Team Knollwood has been enjoying a busy, busy August, so let's catch up on the happenings and look forward to what's next!

Show horses just returned from an exciting week at the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky.  We're happy to report that our horses and riders competed well against the best in the country, and standing up in that depth of quality is an accomplishment in itself.  Our teams earned some pretty great ribbons, too, as they rode against the best.

Ainsley and Millie were definitely in the deep end of the pool in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division for riders 14-17.  Class rosters read like a 'Who's Who' of gaited horses, and Team Millie rose to the occasion, earning a 7th place finish  in their qualifier, and a fabulous 8th place in a terrifically deep championship.

Oh, and Ainsley also returned to the equitation world to show Fergie in the 15 year old class, and earned a solid 4th place ribbon in her qualifier.  While she didn't make the final cut in the championship of 21, she looked great, and enjoyed being back in the equitation world for a visit.

Our junior equitation riders made us proud last week. Finn earned a strong third place ribbon in her crazy deep qualifier, and Hanna rode to a 4th in her age group, her first time riding into Freedom Hall.

Both riders made the cut for the workout in the Worlds Grand Championship, and Hanna rode to a great 6th place, and Finn and Frankie finished eighth.  The future is bright for these 2!

Our senior equitation riders were pretty amazing, too!

Lora rode to a strong 4th place in the all star 17 year old qualifier. While she and beautiful Sophie didn't make the cut to the workout on Thursday night, they looked fabulous!

Matthew rode to a third in his 14 year old qualifier.  He did't make the eight horse cut on Thursday night, but looked like he had a great time in the ring.

Haley had a wonderful week.  Reunited with last year's partner Robert for this show, she finished second in her 15 year old qualifier, and it was a good, good class. She made the cut on Thursday night and performed a great pattern.  She and Robert were rewarded with seventh place in the senior championship.

Haley also had the chance to show Robert in the show pleasure division.  Her age group was split three ways due to the number of entries, and Haley was assigned to the toughest split.  She and Robert worked the ring and came out with a 5th place ribbon, which qualified them for their championship on Saturday morning.

They entered the championship with 23 other horses, and this team shone in the deep traffic.  Haley and Robert fought for good ring position, making it look effortless.  They were rewarded with a fabulous 8th place ribbon, and Team Knollwood celebrated the accomplishment!

Also in Louisville, the Knockouts were honored by Saddlebred Rescue at their annual brunch.  Our youth group won the 'Youth to the Rescue' award for the second time in appreciation for their continued fundraising to help horses in need.  Congratulations to all the Knockouts who helped make this award possible!

Meanwhile, back at world headquarters, Carlos was prepping horses for Wisconsin Futurity Show this weekend, we finished up Knollwood Summer 2017 with an adventurous pattern camp, and the Knockouts collected more than 100 pairs of shoes for charity, and hosted a car wash that raised more than $250.

What's Next?

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival starts on Friday at Wisconsin State Fair Park.  Team Knollwood will be there with plenty of show horses and 15 academy riders for the Saturday morning performance.  Please come cheer us on, and be sure to stop by our aisle!

If you're planning on joining our academy fun at either UPHA Chapter 10 or the IASPHA Fall Show, please get your entries in soon.  We'll be assigning horses , and it's time to get working on the patterns for the October show!

Our fall Open House is coming up soon on September 16.  We'll be offering free mini lessons and discounts for new customers.  If you'd like to be a tour guide or help with mini lessons, please let Nancy know.  We'd love to have you!

Summer may be nearing its end, but we're looking forward to a fall filled with lots of fun at the barn, at horse shows, and at the fall equitation finals.  We hope you join us for all the adventures!!!