The Millbrook Horse Trials will return in 2023 after organizers and the owners of Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park, one of the landowners they rely on to host the competition, reached an agreement to use the property.

“We thank all those who have reached out to express their support following the cancelation of last year’s event,” a statement from the Millbrook Horse Trials board said. “Given the outpouring of support and encouragement we have received over the last year, we are expecting, with your help, to come back this year stronger and better than ever.”

The event will take place July 27-30 in Amenia, New York, returning the last advanced-level event in Area I back to the U.S. Eventing Association calendar. The event, which offers beginner novice through advanced divisions, takes place on land protected by the Dutchess Land Conservancy and has become a fixture in Area I. It celebrated 20 years in 2021.

Sharyn Antico, one of Millbrook Horse Trials organizers and the  event secretary, has been involved with the event for the past 15 years and is elated that it will return next season.

“It was very disheartening that we could not run this year,” Antico said. “I’m thrilled that we were able to reach an agreement with the property owners and Riga Meadow to be able to continue the tradition of offering the only advanced level competition in Area I. But more so, the fact that Millbrook brings together not only the advanced level riders but everybody down to the lower levels, at beginner novice, and allows everybody to continue to compete at the same venue, is unique to Area I.”

Plans for 2023 include re-routing part of the cross-country track and expanding the trade fair.

“Part of our cross-country course is going to be over a different piece of land, so we’re excited to develop some slightly new tracks,” Antico said.

The event runs on two properties: The Millbrook School, which is leased by the event, holds the cross-country courses and has two small arenas. Next door, the Riga Meadow Equestrian Center, formerly Coole Park Farm, is a private barn and stable that has two main arenas crucial to the event. The property changed hands in 2019.

The 2021 Millbrook Horse Trials were well-attended, but in 2022 organizers announced they were not able to reach an agreement with the Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park, operated by Linda Bushnell.

“We are delighted to be able to participate in hosting the Millbrook Horse Trials,” Bushnell said Wednesday, Oct. 26. “We think it is a fabulous event, and we are very glad that the parties found a mutually agreeable solution.”