The Millbrook Summer Diary By Camilla Hellman

The Millbrook Summer Season is under way with the Mashomack International Polo Challenge and upcoming Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials….

The 17th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge took place on Saturday 21st June, presented by Nespresso. Located just 90 minutes from New York City, The Mashomack Polo Club is located on a 1,900 acre private reserve in Pine Plains, New York.

Mashomack Group Shot

Mashomack sits in the heart of the Millbrook Hunt Country, a international enclave for those preferring their Hunter boots, Barbours and country ways. It is in particular a favorite enclave of the British and Italians in New York who want to hunt or shoot, or just enjoy an escape from the City, and it is the annual Mashomack Polo Challenge that marks the beginning of the Millbrook summer social calendar. Over 1,000 guests watched a great day of polo, with 750 attending the seated luncheon and others gathering to tailgate.

Parker Gentry Thorne, Karen Klopp, Bruce and Teresa Colley

This year, the Challenge welcomed Team Italia sponsored by Wide World Ferrari, embolized in vivid red. The team comprised Marco Elser, Paolo di Campello, Raimondo Visconti di Modrone and Gringo Colombres.

Team Italia

The eight goal International Polo Challenge saw Team Italia competing against QUEST, Vikram Chatwal Hotels, Nihiwatu Sumba On The Edge of Wilderness, and What2WearWhere – who won the hard-fought tournament. The Mathias Guerrand Hermes Sportsmanship Award went to the captain of the What2WearWhere team, John Klopp. Dynamite, owned by Philip Mactaggart, won The Heather Croner Sotheby’s International Real Estate’s Best Playing Pony Award.

Team Italia

The high-spirited event began at noon with a Louis Roederer Champagne Reception, whilst on the field, the next generation of the Mashomack Polo Club, the “Young Guns” (aged eight years old and up), took to the field and showed that they are ready to take their elder counterparts’ places on the field.

Polo Team

Weekly polo matches take place from May to September – tailgaters are encouraged, and details can be found on the Mashomack Polo website. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Challenge will help local charities, including Pine Plains Fire Hose & Rescue Company, New York State Troopers Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House New York.

Meet The Teams

Quest: Don Langlois, Shane Finemore, Oakleigh Thorne and Julio Ezcurra
Nihawatu: James McBride, Bruce Colley, Craig Callen and Agucho Zavaletta
Vikram Chatwal Hotels: Guy Merison, Philip Mactaggart, Ian Mactaggart, Oliver Merison and Tatin Zubiaurre
What 2 Wear Where: John Klopp, Parker Gentry, Nick Bienstock and Michel Dorignac
Wide World Ferrari: Marco Elser, Raimondo Visconti, Paolo Campello and Gringo Colombres
Young Guns White Team: Jake Klopp, Alex Langlois, Ian Mactaggart and Milo Dorignac
Young Guns Black Team: Adam Klopp, Max Langlois, Juanse Olivera and Davis Colley

Coming Up At Millbrook

The 21st Annual Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, from 18th – 21st July, hosted by Fernanda Kellogg and Hirk Henckels at their 150 acre farm.

Fitch's Corner Horse Trials

There are equestrian events throughout the weekend, with cross country, stadium jumping and dressage competitions, together with the Fitch’s Market of over 55 shop and food suppliers offering everything from saddles to hats to home accents.

Fernanda Kellogg

The Blue Jeans Ball brings together all in the Millbrook community on the Saturday night and is followed by The Spectator Luncheon on the Sunday. With hats “requested,” the summer luncheon is country chic – the tent is always stunningly decorated, and the tranquil setting overlooks the stadium jumping arena. It’s a wonderful weekend in Millbrook Country.

For ticket information and further details, visit www.fitchscorner.com. Fitch’s Market is open Saturday and Sunday, and there is no entrance charge for visitors.

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