No matter how much politicians try to foster the 'entente cordiale' the British still regard the French with a good deal of suspicion - and I suspect that the sometimes scratchy feelings between the two countries will always be present despite any amount of cordiale.

Nevertheless, however much the Brits are loath to admit it, the French are very good at some things. One of these is the highly-organised equestrian tourist industry, from which has evolved their sport of TREC (Technique de Randonnee Equestre do Competition).

The concept of TREC was developed after the war when the potential for developing recreational riding was recognised. France is a large country blessed with vast areas of beautiful countryside. Professional guides were needed, together with a programme for their training and development within the sector. This led to the concept of TREC as a suitable way to test their expertise.

TREC soon appealed to the tourists themselves and the sport quickly mushroomed into the Benelux countries. It reached British shores in 1998, so is still very much in the development stage here.

The competition is run over one or two days, depending on the difficulty level. In phase one, Parcours d'Orientation et de Regularite (POR), riders must follow a route on a map at speeds predetermined by the organisers, usually walk and trot, similar to a pleasure ride. It is quite relaxed and super equine fitness is not needed. The second phase, Matrisse des Allures or control of paces, is a course requiring the rider to walk, trot and canter, demonstrating that they have a degree of influence over the horse. This resembles very loosely a basic dressage test.

The final phase, Parcours en Terrain Varie, or PTV, is the cross country. The most popular, this phase is designed to give an indication of the horse and riders' suitability to cope with the kind of obstacles and difficulties that might be encountered whilst riding in the countryside. Hazards will include jumps, opening gates, negotiating steep banks or water, or similar features. Points are awarded for negotiation of each of the 16 or so hazards. As they are all optional, competitors can opt out of any they feel are unsuitable for their horse or themselves with a resultant loss of points.

Scoring is based on the accumulation of points. No one gets eliminated, even if they get lost on phase one, unless they cheat or lose equipment. There is no premium on fit, fast horses. Any sound equine will suffice, in fact the type of horse is immaterial because it's down to rider skill. The horse's age or lack of ability are no deterrent because the slower speeds of TREC make it less demanding even though long distances are covered. For people who have no horse of their own, they can use hirelings as some competitions have access to them.

Everyday riding clothing can be used, virtually any saddlery and tack, even side saddle (with some slight modifications to one or two of the PTV obstacles). The only mandatory requirements are personal accident and public liability insurance as competitors are going into unchartered territory with a map. Membership of an organisation affiliated to the British Equestrian Federation, which provides this cover, is acceptable and BHS or British Riding Clubs membership qualifies riders for participation in restricted affiliated competitions. The only material piece of equipment that may need buying is a compass.

It is, all in all, a very relaxed, highly flexible sport yet requires a wide range of basic skills from both horse and rider.

Rob Jones, of BHS TREC, said: "The concept is of examining the horse and rider in their ability to make a journey, dealing with the difficulties and hazards or obstacles on the way."

One of its biggest attributes is the social aspect. "It's an extremely friendly sport," said Katie Morgan, competitor and judge from Pickering, East Yorkshire. "I have met an awful lot of people doing TREC and have made lots of friends through it. I went on my own to the first one and found everyone very welcoming."

"I go on the Friday night and stay in the horsebox. Some people are very competitive, but everyone goes just to enjoy themselves over the weekend. There is such a good camaraderie amongst the competitors. On the Saturday night there is a party, I take a bottle of wine. You just go and join in and be welcomed."

Competitors amount to about 2,500 in the UK at present, but this number is increasing all the time. The problem is meeting the demand for events. There are hot spots in the country where groups of enthusiasts organise and run competitions. Unfortunately at this stage the BHS has no resources to go out and run competitions so is reliant on voluntary help as organisers.

Orienteering may sound very technical and may deter some people, but Katie said: "It isn't as scary as it sounds. Level 1 is very much geared to the first timer. It's a very straightforward route to follow. You then learn as you go along. You try to improve on your own performance each time".

"People seem scared of just 'having a go" she said. "I don't know why. I didn't have a clue on my first time, but then I really got hooked." The jumping element should not deter people either. "You are not forced to do anything you're not comfortable with," she said.

The BHS do run training courses, both mounted and un-mounted. It also does competitive training for orienteering. There is provision for people to compete in pairs for those less confident or for an adult to accompany a young person.

Katie is helping to organise the English Championships being held this year in East Yorkshire in August. "Even though it's a championships anyone can have a go," she said.

Rob Jones is optimistic that as a competition TREC will increase in popularity. He will be pleased to chat to anyone interested. Certainly it's a perfect opportunity to enjoy riding in the countryside off the beaten track in a friendly atmosphere with like minded people, with the added interesting competitive edge. I feel that pioneering spirit coming on...

* English National Championships, August 19 to 21, at Appleton Le Moors, Near Pickering. Details and full fixture list on the BHS website, www.bhs.org.uk then/trec/trec.htm or call Rob Jones on 0926 707740.

Published: 03/06/2005