The fashion is high at the fabulous Fitch’s Corner. Photo courtesy of Fernanda Kellogg.
Founded 25 years ago, the Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials has been a popular summer fixture in the greater Hudson Valley. Held July 21 and 22 on the farm of Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels in Millbrook, NY. The weekend’s activities support the Millbrook Fire Department Rescue Squad, a volunteer organization which provides emergency services to the largest area in Dutchess County. Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials has benefited the Rescue Squad for the past 24 years and has raised more than $465,000.
The horse competition features dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping in a triathlon format. 300 horses will compete for $25,000 in prize money. Riders will include local star Booli Selmeyer and Olympic rider Boyd Martin.
General admission is free to the public. In addition to the horse eventing competition on Saturday and Sunday, spectators can enjoy a wide range of shopping at Fitch’s Market featuring over 50 shops featuring women’s fashions, men’s attire, jewelry, accessories, home, gifts for horse and hound and more. At the Fitch’s Food Court find The Crooked Rooster for great burgers, and the Great Cape Baking Company and Supreme Cream for shakes and other delights.
To celebrate Fitch’s 25 years will be a special photo exhibition by social photographer Mary Hilliard featuring a retrospective of Fitch’s over the years.
New this year will be the 2018 Rolls-Royce Owners Club Atlantic Region Concours held on Sunday July 22. The RROC promotes the preservation, restoration, use and enjoyment of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. The concours complements these objectives by evaluating cars on numerous criteria against standards of perfection. Over 20 classic Rolls and Bentley’s will compete this year and specators are welcome to this very special event. Cars arrive on Fitch’s Corner field at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 22nd and judging begins at 9 am. A parade of the cars takes place in the arena following the Spectator Luncheon.
The Fitch’s Corner Hall of Fame Award will be presented to Barbara and Donald Tober with Special Recognition to Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate for enhancing the equestrian world and philanthropic support of the community.
National Holiday: National Blueberry Muffins Day
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Gennessee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Riga Meadow H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Maryland at Loch Moy II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Coconino Summer II 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Your Wednesday News & Notes
The junior riders will soon start their trek to Rebecca for the NAYC. The USEA has written up a quick profile of each rider on the CCI1* Junior Championships teams, with areas sending between one and five pairs out to Montana. [Meet the NAYC Junior Riders]
The horsey profile you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! La Biosthetique Sam FBW wasn’t always the stand-out in Micheal Jung’s yard but he showed up to work every day and soon showed his true potential. While pretty laid back, his strongest dislikes include awards ceremonies, crowded warm-ups, and tight trailering spots. [Behind the Stall Door]
If you’re on track for a Three-Day at Waredaca, consider the Three-Day Challenge. Riders will gain points at competitions by competing in at least two of the four ‘Road to the Three-Day’ events, which consist of HP of NJ II, Waredaca August, Seneca Valley PC, and Morven Park, all leading up to the fall N/T/P3D series at Waredaca in October. [Area II Organizers Offer Road to the Three-Day Challenge]
Attwood Wisdom of the Week – The Importance of Drainage
No doubt about it this has been a rainy spring for most of the East Coast. But no matter where you live, we have all seen the negative effects of too much rain on a poorly constructed arena.
An arena’s drainage system is your first line of defense when the skies open up. Every outdoor should have the minimum of at least one designed French drain INSIDE the arena. Why inside? So that the water does not have to go under or over kickboards to drain away, washing away your footing creating gullies and puddles.
Designing your drainage system is as important as the choice of footing you put in your arena. Ideally your drainage system should let the water leave in a steady consistent manner.
The drainage system should reflect the use of the arena. If the arena cannot have any downtime, more drainage should be incorporated which translates into more maintenance of the footing. More watering and more dragging ensures the footing stays in tip-top shape.
There are always trade offs in creating a perfect riding surface. That’s why riders like Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin turn to Attwood for their expertise and scientifically proven formulas. Have any footing questions or photos you want to share? Attwood Equestrian Surfaces will be happy to post them on their Facebook and Instagram account. Just email them to [email protected].
