Living in the West of Ireland? Want to ride but not sure where to go or who with?
Interested in TREC but don’t know how to get started? A new TREC West of
Ireland group is being formed specifically to cater for the Western region. An
informative illustrated talk is being given by international TREC competitor
Kayleigh McCormack at the Kiltimagh Park Hotel, Kiltimagh, Mayo F12 NY17 on
Saturday 22nd October at 2pm. All welcome. 5e cover charge.

Having started TREC at 13, Kayleigh worked her way up through the levels &
twice won TREC Ireland Rider of the Year. In 2017 she went to Wales & won the
Individual Level 2 British Championship with her Connemara pony Caspian who
she trained for TREC herself. Since then she has also competed in Germany,
Holland, Italy & France.

TREC is a very user friendly sport, explain the organisers. Riders learn how to find
their way using a map, get their horse used to things like opening gates, crossing
bridges, going under low branches and jumping logs. Everything is optional and
you can do as much or as little as you like.

The idea for a group for the West was initiated by West Trec Secretary, Marion
Hayes who retired to live in the remote Partry Mountains in Mayo five years ago.
“Although the scenery is beautiful and the roads are quiet, no one rides around here
and it can get lonely,” she says. “I’m hoping to make new friends, try new things,
improve my fitness and confidence and have some fun with my pony.”

This is echoed by many other new members who say they are looking forward to
the social aspect with a number of talks scheduled for the winter months from side
saddle to treating horses with herbs and barefoot hoof trimming. “We are getting a
really good response,” says Claire Bradshaw PRO from Sligo, “so there is
definitely a gap there to be filled.”

You can contact trecwestmembership@yahoo.com to hold a spot as places are
limited. Membership forms also from that address and there will be a discount on
future events for members.