Photo by Andrea SItzman

Knollwood’s academy team has returned from their 9^th and final out of barn competition for 2024. We had a fantastic time at the Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association’s Fall Show. From this point forward in the blog, let’s call the award- winning charter club IASPHA.

Beyond Stable Farm is a beautiful and beautifully run facility.  Everything is always clean, and the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. Heck, you can usually find owner Amy directing parking or cleaning the restrooms.

The show is run by wonderful Kristen and her crew. They’re experienced, understanding, and responsive to riders’ needs. In addition to a friendly horse show, the hospitality, including a halloween party, is much appreciated.

On to Knollwood’s own stories:

Richmond Hosts a Party

Knollwood’s very own Richmond hosted the Saturday evening hospitality event, serving several pasta dishes and salad.

While his duties at home kept him from attending, Richmond was there in spirit, and on the signs advertising the event.

Walk Trot Canter Riders Galore!

The Saturday academy performance that showcases walk, trot and canter riders was very well attended. Knollwood alone had 13 riders competing, so most of the classes were split into several sections.

Our riders shone in some deep competition, and their progress throughout the year was great to watch!

Tracy and Tori Show Together!

Sometimes, schedules align perfectly.

Tracy made her debut in a suit this weekend, showing Nacho in the Monarch single bit division.  She found her suit coat in son Richie’s closet, as she fit into the one he wore in his 10 year old equitation year.

Tracy and Nacho had a ball in their debut, and even won their qualifying class before finishing reserve in their championship. That’s quite a show debut!

Tracy’s daughter Tori, who studies at UW-River Falls, had a fall break over IASPHA weekend, and was able to make the trip. Tori showed her beautiful mare Stella at the show, winning both their qualifier and championship.

Walk and Trot Show Riders Progress

Our eight walk and trot riders attending the IASPHA Fall show have shown terrific progress throughout the show season.

Our three experienced riders, Kali, Kylie, and Maddie competed with skill and presence and were in the hunt for top awards.

Our five ‘green’ riders who are finishing their first calendar year of showing, performed with lots of confidence and enthusiasm.  It was only the second show for these new stars, and we were beyond impressed with their progress since their show ring debut.

Their future is bright.

Photo by Andrea Sitzman

Think you might be interested in joining the academy team next season?

We’re hosting informational meetings in November so you can learn what we love academy showing so much.

November 9 at 6:00

Parent meeting to discuss the costs, commitment, and what’s to be gained from academy showing.

November 23 at 6:00

We’ll meet in the arena to learn about attire requirements, what the judge is looking for, and the ins and outs of showing.

New parents and riders will also be able to ask questions of the show kids and their parents.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge if you’d like to learn more.

What’s Coming Up?

Holiday Giving

The Knollwood Knockouts have a holiday tradition of adopting a family and making sure the children have gifts to celebrate the season.

Our adopted family for 2024 has 5 children, and their wishlists are posted on the tack room door in the school barn.

Please consider shopping for an item or 2 to help these kids in need.

The Knockouts will wrap the gathered presents at their Parents Night Out on November 30.

The UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 11-16

Kansas City, MO

Team Knollwood is headed to KC for their last show of the 2024 season. With UPHA Challenge Cup national finals, the USEF Medal Final, and national championships in many divisions, the Royal is a gathering of the best horses and riders in the country.

Team Knollwood will be well represented in the equitation finals and the show horse divisions.

We’ll post webcasting info as soon as it’s available.

Happy Thanksgiving

We’ll be closed, and your instructor will arrange a makeup.

We are grateful for all of our customers and friends.

The month of December

Photo by Andrea Sitzman

Academy Meetings

Instructors will meet with parents to arrange individual enrollment plans for 2024. Riders can, and are encouraged to include camps, Knollwood shows, and academy shows on their enrollment plans.

School Horse of the Year Election

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues in December, and you’ll receive a ballot in the much awaited 2024 School Horse of the Year election. The horses are currently holding primary elections in the pasture, and they’ll get us their results shortly.

Knockout Holiday Party and Election of 2025 Officers

December 7

All Knockouts and their parents are invited to celebrate the holidays with us. The evening includes a scavenger hunt, pizza dinner, election speeches, and the election of new leadership for the Knockouts. Our co-presidents are both heading off to college next fall, so the election is wide open.

If you think you might be interested in running, please talk to Ann, Adrienne, or Thea.

Happy Holidays!

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We’ll be closed on these days, and your lessons will be credited.

Photo by Hanna Agathen

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