Oz-Trec

The introduction of Oz Trec to Australian driving  is the brain child of the Bellarine Harness for Pleasure Club. The sport originated in France and was called Le Trec.   It was originally devised to test the expertise of equestrian tourist guides (on horseback).  It then developed into a sport in its own right catering for all abilities. From these beginnings the British Horse Society also devised their own version and there are many BHS Trec “events” held in the UK.   

The BHS website describes it as “a challenging and enjoyable equestrian sport based on the skills required for hacking - navigational competence, control of horse’s paces and the ability to tackle a variety of obstacles”.

From this description it isn’t hard to see why the carriage driving fraternity (British Driving Society) didn’t take long to pick up on the popularity of Trec events and soon developed their own BDS Trec.  A quick scroll through the BHS and the BDS websites will give you an idea of the popularity of this sport in the UK.    There are also a good number of ridden Le Trec activities run by Horse Riding Clubs of Victoria (HRCAV).

So onto Bellarine Club’s innovation.    In February 2013 the club ran the first Oz Trec day at their club grounds in Inverleigh.   It was an extremely hot day so some activities were modified slightly (an oft necessary Aussie modification).   After a safety check drivers did a 5km course which included a 500m walk at the end.  A lunch break was followed by drivers inspecting the eight obstacles/encounters before harnessing up and attempting to negotiate the course.  Some of the “encounters” included negotiating cones, backing horse into a “parking bay”, crossing over some carpet, putting one wheel up on a plank and continuing along the plank. 

Not a club to sit on its hands members have now put together a great program for Oz Trec competitions.   Here is a little of what you might expect if you’d like to have a go.

Phase One – Safety Check   Each turnout will be reviewed for safety prior to starting on courses.  Plan for a cross-country drive.  What would you take if you were to be out all day, prepared for anything?  Something for the weather?Something for safety?  Something for comfort and welfare?  For you or your horse?  Both?  You’ll lose points for unsafe or inappropriate outfitting.

Phase Two - Cross-country drive and control of paces will take place over a prescribed course of approximately 5 kilometres, journeying across fields and roads. You will be expected to follow the route and cover the distance at a predetermined speed, coming in as close to target time as possible. There will be a mandatory walk section and an “any pace” section that is timed for a working trot. You'll lose points for incorrect pace or for time over or under the optimum time allowed. Paces will be different for different sized horses.

Phase Three - This will introduce elements you may find along any trail drive, with some added twists.  This section is not timed, but it is expected that you  walk or trot. No cantering – just keep moving along the course at a comfortable pace. Abilities can vary greatly in this section. There is something for everybody here. Can't do one of them? Just pass it by......a few points lost, but no eliminations. Things you might find could include hills, bridges, rein back, serpentines, circles, standing quietly, driving straight, driving over stuff. Nothing is meant to startle or scare horses or drivers. 

Clubs wishing to hold an Oz Trec Day could contact Bellarine Harness for Pleasure Club for ideas and suggestions on how to get started.

Updated August 1st, 2016