Following two years of intensive training and competing, Great Britain was represented by 5 senior riders and 2 young riders at the European Trec Championships, held in Scandiano, Italy on the 5-7 September.
Informed Choice was proud to sponsor both teams following our sponsorship of the South East British Horse Society (BHS) Trec competition near Shamley Green earlier this year.
Although a long journey, with several days to recover before the start of the competition all horses arrived in Italy fit and well for the initial vet check at the start of the competition.
After a spectacular opening ceremony where all the competing nations paraded through the historic town of Scandiano, horses and riders reported at dawn for the start of the orienteering phase of the competition.
Despite temperatures rising over 30 degrees and contending with unfamiliar conditions, maps and plagued by vicious flies, all British riders displayed superb horsemanship skills by bringing their mounts home safe and sound and all passed fit after presenting to the vet.
Both Young riders scored well with the very experienced Hilary Barnard showing how tough the orienteering was being the highest place of the GBR seniors in 26th place.
A final vet presentation the next morning meant all riders were cleared to complete the remainder of the competition.
The MA although a straight and level track proved to be a real test of nerves for all riders; how slow to push the canter and how brave to push for the fastest walk, and several well known foreign combinations fell to the pressure.
The British riders scored true to their own form with notably the highest score achieved by young rider Meredith Baker with a near perfect 57/60.
Predictably, the Parcours en Terrain Varie (PTV) course was highly technical and asked some tough jumping questions, but solid performances meant the Team GB mid table position was maintained.
Both young riders were well placed and took home valuable experience for future competitions.
Final placings saw the Senior Team in 8th overall in a very tight competition and although slightly disappointed to be out of the medals on this occasion they will be returning to an exciting future for TREC in this country and will definitely be a competitive force at the World Championships in 2016.
Congratulations to both teams; young riders Caitlin Crossley and Meredith Baker, and senior riders Sue Lee, Hilary Barnard, Lynne Mabbitt, Daniel Nolan and Lynn Davies.
We look forward to supporting TREC again in the future where we can, and hope to see it return to Shamley Green in 2015.
