders are given blank maps onto which they copy the route from the master map. They must then ride the route at a set speed following the map, and they must finish the ride at a pre-set time. A portion of our clinics focuses on familiarizing riders with how fast their horses travel at a set speed. This phase may also include checkpoints along the route, but their locations are kept secret from the riders. If the riders are following the route correctly, they will arrive at the checkpoints. At the Discovery and Novice levels, the route is easy, no longer than 10 km. Since all our riders are beginner TREKKERS, they follow a route that loops through country roads around the valley. They have a start time and a finish time. The higher the entry level, the more challenging the course becomes, involving compass and orienteering work. #3: I Haven’t Done A Lot Of Road Or Trail Riding. Does That Matter? You can ride in pairs. In fact, we encourage all beginner TREKKERS to ride in pairs for safety, feedback, and companionship. |
#4: Can I Ride Any Style? You can ride English, Western, or Aussie Stock. You must ride all three phases in the same riding style and, of course, you must wear an approved helmet and boots with a heel. All tack must be in good repair. You will also need a halter to be worn under your horse’s bridle with the shank secured to the saddle. #5: My Horse Doesn’t Jump; I Can’t Mount From The Ground. Will I Be Eliminated? No. In the cross country obstacle course, if you can’t do an obstacle, you must tell the jump judge that you are not doing that one and go on to the next. You simply won’t be scored for that obstacle. #6: Is There An Age Limit? The minimum age is seven years at the Discovery level, and those riders must ride the distance ride with supervision. The minimum age increases for higher levels. #7: What Equipment Do I Need? Compulsory equipment for Phase One includes a reflective vest, map marking pen, compass, flashlight, rain gear, whistle, first aid kits for horse and rider, halter and lead rope. Everything can be easily stowed in a saddle bag, a fisherman’s or photographer’s jacket with lots of pockets, or a saddle pad equipped with pockets. Recommended are a stop watch, water and snacks, and a waterproof map case (like a ziplock bag). #8: Can I Enter On The Day? No. All riders have set start times for each phase, and they must be organized ahead of time, so that the day goes smoothly. #9: My Horse Doesn’t Wear Shoes. Is That OK? Yes, if that’s normal for him. #10: How Can I Get Started? Contact Horse Council BC and obtain a copy of the rule book. Condition your horse on trails or country roads. Familiarize yourself with the feel of certain speeds. For instance, if you ride 10 km at 10 km/hour, it’ll take one hour. That’s simple. But how fast is that on your horse? It’s a good steady trot. Riding 10 km at 5 km/hour will take two hours. That’s a pleasant walk. Find a circuit (any suitable length) where you normally ride (trails or roads), measure it by driving or using a wheel, then ride it. Use it as your conditioning loop. Then try a TREK clinic or a training day. You’ll be surprised what you can do! For more information on CanTREK, visit HCBC’s website. Read Margaret Evans' column "In The Shadow Of Equus" each month in Pacific & Prairie Horse Journal
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