Millbrook Horse Trials canceled

MILLBROOK — A great deal of time, effort and energy made the return of last year’s Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT) a great success after time off the year before because of the COVID pandemic. Many horse enthusiasts were looking forward to this year’s event once again, expecting it to be even bigger and better. But an announcement on Thursday, May 5, put an end to those hopes. It stated the following:

“With great regret, the Board of Millbrook Horse Trials announces the cancellation of this year’s event, which was scheduled to be held Aug. 4-7 in Millbrook, N.Y. Unfortunately they have not been able to come to a mutually acceptable agreement with one of the landowners on whom they rely to host the competition.”

The announcement was posted on the MHT’s website, www.millbrookhorsetrials.com.

Chairman of the Board Simon Roosevelt of Millbrook said the problem arose because of a disagreement with one of two properties used for the trials, Coole Park Farm, which is operated by Linda Bushnell of Riga Meadow Equestrian.

The board hopes to be able to come to an agreement with Coole Park Farm, which is located at 1031 Bangall Amenia Road in nearby Amenia. MHT is hoping it can use the site for the 2023 horse trials.

Coole Park Farm has two sections that are used in the trials. The other site used for the MHT is leased from Millbrook School located on 131 Millbrook School Road in the town of Washington. While that location plays host to the cross-country courses in the trials, it has only two small arenas.

Last year was MHT’s 20th year; the event is a major draw in the region for horse lovers  and equestrians near and far, including those at the Olympic level. It also brings countless horses and trainers from all over the world.

The MHT is an important event in the sporting world, as evidenced by the fact that the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) has stepped in since news of this year’s cancellation was announced. It promised to help try to save the MHT.

“The USEA has committed to assist Millbrook to make sure that this incredibly important event continues into the future,” said President of USEA Max Corcoran. “We will work with the organizers of Millbrook to solve this and make sure that the event is viable.”

Latest News

Troutbeck to host ‘rewilding’ talk with environmental leaders

Troutbeck to host ‘rewilding’ talk with environmental leaders

AMENIA — The concept of “rewilding” the environment will be the focus of a discussion at Troutbeck in Amenia on Saturday, Nov. 8, featuring environmentalist Ben Goldsmith and Dr. Joshua R. Ginsberg, president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. The program begins at 3 p.m.

Admission is free, but registration is requested. Troutbeck encourages attendees to arrive early for lunch or stay afterward for dinner in its dining room.

Keep ReadingShow less
environment and conservation

Route 44 to be reduced to one lane of traffic for water leak repair in Millerton

Route 44 to be reduced to one lane of traffic for water leak repair in Millerton

Water from the damaged pipe has bubbled up to the surface of Route 44 near Park Avenue in Millerton on Monday, Nov. 3. Water department crews are expected to repair the leak between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Drivers passing through Millerton should expect delays on Main Street/Route 44 around Park Avenue as a Water Department crew works to repair a leak under the westbound lane.

Interim Superintendent of Public Works Joe Olenik said the work will begin around 5 p.m. tonight, Nov. 3, and he expects repairs to be finished by midnight. “There’s concrete under that, so it’s going to take a little longer,” Olenik said, pointing to a picture of the puddle that has accumulated on Route 44 because of the leak. “It’s not just blacktop and dirt.”

Keep ReadingShow less
traffic

Demolition of Millerton’s fire-damaged highway and water building begins

Demolition of Millerton’s fire-damaged highway and water building begins

Demolition crews from BELFOR Property Restoration began demolishing the fire-ravaged Water and Highway Department building in the Village of Millerton on Monday, Oct. 27

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The long-awaited demolition of Millerton’s Highway and Water Department building began Monday, Oct. 27, marking a major milestone in the village’s recovery from the February fire that destroyed the facility.

The demolition, handled by BELFOR Property Restoration, is now underway. Eddie Collins Park, located next to the site, remains open to the public, though visitors are asked to steer clear of the demolition area.

Keep ReadingShow less
water department

Local, county candidates gather for NorthEast-Millerton Library forum

Local, county candidates gather for NorthEast-Millerton Library forum

Millerton and North East residents crowded into the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex on Friday, Oct. 24, to hear from 10 candidates seeking office.

Photo by Christian Murray

MILLERTON — A crowd of about 60 people filled the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex for a political Q&A session with candidates for local and county offices on Friday, Oct. 24.

Panels of candidates rotated across the stage, answering questions submitted beforehand and impromptu questions from audience members in the room.

Keep ReadingShow less
elections 2025