There has never been a better weekend for a jaunt to the Hudson Valley in general and Millbrook in particular. Set your sights on the Millbrook Horse Trials for an unforgettable getaway. Whether you are a rider, a shopper or a spectator, enjoy the tour de force, created by our keen equestrienne friends nestled in the heart of the equestrian countryside.
There is highly competitive riding to spectate, great food to consume, tailgating to enjoy, and a top notch shopping experience in the Millbrook Market Tent and Trade Fair Truly something for everyone.
About Eventing from the United States Equestrian Federation. The Olympic sport of eventing is best described as an equestrian triathlon. The sport originated as a cavalry test and is comprised of three phases: dressage, cross country and show jumping. The first phase – dressage – shows the graceful partnership of horse and rider through a sequence of movements on the flat. The next phase – cross country – challenges bravery, fitness and determination as combinations navigate a series of solid obstacles, technical questions and varied terrain. In the final phase – show jumping – pairs must again prove their precision as they clear a course of fences. Competitors accumulate penalty points in each phase. At the end of the event, the pair with the lowest score wins. Eventing tests horse and athlete pairs more completely than any other discipline.
Saturday at MHT has a country fair atmosphere! The upper level competitors, galloping across the countryside over imposing, solid fences. This is exciting to watch, especially from the comfort of the Waterview tent, or as you tailgate with friends and family overlooking the cross-country course! The food & beverage trucks and the Trade Fair and Millbrook Market Weekend Vendors will be open all day. Saturday is Family Day with pizza and ice cream, and other fun activities for kids.
The Shopping kicks off with the Friday Night Sip & Shop, generously sponsored by Porsche Danbury, Casa Dragones & What2WearWhere.
There is a new and delicious opportunity for shopping on Sunday Morning, sponsored by Taconic Distillery.
That’s when John will shop for a new Porsche.
There are so many wonderful vendors to shop – here are a just a few of our faves.
From Glamourpuss – love the form and function of this blush suede jacket. It can be used as neutral and combines beautifully with other shades. Upgrade your jeans and boots, or toss it over a midi-lenght dress.
Don’t miss this clever clutch from Natasha Blodgett and discover her custom wearable art & whimsey.
Designs by Georgina specializes in all kinds of pearls & vintage cameos. My secret source of gifts for my daughters.
What to Wear While Competing? Each discipline requires its own code of dress so we queried our friends and the USEA for the guidelines.
DRESSAGE: The dress code for Training through Fourth Levels is a short riding coat of conservative color, with tie, choker or stock tie, white breeches or jodhpurs, boots, or Jodhpur boots, and protective headgear. Gloves of conservative color are recommended.
J. Wilder bringsthe best of moroccan shoes, belts and all maner of vintage sports clothing.
No hat? No problem, stop at the Madder Hatters and find your new seasonal chapeau.
CROSS COUNTRY: A body protecting vest must be worn warming-up for and in the cross-country test. For the cross-country test light-weight clothing is appropriate. A shirt with sleeves must be worn. Protective Headgear, any color. Britches or jodhpurs may be any color. Gloves, if worn, may be any color. Boots are black or brown.
This the Horse Trials are welcoming a new sponsor, Really Wild London, a British luxury house defined by craftsmanship, heritage textiles and enduring design. I am looking forward to shopping their well tailored wardrobe essentials for now and for the shooting season in the fall.
JUMPING: For the jumping test, a hunting dress of uniform with protective headgear is to be worn. Hat covers other that solid black or dark blue are not allowed. Coat must be in a dark color, while a shirt must be worn with a pin, chocker, or tie. Gloves, if worn, dark color, tan, beige or white. Jodhpurs or Britches must be light color or white, and boots brown or black.
Cute and easy to wear from Two B’s Accessories.
Westerlund is a shop in Millerton which carries an eclectic assortment of things for self (men, women & children) and home, including Toma Bloody Mary Mix which I recently discovered.
I also fancy their sunglass collection.
DharBazaar is another favorite stop for lovely Indian inspiration.
And I must mention V Beaute, the brain child of Valesca Guerrand Hermes and her daughter Clea, who created a breakthrough in skin care with their proprietary formula from local bees. They produce in small batches using controlled, low-heat methods designed to protect ingredient integrity throughout the formulation. When you see Valesca’s radiant skin, you will want the whole collecction.
On Sunday, the upper level show jumping is the climax of the competition! Patrons will enjoy lunch with their guests as they watch top level riders compete in the finals from the comfort of their private ringside tents.
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Thank you for your support. KK & Hilary
