preparing for TREC!

So, in a bit of a twist, there is a mini TREC competition being held on Sunday. We had a theory day - In French! - this last Sunday and 8 or 9 of us will be trying out the three phases this week. Given that the stable mainly has youngsters and inexperienced rocky mountain horses in at the minute, my best option for this is Maverik! Spooky, freaky Maverik. Joy.

So, we`ve been practising obstacles and trails as much as possible. i.e. not much. We`ve put a bright blue tarp weighted down with poles in the indoor school, made a bridge out of planks, made a cone slalom, a little maze with pieces of wood, some small jumps and a couloir for rein back etc. Everyone`s pretty doubtful that Maverik will do the course, and maybe he won`t, certainly not without penalties, but he`s better than he was, and we`re going to give it a go. Another practice session tomorrow, and we`ve built a `gate`, which is a leadrope attached to a carabiner between two jump wings and added in a couple of other tasks. My main worry would be a ditch, I think. He gets a bit spooky and likes to dither before leaping like a frog over them. I grab mane and hope! The control of paces section will also be tougher than I anticipated. Lengthened, fast walk is ok, but collected canter will be tough outside. Tough for everyone though. I will update with any further progress!