Christine Paine – Chair

I have competed at TREC since 2002 and have ridden at all levels, mostly on my own horses. I particularly enjoy the maps and riding out. I am a Judge, Trainer of Judges, Traceur and TD for all levels and regularly organise competitions too. I am a founder member of Red Kite TREC Group (in West Wales) and its current Chair. I was on the Competitions Advisory Committee when TREC was run by BHS and a Trustee since 2016. I worked in the Agricultural Feed Industry in Technical Sales, Advice and Marketing for 15 years, then worked for Government in ‘Animal Health’ with roles in Legislation, Disease Outbreak Control and Veterinary Medicines, and latterly managed a UK Inspection team. I am also an ISO 9001 Quality Auditor. During my appointment as Chair, I will use these skills for the benefit of TREC GB.

Polly Lloyd Owen – Vice Chair

As Britain opens up again, we can look forward to competing at outdoor venues, meeting old friends and riding across new routes. TREC is about having the sun on your face as you acquire and hone those skills which will help you to safely enjoy trail riding in all places and all weathers. 

If elected, I will ensure that TREC concentrates on combining it’s competitions with their intended purposes. This is about building up every rider’s capability and competence, from map reading to navigating the obstacles they meet on the way, so that our trails and bridleways can be explored with joy and confidence.  Within the UK I believe that we should work closely with FITE  maintaining and developing our objectives and  encouraging recreational riding both at home and abroad.

Cath Cromarty – Trustee

I first started TREC over 20 years ago, starting at Level One as an individual, I was hooked from there. My favourite part is the Orienteering phase, I have always loved maps and hacking out. After a few years I decided to put my name forward as a TD, Technical Delegate. As well as competing now as part of a L2A pair, I am also a judge, a trainer of Judges, both nationally and internationally. I serve on both the Rules and Training working groups. I am also a founder member of the TREC Group TRAC, (TREC Riders Association Cymru) and am currently their Treasurer. My background was mainly within the service industry, hotel and retail. My management skills within the industry, included integrity and communication, both of which I use often as a Trustee. My husband Dave is a TREC follower, TREC judge and my chief groom.

Gillian Newey – Trustee

I am interested in representing the mind set of smaller clubs, to help ensure the Sport of TREC is kept alive. I have a real passion for the sport and really feel I have found my equine discipline. I love to support others in the sport, watching, judging and encouraging them to improve against themselves and others. My daughter went to TREC Champs. When she was 14, there is a need to support and encourage these young riders to continue in our sport. We have a small but very enthusiastic club here on the IOM, and we are keen to feel like part of the wider TREC community. I organise and judge (having done some judge training with Helen Wain here on the Island) at our local competitions. We run winter Arena competitions and usually (when we can) Summer qualifying competitions. This alongside training both ridden and on foot. With 26 years teaching experience behind me I feel I would be a good asset to the board of trustees. I have excellent communication and organisation skills with the ability to coach and inspire others in the sport. I have excellent social media contacts, loving to keep everyone up to date with what is going on.

Helen Martin – Trustee

I have been part of TREC GB since 2015, as a Steering Group member, writer of the Constitution and one of the original Trustees. Having previously been a Trustee I would be pleased and honoured to be involved in the running of the organisation more directly again. I am keen to grow the sport, particularly in establishing links with the Pony Club as a way of encouraging more young riders to take part in TREC. I am chair of the Scoring and Technology Working Group (WG) which specified, commissioned and implemented the new bespoke scoring programme, TREC Event Results (TER), and have delivered TER training remotely and in person across the country. I have been on the Rules WG since TREC GB started, being instrumental in writing the original Rulebook and guiding it through the amendments process each year. I perform a wide range of roles including organising and TDing competitions, judging and training others as judges. My club, Central TREC Group, is very active in the region and works closely with neighbouring clubs, particularly Keysoe & Three Shires. I am a founder member and have served on the committee since the club was set up in 2011.

Kathy Whithead- Trustee

I see my role as a Trustee, if elected, is to help ensure that the sport develops, from grassroot competitors to international riders, young riders and the non-riders who support the sport in numerous ways.  It is important to support the clubs, enabling them to try a variety of activities/initiatives that will help create a broader and stronger membership base.  Trustees must be approachable, not be influenced or blinkered in their views, through listening to everyone who contributes to TREC and be prepared to move away from the norm to support new ideas and developments, whilst always maintaining the core values of TREC. I am part of several TREC GB working groups and understand the team effort and complexity involved in ensuring TREC meets the needs of all its members.   I have gained a broad range of skills and expertise through my work in education for the past 20 years (8 years as a headteacher of a primary school) and 15 years competing and organising TREC competitions.  Good people skills and the ability to listen to all views, both at Trustee level and club level, are paramount to working towards the greater benefit of our sport.

Mark Shire – Trustee

I am a member of the SSWG and a fully qualified judge for Wessex TREC and have been for the last 3 years, I regularly run both summer and winter events for Wessex TREC and I am usually the main organiser. As a result of this I feel I keep up to date with the latest rules of TREC Gb and this is very important as event organiser. I regularly receive feedback and questions and would like to become more involved with the background workings of TREC Gb and hopefully help improve the sport for its members. Also as a non rider I hope to bring a different viewpoint forward and my ambition would be to encourage younger members to join the sport.

Molly Watts – Trustee

I have enjoyed TREC for many years and I now feel this is the right time to offer my skills and experience for the benefit of TREC GB by standing for election as a Trustee. I enjoy working as part of a team and through my farming and catering businesses have experience in management, accounting and regulation. I also have experience in retail management, project management and quantity surveying and am a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. I have acted as Chair of Lawrenny Community Shop, which is run as a Community Interest Company. This has many similarities to the Charity Commission requirements for TREC GB, so this gives me some insight as what is needed. I am also a qualified instructor (BHS AII), have First Aid at Work and Food Hygiene qualifications. The last year has been difficult for many organisations, including TREC GB and will be for a while to come and I wish to play my part in helping TREC GB through this and developing TREC for the future generations to enjoy as I am.

Trish Donnelly – Trustee

TREC is known as a friendly sport, but we also need to show potential members how they could gain access to this exciting and challenging discipline. I would like to broaden the appeal of TREC by developing the skills of young riders, equipping them to compete safely and effectively at home and abroad. I appreciate that teamwork keeps TRECGB running and would like to offer myself for the role of Trustee.  I realise that to be effective in this position I would need to collaborate with fellow Trustees to ensure that the running of TRECGB is in competent, safe hands. I have worked as part of a team, as a Teacher and developed not only skills for organising, planning and implementing a varied curriculum but have also gained experience as a School Governor. I feel that I would like to use this experience to help maintain the aims and values of TREC GB as set out in the constitution and help forge a strong governing body that will endure for years to come.