TRY TETRATHLON

Tetrathlon is a two-day rally that tests your ability to ride, swim, run and shoot an air pistol. The four tests make up the four phases of the rally.

Last year we had two SVPC members participate in the Maryland Regional Tetrathlon. They had so much fun, we'd like to encourage more members to try it in 2008.  This year the Tetrathlon will be held on July 5th and 6th at the nearby Shawan Downs equestrian center in Hunt Valley, MD. It's close enough that you can commute both days.  

On Saturday morning, you and your mount will ride a jumper course. For beginners, the jumps can be as low as 18" or even ground poles. There are divisions that qualify for Nationals that start higher. The advanced divisions include a gate that you must open while mounted, and another gate called a slip rail fence that you must dismount, open and walk your horse through. Your score is based on time and faults. After the riding phase, your horse is done with the rally. The rest is for you to do.

On Saturday afternoon, you will commute to a nearby indoor pool at Goucher College for the swimming phase. You will swim freestyle against competitors in your division. Beginners swim 1 length of the pool, and the advanced divisions swim 4 or 8. Your score is based on time. Then you're done for the day.

On Sunday morning, you'll shoot an air pistol at a paper target to determine your score. No, you don't shoot from your horse, your horse gets to stay home on Sunday! Beginners shoot 10 shots, and intermediate and advanced shoot 20. You can have a helper cock and load the air pistol for you. Your score is based on where your shot hits on the target. 

On Sunday afternoon you run a cross country race on foot. It's an individual start so you can do your best without a crowd of runners. Beginners run one-third mile, and intermediate and advanced run between 1 and 2 miles.

Then they hold the awards ceremony, with ribbons for the four phases and overall points. Advanced divisions are eligible to qualify for Nationals.

The best thing about the Tet rally is the Wild Card division. You can pick the height of your jumper course, and the distance you run and swim. It makes it easy for the new Tetrathlete to experience this great USPC tradition.

Our SVPC Tetrathlon coordinator is Mike Kearney. Feel free to contact him with questions. Look for a Tetrathlon prep day during D camp in June!