MILLBROOK — If it seems like a long time has passed since Millbrook has had fans jumping in their seats, this past weekend’s Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT) certainly changed that. Not only did the trials have spectators jumping, but they had the horses jumping as well, with the MHT back bigger and better than ever before after a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus. It seemed that fans appreciated the popular equestrian event after its long absence. For the most part, the weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed all four days the gathering that was as much a social affair as it was a sporting one.
Held on the grounds Riga Meadow of Coole Park Farm, 330 competitors gathered, with a meet that ran from Thursday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 8. The number of competitors was fewer this year due to the Olympics taking place simultaneously in Tokyo, Japan.
According to the MHT’s Louise Meryman, in addition to the Olympics to contend with, there was also the COVID resurgence to worry about and an equestrian event in Maryland taking place for the first time at the same time as the Millbrook trials.
Many competitors come from Pennsylvania, Maryland and points south, who may have chosen the closer venue. However, much to everyone’s delight, the number of spectators seemed much higher than usual. People seemed glad just to be out of doors, enjoying the horses, the eventing and the new accoutrements offered this year.
The Fair Trade vendors and the food trucks were open all four days. Saturday was especially fun for families, with a pop-up boutique and a petting zoo and a crafts tent for the youngsters. For the first time there was even tailgating.
Of course, the most important element of the MHT can be found in the ring, where the riders and the horses perform their events.
It begins with the dressage, which highlights one’s training. That’s where the horse and rider perform from memory a series of predetermined movements. The next phase is the cross-country, when the horse and rider gallop over natural terrain, negotiating unfamiliar jumping obstacles at various speeds. The third and last event is stadium jumping, which tests the horse’s obedience and athletic ability. The course is irregular, and objects can easily be knocked down throughout the timed event.
At the end of stadium jumping, each competitor’s score from dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping are totaled. The equestrian team with the lowest number of penalties is declared the winner.
MHT 2021 results
Winners this year were: Advanced, Holly Payne Caravella riding #8, Charm King; Open Intermediate, Allison Courtney Springer astride Crystal Crescent Moon, #40; Open Intermediate B, Tim Bourke riding #72, Quality Obsession; Junior Young Open Preliminary, Meg Pelligrino, riding #101, Cici Top; Open Preliminary, Skylar Decker astride Cooley Monsoon, #68.
Preliminary was taken by Will Englehardt on WEC Emperor of Hope, #111; Jr. Trainer Division, Ally Krohg riding Ardeo Rock & Roll #164; Open Training A was won by Sandra Holden on Cano Christales #240; Open Training B saw Madeline Hartsock win on Global FX #84.
Training Rider Event had Sabrina McClure Ianacone finishing first on Pirated Bid #152; Junior Novice winner was Gianna Fernandez riding Excel Vero Amore # 261; Novice Rider A Mimi L. Babcock won on Leamore Trendsetter #218; Novice Rider B was Emily Scott on Dolce & Gabana #248; Open Novice A went to Alexander Conrad on Amore #192; Open Novice B went to Kate Day on Fortissimo #240.
Beginning Novice Rider A went to Amelia Pitts on KC Spellbound #275; Beginning Novice B was won by Jen Grand on Lavender #321; Open Beginning Novice went to Heather Navarez and Merry Melody #297.
This year’s MHT was especially appreciated after last year’s absence, made once again successful by the hard work of Sharyn Antico, Louise Meryman, Anne Gillis, Olivia van Melle Kamp, Mimi Babcock, Caroline Merison, Jessie Smith, Nancy Estes and many others, including the many volunteers who provided courteous and helpful services throughout the long weekend.
Now, believe it or not, all of them will once again to plan for 2022’s MHT.
Hannah Lowin was on her 8-year-old horse, Infinity, at the Millbrook Horse Trials this past weekend. From Red Hook, Hannah has worked at Riga Meadows/Coole Park Farm since 2018. She loves riding and thinks it’s great to compete, even if one doesn’t do well. This was her first year of eventing. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
Grace Conde of NYC and Salisbury, Conn., sat astride 14-year-old Kipper at the Millbrook Horse Trials. Grace, 19, has been riding since she was 4. This was her first time eventing. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
