Today is Richmond of Knollwood’s second birthday.

We had our doubts that everyone’s favorite yellow and white kitten would even make it to his first birthday, but here we are celebrating his second.

Richmond came to us in September of 2019 in a litter of kittens from horse trainer Richmond DeHart.

We had been looking for a yellow and white kitten to break up the boringness of all of our grey-ish cats.  We were also looking for a special kitten to fill the hole left by our loss of Dean, the most personality plus Knollwod barn cat. To date.

So, Richmond, his three calico sisters, and his tuxedo brother came to live in school barn lounge.

His sisters soon went to Winsome Farm, and are still living the good life with Terri Anne and her daughter.

Richmond’s tuxedo brother went to live with Rachel, Knollwood rider and small animal vet.  She’ll reappear later in Richmond’s story…

Richmond enjoyed every minute of his kittenhood. Afraid of nothing, he hung out with Holly until the adult cats came around to ‘another kitten.’ He made fast friends with Hazel, who has an insanely good sense of humor with wild children of all types.

Covid came and shut down the farm, and it can safely be said that Richmond kept us going some days. Every day featured another ridiculous adventure, from riding horses to climbing trees to running on the barn roof, he kept us all entertained.

With all his antics, we all had our doubts that he might use up all of his nine lives in short order.

Life #1

Richmond enjoys running around the top of the pasture water tanks. Not always successful, there were a couple of days with a very wet kitten.

Life #2

Richmond was looking a little punky, so Rachel came out to look at him, found a wound in his neck, and suspected a parasite. 

Richmond took a trip to the clinic the next day so Rachel could get the creature out with some minor surgery.  The yellow and white cat returned, and …

Life # 2.5

Ripped out his stitches, and got an infection in the wound.

After several weeks of dressings, antibiotics, and wearing socks around his neck, Richmond was on the mend.

We’re sure he’s had lots of other close calls, and we’re actually glad we missed them.

Richmond purrs like a motorboat, acts boneless when you pick him up, loves his laser pointer,  leads yoga classes, and enjoys being in the middle of everything from the arena to the school barn counter.

Please be sure to wish Richmond a Happy Birthday when you see him  this Week!

Don’t forget the Knollwood Show is coming up October 9 and 10!

You can sign up for practice rides with your instructor.

Please consider donating to the gift baskets. These items are due October 1.

You can sign up to volunteer your time and talent to the concession stand here.

Lunch pre-orders are due on September 28.

What’s coming up?

Academy Photo Shoot

This Sunday

Hanna will take the group shot at 5:00 PM, and we ask that all participants be at the farm by 3:30 PM, so our hairstylists can have everyone ready in time.  Please remember to wear your show clothes!

St. Louis Charity Horse Show

September 29 – October 2

Team Knollwood will be in St. Louis with big numbers. The show features Pleasure Equitation finals, and a terrific horse show.

We’ll post schedules and webcast info as soon as we can!

Knockouts Street Clean Up

Saturday, October 2

You can sign up in the school barn lounge to help the Knockouts clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the Fall.  It’s a great way to earn your Knockout service hours and help beautify our little corner of the world.

Practice Rides for the Knollwood Fall Show

Friday, October 8

Classes are at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.

You can sign up with your instructor in the school barn lounge.

Knollwood Fall Show

Saturday October 9 and Sunday October 10

9:00 AM start both days

Join us in the BIG outdoor ring on Saturday, and in the little outdoor ring on Sunday.

Rain dates are the following weekend, October 16 and 17

IASPHA Fall Show

October 23-24

Our last IASPHA show of 2021 will be held at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois.  We’re taking a big academy team, and would love to see you there.

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 9-13

Knollwood will be in Kansas City to compete for national championships and the last 2 BIG equitation finals, the UPHA Challenge Cup, and the USEF Medal Final.

Introduction to Academy Parent Meeting

Saturday, November 13

7:00 PM

If you think you might be interested in showing with our academy team next season, please attend this adult only meeting where we’ll discuss schedules, goals, and finances of the academy show program.

We’ll follow up with a rider and parent meeting in early spring.

Holiday Photo Shoots

Sundays November 21 and November 28

Hanna is coming to the farm to take photos for holiday cards, family portraits, or just for memories.

Sign-ups will be available shortly!

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Academy Show

November 19 and 20

There’s still time to add to our final academy show of the season!

Walk, trot, and canter riders will show Friday night, while our walk and trot stars will show Saturday morning.

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