Riding success is hard. Really hard.

It takes hours, days, and weeks of hard work and dedication to make progress.

Here are our seven ideas to help Knollwood Kids of all ages to become better riders over the winter.

 

Come to Your Lesson Physically Prepared.

Proper Attire is a big part of your progress.

 Make sure your jods fit well and have working tie downs.

Make sure your shirt is form-fitting, and tucks in.  Loose, bulky shirts obscure your upper body position.

Gloves are a must so you can feel the reins well.

Your helmet must be well-fitted to not be a distraction. Please ask your instructor if you need help.

Be sure to bring a coat to the arena in the winter, especially with chute construction going on.

Come to Your Lesson Mentally Prepared

Get ready to focus on riding by taking a few minutes to clear your head of school or work that day.

Try to remember what skills you worked on in your previous lesson.

Focus on your ride, not on anything else in the arena.

Bring a positive mindset to the arena so you’re ready to learn!

Ride As Much As You Can!

Any horse.

Any time.

Don’t skip helper rides!  Bareback and saddle-no-stirrup rides will be the making of extra strength.

Use helper rides to practice new skills from your lessons. Repetition of skills is the key.

 

Spend Time In Your Horse’s Stall

Learn how he reacts to brushing.

See how he reacts to your voice.

Learn where his favorite spots are for brushing.

Watch him while you’re tacking.

Make sure his tack and blankets are comfortable, and ask an instructor any questions.

Thank him before and after your ride.

 

Helping Others Helps Your Progress

Explain simple skills to beginners. It helps you clarify how YOU do it.

When you help a beginner with a halter or a bridle, it solidifies the process in YOUR mind.

When you adjust a stirrups for a new rider, it makes YOU ponder the importance of it.

When you teach a new Knollwood Kid how a horse thinks in a situation, it brings horse psychology to the front of your mind.

Ditch the Phone

The barns and arenas at Knollwood are full of knowledge.

Instructors and barn managers know so many things. Ask questions and you’ll learn a lot.

Watch lessons in the arena. Knollwood has produced many, many  national and world champion riders. Count yourself fortunate that you can absorb some of the best instruction there is.

Watch Scott, Carol, and Lin work horses. You’ll see artists at work, and you’ll learn so much about how horses' minds work. You’ll see great patience, some tough love, and lots of positive reinforcement.

You’ll see young horses learning their first lessons, and you’ll see seasoned show horses looking better every day.

You can’t learn any of this from a phone.

What’s Coming Up?

 

Parent Meeting

This Saturday, January 18

2:00 PM

If you haven’t already signed up, please join us. All parents are invited to help the Knockouts this season. Our award winning youth group runs concessions at three Knollwood shows a year, hosts a food drive, and raises funds at a car wash each summer.

Their events require help from parents. We guarantee that you’ll have a marvelous time assisting these great horse kids.

 

The Banquet

Saturday, January 25

The Legend at Merrill Hills

6:30 PM Social Time

7:15 PM Dinner

It’s almost time for the event of the season.

We’re welcoming 178 guests, which is a new record for us.

We can hardly wait!

 

Enrolled Camp Sign Up

February 1 – 25

Riders currently enrolled in our program can sign up for summer riding school from February 1 – 25. Camps will be billed at time of sign up.

If you’ve already enrolled your camp and chosen your date, you’re all set.

Camp dates will be released to the public on March 1.

Academy Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 1

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Looking to update your academy show look for 2025? Let our expert academy moms help you select a great look from our gently used selection.

Jodi will be on hand with her accessories and ties to complete the perfect look.

 

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 8

8:30 AM – Noon

Trish has a few slots open. Please talk to Ann if you’d like an appointment for a new outfit, or to alter one you already have.

Valentines Day

February 14

Be sure to put your Knollwood Valentine on the school barn bulletin board!

 

Academy Kick Off Night

March 15

6:00 PM

All new academy families are invited to join us for a fun evening.

Karina will demonstrate age-appropriate make up for the show ring, Courtney and Kerry will show how to make the perfect bun for your rider, and Bridget will show how to create the finished look for the show ring.

Of course, experienced academy families are welcome to attend as well.

We’re working on even more topics as we write this.

Be sure to save the date.

 

IASPHA Spring

April 12-13

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, Illinois

Our first academy show of the season.

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 16-18

Our first in-barn show of the season.

 

See you soon at the barn!