BHS TREC – Levels of competition
For full three phase BHS TREC competitions, there are basically four levels of competition, with Level 1 being the simplest, and Level 4 the most challenging.
The following information is provided as a guide, however each individual competition is unique. Competitors should bear in mind the type of area where the competition is being held as this may affect how challenging you find the POR route. Please also remember that a change in weather conditions can alter the difficulty of any phase of the event. Riders must consider their own horse’s fitness and level of training before entering a competition. There is no minimum length of the POR at any Level. If you have any specific questions or concerns the organiser is usually happy to discuss these with you before the event.
Level One POR up to 12kms long. Suitable for beginners, and expects basic map reading skills such as recognising rivers, roads, woods and field boundaries. Riders can typically expect to be out for around two to three hours. The PTV course may include jumping obstacles of up to 2 feet (60cm) in height.
Level Two POR up to 20kms long. Suitable for novices, and typically expects more developed map reading skills than Level One, such as distinguishing between different types of woodland and a basic understanding of contours. Routes may require a higher degree of accuracy, for example choosing the correct route between farm buildings or the ability to navigate through woods or over heathland with minimal landmarks. The POR phase usually takes at least three hours to complete. The PTV course can include obstacles up to 2 feet 4 inches (70cm) in height and may be more demanding than at Level One.
Level Three POR up to 32kms long. Suitable for more experienced competitors, and can include sections using grid references and/or bearings (navigating by compass without the use of a map). Riders will need more advanced navigating skills and may find the terrain and set speeds more testing than at the lower levels. There are specific rules regarding additional compulsory equipment and equine health/vet checks at Level Three and above. Competitors can expect PTV obstacles up to 2 feet 8 inches (80cm) in height with tighter time limits and more challenging positioning of obstacles.
Level Four POR up to 40kms long. Classes at this level are for the most experienced and skillful competitors. The POR route tests the fitness of horse and rider as well as the ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain accurately over a sustained period of time. Competitors can generally expect to be on the POR for roughly five to seven hours, and some events may also include a night section to be ridden after dark.
The PTV course will include jumping up to 3 feet (90cm) with appropriate time limits and selection of obstacles.
Championship at championships (with classes at Level Two, Three and Four) the POR may be up to 10% longer and the PTV obstacles up to 10% higher.
International Other nations use their own classifications to measure the degree of difficulty at domestic competitions. For advice or further information on competiting abroad contact the BHS Competitions Office.
Note – At any level it is possible to divide classes into Series A and Series B (eg Level 2A, Level 2B). Series A would denote a more technically demanding POR phase than Series B, but the other phases could be run over the same course.
