10:00am Saturday 6th June 2009
KELLY Marks fielded off competition from some of the country’s leading equestrian names to win the inaugural SEIB BHS Pro-Am TREC Challenge at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The SEIB BHS Pro-Am TREC Challenge saw top riders and Olympians from each of the disciplines – dressage, show jumping and eventing – compete against representatives from the Army, a Para rider, Kelly Marks and two GB TREC team members over a BHS TREC course specially designed for the show.
Kelly, who rode her “former problem pony-turned-champion” American Pie, was thrilled to win and donated her £1,000 prize money to Lambourn Riding for the Disabled.
She said: “Having a wonderful horse like Pie to ride and having training from Monty Roberts perhaps was a bit of an unfair advantage! There was a wonderful atmosphere at the competition and among the competitors – many congratulations to the BHS and SEIB for hosting such a great event.”
Event rider Dickie Waygood put in a very competitive round to take second, but he was still 12 marks adrift of Kelly’s fantastic score of 101. Third place went to GB TREC team member Anna Weston, while show jumper Robert Whitaker put in a strong performance to take fourth.
Robert said: “It was a lot harder than it looked – it is definitely a sport you need to train for. Cantering through the bending poles was nearly impossible, even the bridge wasn’t straightforward as it was easy for the horse to spook.
“It was quite a challenge but it was great fun and if I got the chance I’d do it again.”
BHS TREC is a fun riding competition usually comprising three phases – orienteering on horseback (POR), control of paces/gaits (CG) and crosscountry/ obstacle course (PTV). It was developed from the skills needed while out hacking and is designed to test riders’ navigational skills, control of their horse’s paces and ability to tackle a variety of obstacles.
For more information on the sport of BHS TREC and advice on finding a BHS TREC club in your area, call 01926 707831 or email competitions@bhs.org.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.herefordtimes.com