Difficult weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of the organisers and the 39 competitors during the highly successful British Horse Society Texaco TREC competition held at Norton Villas, Lampeter Velfry, on Sunday, March 26. Gwenfair and Allan Mason, hosts for the day, had produced an excellent course to test both horse and rider in the three phases of the event. Despite intervals of torrential rain over the weekend, the control of paces section rode well, but proved again the degree of training required to obtain high scores. A picturesque setting including swans and Canada geese as spectators (!) gave the competitors a lovely but challenging ride whilst negotiating 16 interesting obstacles, including a water crossing, footbridge, step down and jumps. The orienteering section took riders out into the countryside skirting Narberth, Lampeter Velfrey and Ludchurch Woods, and as a result of the adverse weather conditions, competitors faced several impromptu water features. Those competitors on ponies found themselves wading almost chest deep through storm water creating extra challenge on the bridleways for horses, ponies and their riders. Competing for the first time on the day were father and daughter partnership James McAloon from Saundersfoot and 12-year-old Rebecca Bockhard, the youngest competitor, who is a member of the South Pembrokeshire Pony Club. James said: "We shall definitely have another go, probably on a nice summer's day! Rebecca has only had her pony for two weeks and we thought as we enjoy hacking and hunting with the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, it would be nice to do something different. The obstacle course was really enjoyable and the day has been a real but achievable challenge." Results
Individuals: Level 2 - 1. Helen Paine; 2. Lynn Davies; 3. Denise Pile. Level 1 - 1. Pauline Crossland; 2. Theresa Nazer; 3. Erica Evans; 4. Sue Weston. Pairs: Level 2 - 1. Dannielle Connolly and Jacqui Mitchell. Level 1 - 1. Dawn Hodson and Nuala Preston; 2. Polly Lloyd-Owen and Sarah Parry- Jones; 3. Wendy Brice and Kim Sinnott; 4. Maggie McMullen and Shan Pace; 5. Eifion Roberts and Amanda Roberts; 6. Helen Parnell and Non Jenkin.