Team Knollwood has returned from the UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show, the final show of the 2024 season. What a show it was!

The competition was incredibly deep, and Knollwood was always in the thick of it. We have so many stories to share, but we’ll control ourselves with just 6.

Tancy and Mickey WIn the Day

Lifelong saddlebred exhibitor Tancy is back in the winners circle where she belongs. She took some time away from showing to support her daughter Lora as she competed in the equitation division. Lora is now out of college and living in DC, so it’s Tancy’s turn.

Since purchasing The Mouse King, known as Mickey in the barn, Tancy has been enjoying riding and showing this horse who loves showing. He actually loves being a horse!

Tancy and Mickey won both their qualifier and championship in the Show Pleasure Veteran Horse division at the Royal.

Shaye and Teddy, Poetry in Motion

Shaye and Teddy, officially known as Fox Grape’s Fort Defiance,  always make a beautiful team. Powerful Teddy and calm Shaye are a duo that catch your eye right away.

At Kansas City, Shaye and Teddy finished in the top 10 of the UPHA Challenge Cup National Final, and were reserve national champions in the senior equitation division.

Brooklyn and Gamora, Strong Women

Brooklyn and Gamora finished their Junior equitation career with quite a bang.

Brooklyn and her big talented mare were dynamic as they finished third in their age group and the Junior championship at the Royal.

Brooklyn teamed her enthusiastic mare through a tough pattern to claim a reserve national championship in the UPHA Challenge Cup Junior National Final.

Leighton and Prince, Small and Mighty

Leighton is in her first competition year out of the academy division. Since the start of the year, Leighton has amazed everyone with her drive to succeed.

This Knollwood Kids has spent many, many hours building strength on the lesson horses, and it shows.

At the Royal, Leighton was showing against riders who had been competing at this level for 2 more years, but she refused to be denied.

Leighton finished her first ‘show horse’ year as the reserve national champion in the UPHA Walk Trot Challenge Cup Final.

 Great things lay ahead for this fierce Knollwood Kid.

Richie, Mr Royal

Richie, who is a true student of the sport, enjoyed a heck of a week at Kansas City.

He started the week with a catch ride for another trainer. Richie showed Lucky You, Lucky Me to a second place in the 5 Gaited Show Pleasure qualifier. He came back later in the week to claim the reserve National Championship as well.

College sister Tori couldn’t leave her studies at UW River Falls, so she asked little brother Richie to show her beautiful mare Stella’s Stilettos in the Country Pleasure division. Richie had a great time with Stella and earned a 5^th place ribbon in the national championship.

Richie has a particular skill at riding 5 gaited horses, and he’s had the chance to show a great one. He and Showdown, known at the barn as Tyler, have made a name for themselves all season.

The Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division is a tough one, filled with the best youth riders on some of the top horses around. Richie and Tyler fit right in, using the ring like the pros that they are.

These two earned a Reserve National Championship in a great class.

Richie’s other love is the equitation division.

He and Doc, officially known as Fox Grape’s Dark Mystery, have been a force all season. With wins or reserves at Bridlespur, Madison Classic, Midwest, St Louis, and Mane Event, Richie and Doc have enjoyed their march to KC.

This athletic team rode to a 4^th place finish in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Final, and were Reserve National Champions in the USEF Medal Final.

What a season this young man has had!

Payton the Legend

Payton finished her legendary junior exhibitor career at the Royal.

She has shown in just about every division, and has excelled in all of them. We’re pretty sure Payton was a horse in a former life.

She and her current horse Gigi, known in the Saddlebred registry as Isn’t She Something, are a sight to behold. It takes a special rider to ride such a spectacular creature, and Payton fits the bill.

After wins or reserves at Bridlespur, Madison Classic, Midwest, Lexington, and a Reserve World’s Grand Championship at Louisville, Gigi and Payton were ready for their final challenge as junior exhibitors.

The charismatic team finished a great seventh in the Medal final, and are Reserve National Champions in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup Finals.

Congratulations to all of our riders who competed at the Royal, and throughout the season. It’s been a season to remember, and we know that Scott will do a grand job of recapping all the events at his annual ‘State of the Farm’ address at the banquet.

What’s Coming Up?

Academy Demo Night

We’re welcoming new academy riders for an evening of demos starting at 6:00 this Saturday. We’ll learn all about clothing, presentation, and what the judge is looking for. Please sign up in the school barn lounge if you’re joining us for the fun.

Thanksgiving

We’ll be closed on Thursday, November November 28 for Thanksgiving. Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

Parents’ Night Out

The Knockouts are gathering on Saturday, November 30 at 6:00 to wrap gifts for our adopted family. The event also features a pizza dinner and games with the Knockout officers and board members. Please sign up and pay your $25 in the school barn lounge.

December

Meetings

Instructors will be meeting with each and every family to set up enrollments for 2025. Did you know you can include your camp and shows in your monthly enrollment? Your instructor will help set up an enrollment plan just for you.

Voting

Voting for School Horse of the Year starts on December 1.

Primaries and debates are finishing up in the pasture.

This week’s debate topic was 'Should sleeping in the round bales be allowed?'

Holiday Party

All Knockout families are invited to join the club’s holiday celebration on Saturday, December 7 at 6:00 PM. The party features a team scavenger hunt, pizza, an optional gift exchange, and election of 2025 Knockout officers. Parents are welcome to BYOB.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how much food to provide.

Holiday Closures

Knollwood will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

All lessons will be credited.

See you soon at the barn!