Millbrook, NY - Top riders from around the country will compete in the 17th annual Millbrook Horse Trials. Reorganized last year as a benefit for the Dutchess Land Conservancy, this years's competition will feature the United States Eventing Association's (USEA) prestigious 2002 National Championship for the Intermediate Division, as well as the USEA Region 1 Preliminary Championships.

The Millbrook Horse Trails boasts newly redesigned cross-country courses created by nationally renowned course designer Tremaine Cooper. This course, which debuted last year, drew accolades from upper level competitors, including Buck Davidson, Louise Meryman, and Darrah Alexander. This led to the selection of this event as this year's championship site. The upper level Horse Trials, held from August 23-25, will offer Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary divisions.

More than 500 competitors are expected to compete in the three disciplines that define the horse trials: Dressage, Stadium Jumping, and Cross Country Jumping. The events which are free to spectators, provide a chance to spend a weekend in the picturesque countryside of Dutchess County, one of oldest and most distinguished equestrian communities in the United States.

Picnic lunches, locally made crafts and popular equestrian products will be sold on the show grounds. All proceeds from the event benefit the Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC), a recognized national leader in land conservation.

Through the Dutchess Land Conservancy, Millbrook area landowners have long protected many miles of horse trails for the enjoyment of their local equestrian enthusiasts. The Millbrook Horse Trials are an ideal showcase for the work of the DLC celebrating the enormous support the community has enjoyed from the many conservationists in the equestrian community.

The Millbrook Horse Trials have been very generously supported by Friendly Motorcars Mercedes-Benz, NYRA, Perrier, Heineken, Lufthansa, and American Express.

For Patron's tickets to the weekend's events including the celebratory Mexican Fiesta to honor the competitors on Saturday, August, 24, 2002, contact Amy Sloan at the Dutchess Land Conservancy at 845- 677-3002. Patron's tickets are $250.

For more information on this press release or for action photos of the competitors on the course, please contact Amy Sloan at the Dutchess Land Conservancy at 845-677-3002 or email her at amysloan@dutchessland.org