Tim Bourke and Buck Davidson enjoy a victory lap at Millbrook. Photo by Abby Powell.
Good news for the eventing calendar and Area 1: The Millbrook Horse Trials has announced, after a hiatus in 2022, that they will be back up and running in 2023, July 27-30.
Millbrook has been an important fixture on the Area 1 and national calendars, as well as in the local community, since 1985, and is special to many people. As the last Advanced event in Area 1 each season, “it is important to the Board that we do everything possible to keep this event on the schedule well into the future,” Sharyn Antico, event secretary and co-organizer, stated. “We are thrilled to have finally come to an agreement with the new venue owners.”
“We are here to run a quality competition, and we want to do a great job. We want to do this for the competitors, the sponsors, the land owners, the community and the sport… We support all levels of eventing, and are excited to be part of the new strategic calendar, by continuing to offer the Advanced Level in Area 1,” Sharyn commented, stressing the importance of creating an event that works for everyone and providing opportunities for the community.
The Millbrook water complex. Photo by Kate Samuels.
The Board is appreciative of this encouragement and of the supporters and volunteers who have made Millbrook a community event and a fixture for eventing’s High Performance and amateur riders alike.
Riders also shared their excitement and gratitude for the event to continue. As 5* event rider Booli Selmayr says, “I’m relieved and ecstatic that Millbrook Horse Trials will be running again this coming year. It has a vital role on the calendar for upper level riders along the east coast… and a destination event and summer goal for so many Area 1 riders. It’s an event in the area that has the atmosphere for riders to test themselves and their horses against the best in the country. [Additionally], Millbrook is one of the few events left which has a cross country course built into natural terrain, and is imperative for developing horses and riders for the future – to have to run and jump on the Millbrook hills. A massive thank you to those who have made this possible for 2023!”
Similarly, Kentucky and Burghley rider and long-time Millbrook competitor and supporter, Marcia Kulak is excited to see Millbrook back in action. “I’m a lifelong Millbrook attendee, as I competed in the inaugural event back in the 80s,” Marcia reflected. “[Millbrook] has always been an integral part of the Area 1, with [Area 1] relying on Millbrook to uphold the standard of the area’s calendar. You can bring your top horses, young horses, and clients for all levels to enjoy a weekend, and feel a venue and an atmosphere of such stature.”
While it’s important for competitors, Marcia also reflects on the role that Millbrook plays in the community: “The horse trial is a large part of the community as well, providing a social and community gathering space for horse and non-horse people alike. That’s unique for a once a year competition, with a lot of inherent value that the Board of Directors clearly recognize. I’m grateful for the event to be back up and running, and for the behind the scenes work to make it such a wonderful weekend.”
Plans for 2023 include rerouting part of the cross country track and expanding the country Fair, introduced in 2021 with much success, with family activities, vendors, and food. There are ways for everyone to participate and enjoy Millbrook Horse Trials.
Organizers hope to see a flood of support and encouragement as they gear up for next year’s event. Keep an eye on Millbrook’s website for more information, and how to best support the event, including community participation through volunteering and sponsorship.
