What is Tetrathlon:
Tetrathlon comprises four separate sports: running, riding, shooting and swimming. Together with fencing you may have seen this combination at the Olympic games as Modern Pentathlon. Members can start this sport from a young age although before the age of eight, shooting is replaced by bean bag throwing. The combination of the four sports is a challenge of stamina and accuracy at both an individual and a team level. Distances for running, length of time for swimming and height jumped for riding increases with age, whilst shooting becomes more challenging by increasing the distance from the target and using only one hand. Thus, you progress from beanies (less than eight years old) to tadpoles at 8 and nine years, then minis 10 to 12 years, juniors 13 to 15 years and finally to seniors.
The riding part of the sport is usually cross country with small, enclosed rings of working hunter fences for the younger members. During the winter months many triathlons are run (without the ride) culminating in the winter triathlon championships in March. Tetrathlons, including the ride, start in April with the better weather with branch competitions. In late June/early July Area competitions give the opportunity for the more senior members to qualify for the National tetrathlon championships which occur during the first weekend of the pony Club championships at Offchurch.
Other competitions to look forward to are the Junior regionals which, luckily for us, have been at Moreton Morrell for several years, the senior regionals and an elite competition at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Swimming:
The swim evaluates the athlete’s endurance and speed in water. Competitors swim for a set amount of time, increasing with age, the aim to show the stamina of a competitor.
What to wear swimming phase:
- Red NWPC swimming cap
- Swimming costume/trunks
Running:
The run also tests the athlete’s endurance. Competitors run over a cross-country course or on a track, striving for the best time. The distance run increases with the age of the competitor.
What to wear running phase:
- Red T shirt, ones with NWPC logo are available here.
- Running shorts/leggings
- Trainers or running shoes depending on the terrain.
Shooting:
Athletes use air pistols to hit targets at a set distance, with points awarded for accuracy up to a maximum score of 1000. Competitors under the age of eight have a bean bag competition testing their accuracy at throwing.
What to wear shooting phase:
- NWPC sweatshirt.
- LONG trousers/trackie bottoms must be worn.
- Eye protection MUST be worn.
- Trainers for footwear, not jodhpur boots
Horse Riding:
The equestrian component of Tetrathlon tests the athlete’s skill in riding. Competitors complete a cross-country course with a couple of obstacles specific to tetrathlon, a gate and a slip rail. This phase assesses the rider’s ability to communicate with their horse, across a challenging and technical course. Scoring is set in a positive manner, with 1400 being the top score for a perfect ride within the time allowed.
What to wear Cross Country phase:
- Jodhpurs/Breeches – white, cream, beige, dark or muted colours may be worn. Dark-coloured contrast seats are permitted.
- Navy NWPC skin.
- Current standard Skull Cap with NWPC Red hat silk, plain or with navy pompom.
- Current standard Body protector compulsory.
- Air Jacket is optional.
- Navy NWPC numnah.
- Hair: Must be tied back securely, in a safe manner to reduce the risk of hair being caught and to prevent scalp injuries.
- Footwear – Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a well-defined square cut heel may be worn. Plain black or brown half chaps may be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. Tassels and fringes are not allowed.
- Whip, if carried, should be padded.
Training:
Please check the calendar for dates of training and rallies. Often we combine with the Eventers for cross country training.
Any queries please contact:
