Back in the saddle again at Millbrook Horse Trials
Alexander Conrad and Amore competed in Open Novice A at the Millbrook Horse Trials. 
Photo by Lans Christensen

Back in the saddle again at Millbrook Horse Trials

MILLBROOK — One of the premier equestrian events of the Tristate region is the Millbrook Horse Trials, which were held last weekend at Riga Meadow at Coole Park.

Competitions began with dressage on Thursday, Aug. 5, which is an essential part of the three-part horse-and-rider competition known as eventing. Eventing began as a test for cavalry riders, and includes dressage, cross-country and jumping.

The Millbrook Horse Trials website describes the dressage test as, “a series of compulsory movements performed on the flat in an arena. The performance must be fluid, balanced, and accurate, presenting an overall picture of grace and harmony. It reflects the cavalry officer’s need for an obedient, attractive mount on the parade ground.”

Anyone who watched the equestrian portions of the Olympics in Tokyo will have seen horse and rider competing in what almost look like ballet; that is dressage.

Cross-country is more rugged. Rider and horse must negotiate obstacles on a natural course at high speed. 

There is jumping in the cross-country portion of the trials, but the actual jumping tests are done on a course with obstacles such as water and fixtures at different heights.

It isn’t only horses and riders who come to the annual Millbrook Horse Trials looking their best. The weekend is also a social highlight for horse country residents, with parties and luncheons throughout the weekend. 

For anyone who wants to upgrade their outdoor gear, there is also always an extensive outdoor vendor fair that features everything from saddles and boots to portraits of beloved animals.

To see the final results from the weekend, go to www. eventingnation.com and www.millbrookhorsetrials.com.

Latest News

Mountaineers strike gold at BL track championships

HVRHS sophomore Ryan Segalla went three-for-three May 17 with Berkshire League gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. He was also on the gold-winning 4x400m relay team.

Photo by Riley Klein

Berkshire League track and field wrapped up a season of competition with the league finals in Litchfield May 17. The BL festival followed with decathlon, heptathlon, steeplechase and hammer in Falls Village May 20 and Thomaston May 21.

The events included athletes from Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Gilbert School, Lakeview High School, Nonnewaug High School, Northwestern Regional High School, Shepaug Valley High School, Terryville High School and Thomaston High School.

Keep ReadingShow less
Salisbury approves traffic detour for June NASCAR event

Lime Rock Park is slated to host the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Friday and Saturday, June 26 to 28, in Lime Rock, Connecticut.

Photo by Nathan Miller

SALISBURY — First Selectman Curtis Rand agreed to sign approvals for changes in traffic patterns and a “hauler parade” for Lime Rock Park’s NASCAR event June 26 to 28 after a lengthy and detailed discussion at a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen Wednesday, May 21.

Lime Rock Park is hosting a weekend of NASCAR events. In anticipation of a larger than usual crowd, park leadership has asked to have one-way traffic on Route 112 — Lime Rock Road — from the junction of Route 7 and Route 112 to White Hollow Road and the main track entrance between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and one-way traffic in the opposite direction between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28.

Keep ReadingShow less
MIRA enters agreement for private sale of Torrington Transfer Station
Torrington Transfer Station’s entrance.
Photo by Jennifer Almquist

TORRINGTON — USA Waste & Recycling’s $3.25 million offer to purchase the Torrington Transfer Station was conditionally accepted by the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority Dissolution Authority at a meeting of its board of directors May 14.

Torrington Transfer Station was one of two facilities in the state, along with Essex Transfer Station, that was still owned by MIRA-DA following the closure of the Hartford trash-to-energy plant in 2022. Municipalities in these service areas were given until July 1, 2027, to establish alternative solid waste contracts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church in Salisbury on June 1, at 1:00PM, followed by a reception at The White Hart Inn.

Keep ReadingShow less