Millbrook horse trials attract 400 riders

MILLBROOK — Over the weekend of July 25 to July 28, the Millbrook Horse Trials were held in Millbrook. The horse trials are a long-standing event, central to the Millbrook equestrian community and invaluable to the local and national eventing community. Around 400 riders competed this year.

This year marks the 23rd year of the event which welcomes competitors of all levels. There are local amateurs as well as Olympic athletes. Currently riding for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, Boyd Martin and Caroline Pamukcu, have been regular competitors at the horse trials.

Laiken Lindsay of Houston, Texas on her horse Darcy. She placed 7th in the beginner novice class show jumping.Photo by Nathan Miller

The Millbrook horse trials sees riders compete in the sport, which consists of dressage, cross country, and show jumping over three days. The weeks leading up to the event have been a flurry of preparation for all of the competitors. This year, Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent won the Advanced division. On Sunday, July 28th patrons enjoyed a catered lunch and watched the Advanced level show jumping. Many spectators attended the entire weekend, especially to see the action on Cross Country on Friday and Saturday.

Laura Voorheis, a local young rider, competed with her horse Hillcrest Hop. She finished in 2nd place in the junior training level. Laura said, “I love the cross-country aspect. Dutchess County is perfect for it, with its rolling hills and open land. Honestly, the feeling can’t be recreated.”

Laura Voorheis, 16, on her horse Hillcrest Hop in the show jumping ring.Photo by Josie

It is one of the most anticipated events for the equestrian community, especially since it is the last three-day event with all six levels, from beginner novice to advanced, in the area. There used to be several events in our area, but only Millbrook remains strong. The horse trials even finds itself in a precarious situation, after being forced to cancel in 2022 due to a land dispute.

It is no easy feat to pull off an event of this caliber. The event takes months of planning to execute year after year. The board and volunteers work tirelessly to pull the event together. Millbrook Horse Trials is so beloved by the community because of how big the atmosphere is, and how it is able to bring the entire community together, regardless of their involvement with horses.

Long-time volunteer and organizer, Mark Shaggy Wertheim has been involved in the Millbrook Horse Trials for 13 years. He represents what the horse trials are all about, saying “I do it for the love of the sport. There is also a wonderful group of people and community here. That’s why I put my blood, sweat, and tears to keep it running” Speaking to the future of eventing in Area 1, Mark said it is “precarious at best.” In order to preserve the sport and the beloved event, the involvement of spectators and “non-horsey” people is essential.

Speaking to the future of the horse trials, Laura Voorheis said “I hope I can come back in 20 years and still see the event going strong.”

Dana Cooke on FE Quattro

Photo by Nathan Miller

Dana Cooke, from Mooresville, North Carolina, on FE Quattro. The rider competed in advanced class cross country on Saturday, July 27.