RED KITE TREC Group Riding Club are celebrating after becoming Pembrokeshire’s newest riding club.

The British Horse Society has accepted the group as an official riding club and members held a special social event at Lampeter Velfrey Village Hall.

Club chairman Maxine Nixon said: “Existing local riding clubs tend to offer riders opportunities to compete in showing jumping and dressage events.

“A group of us who have been entering BHS TREC equestrian events for a number of years recognised there was a need for a different type of riding club in Pembrokeshire.

BHS TREC events are one of the fastest growing equestrian pastimes.

“BHS TREC is an exciting way to learn new skills and build confidence for both horse and rider, whatever their age or experience.”

BHS TREC requires the horse and rider to show versatility and training, combining the demands of trail riding (orienteering), with jumping and correct basic flatwork.

During the social evening, a series of awards were presented to members.

Milestone awards recognising the accumulated distance achieved at TREC competitions were presented to Chris Paine, Sue Lee, and Eifion Roberts for completing 250 kilometres.

Katherine Lougher, Theresa Nazer, Dani Glaister, Bridget Stein and Cath Cromarty were recognised for completing 100km; and Katherine Lougher, Bridget Stein, Cath Cromarty, Kate Gillam, Jacqui Kedward, Cheryl Hughes, Jane Ashbridge and Rosemary Cookson received awards for completing 50km.

Overall, 35 club members entered full, three-phase TREC events held throughout Wales. Their scores at those events were aggregated into the club’s summer league table, with Chris Paine topping the table with 47 points, ahead of Eifion Roberts in second with 35 points, with Theresa Nazer in third and Bridget Stein fourth.

Club member Lynn Davies, who was selected for the senior Great Britain TREC team that competed at the 2012 world championships in Mafra, Portugal, was presented with a special award in recognition of her achievement.

The club has already recruited more than 50 members.

To find out more about the club and TREC, email info@redkitetrec.co.uk or go to the website www.redkite trec.co.uk.