The Millbrook Mystique: Inside Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials
Horse shows are a wonderful combination of sport and style, and nowhere are the equestrians more style-conscious than clubby Millbrook, which every year encourages outsiders to attend—for free!— the Fitch’s Corner Hunter Trials Weekend on July 24 & 25. If you admire beautiful, well-groomed, well-trained horses, there will be more than 250 in competition from all over the northeast participating in dressage, cross country jumping through rolling fields, and stadium jumping in an arena. The best in show will receive not only ribbons but also silver trophies from Tiffany & Co.
If you like to people-watch and/or shop, Fitch’s Corner is like no other tent sale in the Rural Intelligence region. Beneath an enormous marquee, 45 vendors will be selling an array of clothing and accessories that range from the practical (Hunter Boot Wellies in jelly bean colors) to the whimsical (big straw hats by Madder Hatters.) In the “Equine Village” section of the tent, riders with deep pockets can order fine French made saddles from Devoucoux and their own custom designed course of jumps from ETB Jumps. If you just happen to like dapper clothing, you will find booths selling Bella Tu’s debut collection of tunics and silk pants for entertaining, Stubbs & Wooten’s fancy footwear suitable for resorts and country clubs, and Robert Redd’s men’s and boys polo shirts in every imaginable color. And you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the vintage and antique cars that will be on display beginning at noon on Sunday.
“It’s the best, old-fashioned summer destination event—beautiful horses in a beautiful setting and great shopping, too, ” says Fernanda Kellogg, who hosts the trials with her husband, Kirk Henckels, on their 150 acre farm. “You can go everywhere on the property except into my closet or under my bed!” It’s one of those events that always attracts The New York Times’ legendary street-fashion-and-party photographer Bill Cunningham. “It’s a community event, not a celebrity event,” says Kellogg, “but Bette Midler will be here because she is part of our community.”
Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials
July 24 & 25; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Intersection of Shunpike and N. Mabbettsville Road, Millbrook, NY
Admission free.
