Last weekend, we introduced 12 new Knollwood Kids to the joys of academy showing at the ASAW Summer Showcase. Our fresh riders looked terrific in their new show clothes, rode like they had shown many times before, and had a ball.

We laughed, we cheered, and enjoyed an afternoon with the best lesson horses in the world.

We’re beyond grateful for the unbelievable personal assistants who made the trip to support our new show riders.

Great thanks as well to Karina who made sure hair and makeup were perfect, and to the parents who cheered for everyone, and helped us in so many other ways. Heck, one of them even baked a cake for the occasion!

Photo by Hanna Agathen

We had a ball, and are so proud of all our riders.  The riders learned many things that can only be learned in the show ring, and brought home some pretty ribbons, too.

Our newest lesson horse, Mulligan, made the trip to Cedarburg to show in the ‘school horse training classes.’ Ridden by Brooklyn, Mulligan made his way around the arena like a champ. Look for him at some of our fall academy shows!

Most of our newest riders will finish their first season with another show in October. We are looking forward to watching them progress after their initial show. They are even more confident after their first show!

That was last weekend, this weekend it’s time for the Knollwood Summer Show!

We’ve had a judging change due to a death in the family of our scheduled judge. We wish Terri Anne and her family peace at this difficult time.

The show starts inside on Friday night at 6:00 PM with the walk and trot Knollwood Challenge qualifier. We’ll continue with a full slate of pattern classes for both walk trot and walk trot and canter riders.

Friday evening will be judged by one of our home-grown equitation stars, Mia.

The 10:00 AM Saturday performance in the big outdoor ring will showcase our walk, trot, and canter riders as well as our 11 and over walk and trot stars.

Lifelong Saddlebred exhibitor, former instructor, and accomplished horsewoman Jeni will preside over all the Saturday events.

Photo by Hanna Agathen

Our newest show stars will take over the small outdoor arena starting at 9:00 AM on Sunday morning. Starting with our leadline division, the performance will also showcase our first time show riders, and all of our 10 and under walk trot riders.

Lifelong horsewoman and saddlebred exhibitor Jane will judge all the Sunday events.

Insider Scoop:

The theme of the weekend is ‘Beach Party,’ so please wear your tropical gear! The weather is looking perfect for Hawaiian shirts and sundresses.

Our show photographer is Hanna Agathen. She’ll be assisted by Tammy in the ring to get the perfect action shots. Her website is: https://hannaagathen.zenfolio.com/

Parking is available at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club.

Knollwood Rider Wendy will be announcing both Saturday and Sunday.

Knollwood Mom for Life Pam will be acting as the Sunday concierge while Jane judges the show. Pam is a master of number magnets, tie downs, and schedules. She can answer almost any question.

We’ve updated our ribbon process to assist the riders.

After each class, a ribbon manager in the school barn lounge will put each rider’s ribbons into a specially labeled bag. At the end of the performance, riders will turn in their back number in the school barn, and will receive their ribbons for the day.

We hope this will lead to fewer lost ribbons!

Our in-barn shows are a major fundraiser for the Knollwood Knockouts. Please support their concession stand, gift baskets, and their other options.

Funds raised at shows help defray the cost of our awards banquet, and are used for charitable donations. Your generosity is appreciated.

Horse showing is about much more than riding.

It’s about building confidence by making a horse pay attention.

It’s about follow through by never giving up.

It’s about sportsmanship.

It’s about appreciating your horse.

It’s about clapping for your friends, even if they do better than you do.

It’s about clapping for everyone.

Let’s have a great weekend!!

What’s Coming Up?

World’s Championship Horse Show

Louisville, Kentucky

August 17-22

Horses left today, and Knollwood starts showing on Sunday.

We’ll update with schedules shortly. There’s a paid webcast available if you’d like to watch from home!

Entries Close for Knollwood Fall Show

August 18

Don’t miss out on our final in-barn show of 2024 on October 18-20!

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