Will Faudree and Pfun, winners of the Advanced division at Millbrook H.T. in 2019. Photo by Abby Powell.
Yesterday we here at EN were studying what’s left of the 2020 eventing calendar, and in particular Advanced and FEI fixtures, plotting the course of our coverage with fingers crossed. Millbrook H.T., held in Amenia, New York at Coole Park Farm, was at the top of our list — it’s an important event and generally the first stop for many upper-level pairs ahead of their big fall events. Last year 52 horse and rider pairs contested Millbrook’s Advanced division, with Will Faudree and Pfun taking the win.
Scheduled for July 30 through Aug. 2, this year marks Millbrook’s 20th anniversary but its fate isn’t sealed in stone yet. In addition to monitoring national and local developments in relation to COVID-19, the event shared this update on Facebook yesterday:
“We are hoping to have a decision this week in regards to MHT 2020. One of the major factors is the financial support needed to run an event like MHT. As the event is now only six weeks away, we are hoping that those that are able to help, might consider helping us this year! Over the last few months, we felt it inappropriate to fundraise given the underlying financial uncertainty and the inability to know if the event could happen at all. In short, to make this happen, your support this year will be particularly crucial.
“As you might imagine, there are major challenges to overcome this year — regulatory, health, organizational, and financial — but we are hopeful that MHT will be one of the first horse trials of the year, one of the very few upper level events, and one of the first sporting events in our local community.”
For more information on how you can be a part of MHT 2020, please visit the Support Us page on Millbrook’s website. From individual and corporate sponsorships to fence sponsorships and any-amount donations, every bit helps.
In addition to the headline Advanced division, Beginner Novice through Intermediate horse trials divisions are offered. The event opens today, June 23, and closes July 14. See the USEA calendar listing here. We hope to see you out there!
Go Eventing.
Update 6/24: Millbrook shared on Facebook — “We are a GO this year!”
