Well, that went quickly.

Knollwood Kids are back in school, and the school barn is quiet during the day.

Hazel is sleeping a little later in the morning now that she doesn’t need to greet the campers.

The rhythm of the school barn is a little different this week, and even the horses are confused with their fall schedule. (Even though they experienced it last year, and the year before that …)

Let’s take a look back at the highlights of Knollwood Summer 2024.

 

3 Sessions of Tiny Tot Camp

Too much fun.

We enjoyed three half day sessions with horse crazy 4-6 year olds.

They enjoyed time with our unbelievable beginner horses, learning how to ride and to take care of these grand souls. Lots of games, refreshment times, and painting sessions filled out the camp experience. Of course, the newest riders finished their sessions with demos for their families and friends to show off their new skills.

 

Annual Food Drive and Knollwood Olympics

For more than 10 years, the Knollwood community has supported the Food Pantry of Waukesha County with an early summer food drive. Our partnership assists the pantry at a time of year when foodstocks run low as kids get out of school.

After the food drive, Knollwood Kids who participated in the drive gather and compete in horse themed  ‘games of skill.’

The weather cooperated, and we had a grand time laughing in the big outdoor ring.

 

The Car Wash!

Knockouts banded together on June 23 for a busy fundraising day at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly.

While some kids washed cars, others sold brats and burgers in the brat shack.

We had fun and made a big dent in banquet costs with the funds raised.

Great thanks to the parents who pitched in to make the event such a success!

 

Summer Riding School

July meant heavy duty camp schedules.

We offered sessions for riders currently enrolled in our program, and a session for kids new to Knollwood as well.

Is there anything better than a week with the best lesson horses in the world, exceptional instruction, and lots of sun?

If there is, we’d love to hear about it.

 

 

Academy Camps

We ran four weeks of camps designed just for the riders on our academy team.

These riders were immersed in the horse world while riding twice a day, caring for their horses with great care, and learning show ring skills.

They learned patterns, rode bareback, played games on their horses, and learned daily that riding can be frustrating as well as rewarding.

These Knollwood Kids learned teamwork with their horses and their friends, and learned that they could be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The progress was amazing.

 

 

Lake Knollwood

Well, Lake Knollwood made an appearance after some monsoon-like rains.

Making the best of an interesting situation, we launched two of our lightest pattern campers into the lake to try fishing.

Eventually, Rudy came over to pull them around the 'lake.'

Miraculously, no one fell in.

 

Academy Shows

Summer is also show season, and we enjoyed the best of it.

Being a competition based lesson program, we believe there’s no better way to further your skills than by using them in the show ring.

Highlights were bringing a big group to the IASPHA summer show, and introducing 13 riders to the show ring at the ASAW Summer Showcase.

 

Show Prep Camps

We even offered two weeks of summer riding school geared to riders competing at the Knollwood Summer show in August.

Riders rode the horse they were showing, rode bareback, learned show skills and etiquette, and made great friends along the way.

They looked great at the show, too.

 

 

 

We couldn’t do these amazing things without an incredible group of horsewomen.

Our counselors work with the helpers and the campers to keep things running smoothly while the instructor is teaching a group.

They make sure campers drink enough water, answer questions, and keep the fun going.

 

Our helpers are our front line assistants with the campers. Often referred to as ‘personal assistants,’ they’re always present to assist with grooming and tacking, and are there to run and encourage our newest riders.

They also make sure barn chores are completed, and work with the counselors and instructors to make sure horses and campers are comfortable.

It takes a village, and we have a grand one.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Monarch Series Championship

Illinois State Fairgrounds

September 3-8

It’s Finals Time!

Our pleasure equitation riders will be competing for medals at the Pleasure Olympics and for the national championship in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals.

In addition to pleasure equitation finals, it’s a fantastic, well run show with so many great hospitality events.

You can cheer on the riders on the free livestream here.

 

 

 

Knockout Street Clean Up

September 14

1:00 PM

Knollwood Kids, join the fun and beautify the neighborhood for fall! The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Academy Photo Shoot

Saturday, September 14

6:00 PM

All academy riders should have responded to their invite for the photo shoot for the magazine ad.

We look forward to seeing everyone in their show clothes at 6:00 PM.

Our rain date is the same time on Saturday, September 21.

 

 

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

The National Equestrian Center

Team Knollwood will travel to St. Louis in numbers.

Home to a great show that features deep, deep competition and more national pleasure equitation finals, it’s a popular show at a wonderful facility.

The pleasure equitation riders are featured in the ASHBA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final.

All divisions are exciting, and we’ll post livestream info when available.

 

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

Please join us to cheer on our academy team at Beyond Stable Farm!

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

Horse assignments will be up soon!

 

 

Knockouts Award Banquet

Saturday, January 25

Merrill Hills

Save the date!
You won’t want to miss the annual celebration of all things Knollwood.

 

 

 

 

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