| Orienteering
on horseback! This is the main element of the sport. Distance vary
between 12km for level 1, to 40km for level 4,
This phase starts with a tack check. This is not a
inspection of shiny boots and well soaped bridle and saddle. Its to
check that you are equipped to safely travel across country. Click left
for a full list of compulsory and recommended items needed..
You then enter the map room. The aim is to copy from a
'master' map a predetermined route onto a unmarked map. You will
normally be given 10 minutes to complete this.
After your 10 minutes its time
to leave the map room and start. On leaving you will be given your first
speed. Don't worry, speeds are normally between 6km and 12km/hour,
depending on your horse, this is only walk and trot.
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Follow your map, all being well you will soon meet
your first check point. Your time in is recorded, a short 5 minute break
and its off again at a new speed. The objective is to maintain these
speed exactly, for every minute fast or slow you will be deducted 1
point. Enter the check point the wrong way, or miss it totally its 30
points.
Organisers of the course take great joy in making
things hard, the  master map route may take you one side of a hedge line,
but if your the wrong side, you may miss the check point.
At higher levels maps can replaced with compass
bearings and distances, or how about orienteering at night!
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