Last week, we welcomed a great group of Knollwood Kids who will be starting their academy show experiences at the ASAW Summer Showcase Show this weekend.

It was a busy week with lots of learning. The riders made incredible progress in their riding and horse skills while being immersed in barn life.

We took some time to chat during our tack cleaning sessions last Thursday, and came up with their five favorite things about their first official academy camp.

 5. Learning from Scott

To new Knollwood Kids, Scott can appear a little scary. He has a big voice, is often quite expressive in his choices of words, and is pretty clear what he expects of his equine students (Human ones too, for that matter).

Campers enjoyed the chance to listen to his take on showing for the first time. He simplified the experience into listening to your horse and instructor. Scott emphasized keeping their horses lined up and paying attention while staying smooth.

He answered questions from the camp stars. The best was when one rider asked which horse was Scott’s favorite to work. His answer was, ‘Do your parents have a favorite child?’

Pitch perfect.

 4. Learning to Plan Ahead in the Arena

Our riders rode in the big outdoor arena, frequently referred to as ‘patternland’ where there’s plenty of room for nine riders to spread out, if they’re paying attention.  The Knollwood Kids quickly learned that things happen that you hadn’t planned for, that people do unusual things around you, and that you should always have two ideas of where you could end up.

Of course we added counselors on Pony Frank and Bee who acted as ‘interrupters.’  Our new show stars learned all about clearing a path and finding good arena spots even while being covered up by a creative counselor on a Hackney pony.

 3. Riding New Horses

The campers agreed that riding and learning from some different horses was great.  Everyone loved Bee and Mulligan, who are a little challenging with patterns. Beau was also a favorite, and was a good challenge in the energy production department.

These different souls helped bring home the point that each horse has their own personality. While they must perform the same tasks, different strategies are important with different horses.

The kids are becoming horse people!

 2. Rein Length

While it may seem elementary, rein length was driven home in the giant arena while performing patterns.

You may be able to get away with long reins on the rail, but patterns implode pretty quickly with too much length.

Plus, you just never know when a big truck may go by,  the mares in the pasture might start a kicking fight with each other, or a whooping crane might fly over.

Lesson learned.

1. Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

We banished the word ‘hot’ from our vocabulary, and replaced it with ‘summery.’

We agreed that we couldn’t change the weather, and that complaining about it only makes people feel worse.

So, we drank tons of water, used the shade, rode early, and drank more water.

Learning was sometimes uncomfortable when riders were frustrated or summery, or both. That’s part of becoming a horse kid, too.

These kids were fantastic, became good friends and are well on the way to being ‘horse girls.’

After traveling to Cedarburg for a day of Friday camp at the show grounds, they’ll make their show ring debuts on Sunday afternoon.

We can’t wait to see them shine.

What’s Coming Up?

Knollwood Show Entries

Through August 18

ASAW Summer Showcase

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

August 10-11

World’s Championship Horse Show

Louisville, Kentucky

August 17-22

Knollwood Summer Show

August 16-18

Academy Photo Shoot

September 14,  Rain Date September 21

All of our academy show riders have received an invitation for a photo shoot. We're doing a group shot for a magazine ad. Please let Ann know if you'll be participating by September 1.

Knockout Street Clean Up

September 14

1:00 PM

Mini Camp

Riders 7 and Up

Noon to 3:00 PM

UPHA Fall Show

October 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

IASPHA Fall Show

October 26-27

Beyond Stable Farm

2025  Ac PMademy Parent Meeting

November 9

Parents, come join us for an adults only meeting about academy showing 2025. We'll discuss preparation, pricing, and schedules.

Mini Camp

Tiny Tots

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

2025 Academy Meeting #2

November 23

Riders are welcome to our second academy meeting where we'll offer demos of riders in their academy attire.

Parents Night Out

November 30

Join the Knockouts as they wrap gifts for their adopted families for the holidays!

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 7

All Knockouts are invited to join fellow club members for an evening of holiday fun.

Plus, we'll be electing new club officers for 2025!

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