Twelth Annual Millbrook Horse Trials

MILLBROOK — The 12th Annual Millbrook Horse Trials will be held Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 2 to 5, and is expected to draw a field of more than 500 horse and rider combinations.The trials will serve as the first championship event for Career 2 registered thoroughbreds that have competed on this season’s New York eventing circuit. The new Career 2 program, sponsored by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), was created to promote the sport of eventing as a second career for thoroughbred horses, many of which are coming off race tracks and are in need of new jobs and homes.Virtually all of the 25,000 thoroughbred foals born each year across the United States were bred with the intention of racing. While many make it to the track, very few go on to successful racing careers. At the young age of 2, 3 or 4, most horses are retired from racing, yet they have long, useful lives ahead of them.“Eventing is a natural fit for the thoroughbred because the breed is uniquely suited to the demands of the sport,” said Beth Ledy, co-director of Career 2. “Eventing is considered the triathlon of the equestrian world because it combines the disciplines of dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country jumping. Eventing requires athleticism, stamina, courage and a quick mind, all characteristics of the thoroughbred.”The thoroughbred has been widely embraced by eventers. Since 2000, nearly 15,000 thoroughbreds have been registered with the United States Eventing Association (USEA). Nearly a third of all eventers ride thoroughbreds, more than any other equestrian discipline and many thoroughbreds who failed at the track have gone on to illustrious eventing careers, including competing at the Olympic Games.The Millbrook Horse Trials is the only event on the Career 2 circuit that features an advanced division for the highest level of horse and rider. “This really is the premier equestrian event not just in New York state, but in the entire northeast,” said international event rider Louise Meryman, co-director of Career 2 and president of the Millbrook Horse Trials. “We are delighted to be able to showcase the very special qualities of the thoroughbred and what great opportunities exist for these horses in eventing.”The event benefits the Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC), which is dedicated to preserving rural open space. “This spectacular land is protected by the DLC and is the reason we are able to host such a prestigious event,” said Olivia van Melle Kamp, organizing committee member.The rest of the 2012 New York Event Circuit includes the following:•Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials, Victor, N.Y., Thursday to Sunday, July 12 to 15.•Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, Millbrook, Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22.•Millbrook Horse Trials, Millbrook, Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 2 to 5.More information on MHT can be found at www.millbrookhorsetrials.com.