Welsh TREC Champs 2025 Blog

by Diane Dickson

Cathy and Elliana

Arrived at the venue on Friday, to beautiful sunshine and a wonderful view.  From 1pm competitors rolled in and the parking began to fill with corrals and activity.  In no time ponies were happily grazing and small groups of people gathered together, meeting up with friends, chattering voices and laughter filled the air.

Bit by bit the PTV course was inspected, people to be seen at obstacles doing the bending, shutting the gate, I even spotted one person cantering the fig of 8 with one hand out!  Visualising and concrete experiences definitely help to make a memory plan of the course.

Finally darkness fell, lights went out and the site became silent. 

Quite in contrast, the next morning was the height of activity and intention.  Horses being tacked up, people wandering thoughtfully and pensively towards the map room, wondering if the pen they had selected from their store of a 100, would be ‘the one!’

Again bit by bit horses and riders made their way to the start and the venue became quiet once more.

Mandy and Mr Pi

The starting speed required competitors to crack on, the landscape and going were excellent. Unfortunately I didn’t get far before I had an unfortunate fall and had to retire!

I passed the next few hours at A and E whilst the venue slowly refilled with wet, tired but happy riders and horses contentedly rolling and munching back in their corrals.

Sat night the rain began to subside, it had been a wet ride for all, but the wind was blowing and marques had to be reduced to half height. So it was in a very low tent that we served and ate the food.  This didn’t dampen the atmosphere and there was the usual jolly chat and peels of laughter. Eventually everyone retired, waking up on Sunday to a much brighter day.

Competitors made their way to the vetting and the PTV got underway.  The trailer led obstacle proved interesting as horses needed to step in and out of it. The Red Kite ‘move an egg obstacle’ was also a good challenge - some eggs flying everywhere, others landing in the basket; some rebelliously leaping back out.

The event was drawing to a close. Corrals dismantled, horses loaded and the hum of engines as competitors left the event.  There was much hugging and waving, with departing calls of see you next year; as this was the last Summer Trec for most, in 2025.

The fundraising cakes were nearly gone; thank you so much to everyone who contributed a cake.  Thank you to Dani Glaister for her significant contribution towards the food.  Of course, a huge thank you to all the volunteers and organisers.  In particular thank you to Erica and Mary who ran their first competition!  Last but not least, a huge thank you to Cath, who stood in as TD at late notice.Sent from my iPhone

If you have any photos to be included here please send on to the Red Kite TREC Group Committee