TREC equestrian: what it is, its three phases, and the rules

TREC is the competition for equestrian tourism. It measures whether a pair—horse and rider—can solve challenges encountered on a trail ride: navigating with a map and compass, regulating rhythm over kilometers, controlling gaits, and overcoming obstacles in the terrain. The name comes from the French Techniques de Randonnée Équestre de Compétition (Competitive Equestrian Trekking Techniques). At the international level, it is regulated by the International Federation of Equestrian Tourism (FITE), whose current regulations are dated January 2026. In Spain, it is managed by the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation (RFHE), and Barcelona hosted the TREC World Championship in September 2026.

This guide summarizes what a TREC competition is like according to FITE regulations, using figures from the regulation itself.

What is TREC and who can participate

According to the preamble of the regulations, TREC competitions are open to all equids. They reward the pair or the national team that best solves a set of difficulties, not the one that excels in just one. This is why it is a very complete discipline: the horse must be reliable, manageable, and in shape, and the rider must know how to orient themselves and manage effort.

FITE is the only entity authorized to govern international TREC competitions. The organization of each championship is entrusted to a national equestrian tourism body.

The three phases of TREC

A TREC competition has three phases, which are scored separately and then added together:

Phase Name What is assessed Maximum points (Senior)
POR Orientation and Regularity Route Following an itinerary with map and compass at the set speed 240
MA Mastery or Control of Gaits Slow canter and fast walk in a 150 m corridor 60
PTV Varied Terrain Obstacle Course Overcoming natural or simulated difficulties 160
Total 460

These figures are for the veteran, senior, and young rider categories. Juniors compete in pairs (duos) and have a maximum of 640 points.

1. POR: orientation and regularity

It is the longest phase and carries the most weight. Before departing, each rider spends 20 minutes isolated in the map room to copy the itinerary onto their map. Some sections may be done only with a compass or with the indication of a meeting point.

What the regulations specify:

  • Maximum distance: 40 km for seniors, 30 km for veterans and young riders, and 20 km for juniors.
  • Speed set per section: from 6 to 12 km/h (from 6 to 10 km/h for juniors), with a route average of 8 to 9 km/h. In mountains with steep slopes, there may be sections below 6 km/h.
  • Scoring: it starts at 240 points with penalties subtracted, and the result can be negative. Each minute ahead or behind the ideal time costs 1 point, and skipping a checkpoint costs 50.
  • GPS is prohibited: the mobile phone must be turned off and sealed in the map room, and is carried only for safety.

During the POR, judges can verify at any time that the rider is carrying the mandatory minimum equipment, and each missing item results in a 10-point penalty, up to 30. This equipment is:

  • the sealed phone;
  • the rider's and horse's documentation;
  • a reflective vest;
  • a stable halter or collar and a lead rope to tie the horse.

At the end, there is a veterinary check within 30 minutes of arrival. The veterinarian may disqualify a horse, and their decision cannot be appealed.

2. MA: control of gaits

This is a short and very technical phase, with two exercises in a corridor marked on the ground 150 meters long and 2 meters wide:

  1. Canter as slowly as possible along the 150 m.
  2. Walk as fast as possible in the same corridor or one identical to it.

Each exercise is scored from 0 to 30 according to time, using an official table. In seniors, for example, the canter earns 30 points if it takes 33.80 seconds or more, and the walk earns 30 points if completed in 67 seconds or less.

Judges penalize breaking gait or stepping out of the corridor. The quality of the canter is not judged, but the walk must be a clear four-beat gait: if it becomes diagonalized, it is penalized. A dressage whip is only permitted in this phase. If you want to review what each gait is like, we explain it in our horse gaits guide.

3. PTV: varied terrain obstacle course

This tests the trail horse's training: confidence, straightforwardness, manageability, balance, and sure-footedness. The course has 16 obstacles for veterans, seniors, and young riders, and 14 for juniors, each scored out of 10. Three refusals at an obstacle result in 0 points for that obstacle, but do not lead to elimination.

The obstacles are chosen from a closed list of 36 exercises in the regulation. Some are done mounted, others in-hand, and others allow both. Among them are:

  • low branches;
  • ford;
  • ascending and descending steps;
  • ditch;
  • ascending and descending embankment;
  • bridge/footbridge;
  • slalom;
  • rein-back (backing up);
  • one-handed figure-eight;
  • immobility in-hand and mounted;
  • mounting (the "montoir");
  • opening and closing a gate;
  • log;
  • hedge.

The names are our translation of the official French list.

The maximum jump height is 1.00 m for seniors, 0.90 m for veterans and young riders, and 0.70 m for juniors.

Mandatory rider equipment

FITE regulations are clear regarding safety:

  • Approved helmet mandatory in all phases, whenever mounted.
  • Protective vest that meets equestrian standards, mandatory in the PTV.
  • Boots or half-chaps (minichaps) mandatory in the MA, PTV, and at ceremonies.
  • If the footwear does not have a heel of at least 12 mm, caged or safety stirrups are mandatory.
  • In the PTV, the whip can be a maximum of 75 cm long.

How to start in TREC

Most riders come to TREC from trail riding and equestrian tourism. The most practical approach is to find a club or center that trains for this discipline and start at the beginner levels of the regional or national circuit. You must train the three skills separately:

  • reading maps and using a compass;
  • regulating speed at a walk and trot over kilometers;
  • working the horse on field obstacles, both mounted and in-hand.

Equipment used in TREC

If you are preparing for your first competition, this is the equipment required or used by the regulations:

Sources

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