It is the most spectacular event for the public

A horse, a map and the campaign: it is the basis of the technique of horse of competition or Trec, equestrian discipline more seduced and followers in France and often the whole of the Cauchois families. It involves check out on horseback, a map, a course pre-established in the surrounding countryside, crossing natural difficulties.

Born late 1980s the willingness of riders hikers wishing to measure their horses and their masters, the Trec is accessible to any person who control three-like: no, trot, gallop, and also to all equidae. No need to have a thoroughbred for the competition. A mule can even make the case...

Three events

A Trec short in General on a weekend, in a beautiful landscape, and consists of three events:

The route guidance and regularity (POR) is the longest. A distance of 30 to 50 km, the route is disclosed to rider twenty minutes prior to departure. The crew must manage its looks to meet predefined ideal speed and point at checkpoints on the route.

The route in varied terrain (PTV) has 18 obstacles inspired by difficulties in nature: Ford, hedge, gap, stairs, low branch, trunk... The quick passages alternate with those who make use of the technique, calm, precision. It is the most spectacular event for the public. More than performance, this is efficiency, control, style couple rider/horse which are noted.

Control of the appearance highlights the dressage rider and technical qualities. In a corridor of 150 metres long and 1.5 metres wide, the couple must go the slower galloping and return to the more rapid way.

"On the 65,000 riders which are tourist hiking, nearly 4,000 practicing the Trec", said Frédéric Bouix, Director of the national Committee of the equestrian who oversees activity.

Diversity and usability

The explanation for this trend increasing: diversity and usability of the exercise. "The Trec, is the severity of the contest of jumping (CSO) without rigidity." It sports but this is less to the performance as the full competition. "In addition, the atmosphere between riders is always excellent," says with enthusiasm the young Bull Cauchois (see above), Championship bronze medalist World 2004. Impassioned by this activity, he added: "The Trec, the adventure of hiking with the accuracy of the techniques of dressage is." Our rider-horse pair evolves in harmony with nature. The first must manage its route and the regularity of his horse to remain calm, despite a very spiked physical condition.

Another specificity of this discipline that contributes to this usability both touted competitors: each is readily organizing events on its land. "In the equestrian tradition that the cavaliers invite competitors who themselves have invited you to discover the area", says Frédéric Bouix.

And another aspect, now rare in our time, is that the participants "compete for the pleasure, glory and happiness from good times together." Nothing else and in any case no money. Simply a beautiful Cup, if it wins", said Thierry Maurouard, Trec national coach. "The day when there will be issues of money, it in will be finished the usability of this discipline", he warned.

But it seems that it is not for the moment the order of the day.