The grand finales are coming!

Let’s start by saying that we had a great time at the UPHA Chapter 10 show last weekend. The academy classes were strong, and the walk and trot classes on Sunday were BIG. Our riders rode well, and learned a lot of lessons that can only be learned in show ring situations. We’re so proud of all of them for the way they rode, and for the sportsmanship they displayed.

The show horses will be leaving early next week for the Mane Event show which runs October 17-20 in Springfield, Illinois. This is the first time we’ll be showing in the newly restored coliseum on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and we can’t wait.  While the Mid America Horse Show Association did a great job sprucing up another space for shows the last couple of years, the historic brick building is one of a kind, and is one of the best horse show venues in the country.

Many of the best show horses in the country will be traveling to Illinois, and the best equitation riders will be there as well. Mane Event hosts the first of the ‘big three’ equitation finals which make up the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation, the Good Hands.

It’s the oldest final of the big three, and is often an indicator of how the rest of the fall will go. Last year, Knollwood Kid Haley won the Good Hands on her way to winning the triple crown.  She’ll be at the show to hand the 2019 trophy to the winner, and to cheer on all the riders.

The following weekend, 20 academy riders as well as some ‘B’ horses and a handful of ‘A’ horses will travel to Fields and Fences in Gurnee for the last academy show of the season. The IASPHA shows are some of our favorites, with good competition, a great facility, and fun, fun, fun.

It’s going to be quite an event both in the show ring and out, as we think we have a winning costume entry for Klem and any Knollwood Kids  who’d like to join the group.  Please talk to Ann or Juliet’s Mom, McKenna if you’d like to join us on Saturday night for class 1313.

The grand finale of the academy show season is coming up on November 9 and 10 when we celebrate everyone’s accomplishments at the Knollwood fall show. We’re thrilled to have Knollwood Kid and former World’s Grand Champion Equitation rider Kelsey Nicole Farnham back to judge both days of the show, including the finals of the Knollwood Challenge.

We have several exciting things to remember about the show:

Entries close this Saturday, October 12.

The fall show features the helper basket challenge.  That means that the helpers on each night of the week are asking customers and friends to contribute to gift baskets for the show.  Judge Kelsey will pick her favorite basket, and the winning helper team will enjoy a pizza party courtesy of the Knollwood Knockouts.

The concession stand and gift baskets run on volunteers, and we ask all of our members to donate a minimum of 2 hours a year in support of the Knockouts. Here’s the link to sign up for concession stand, show set up, and basket set up assistance.

The show horses will finish their season at the UPHA National Championship American Royal Show November 11-16.

It's a biggie, with National Championships at stake, an the last 2 jewels in the triple crown up for grabs, the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, and the USEF Medal Final.

Team Knollwood will be in the thick of the competition, and we'll post webcast information as it becomes available.

What else is coming up?

Street Clean up is this Saturday at 1:00. Please be sure to have a signed permission slip from the City of Delafield, which is available in the school barn lounge.

Join us back at the barn for a 2:30 Knockout meeting.

Halloween on Horseback is sold out on Friday, October 18, and feel free to come in costume and watch the festivities.  You can bring an appetizer to share, and join the ‘after party!’

We’re putting the finishing touches on our Knollwood merchandise offerings for holiday giving.  We’re working on both apparel and a gifty item, so please keep your eyes peeled for more information.

It seems like a long way away, but save these dates now…

The Knockout holiday party is Saturday, December 14 at 6:00.

It features a scavenger hunt, pizza, a club meeting, and election everyone can get behind.  The party finishes with an optional gift exchange.

All members are welcome, and we always love meeting new members!

The Knockout Awards Banquet celebrating the 2019 show season is Saturday, February 8 2020,  at the Legends at Bristlecone.  All members are welcome, and if you’re not yet a member, we’d love to have you! Talk to your instructor for more information.

See you soon at the barn or at the in-gate!