Covid has changed a lot of things across the world, and we in our little Knollwood universe have not escaped its effects. One of the positives to come out of the experience has been the change to hosting outdoor academy shows.

Our lesson program has prospered during these strange times, and we’re thrilled to report that we’re welcoming 30 new riders showing for the very first time on May 23.  All of the show divisions are welcoming great numbers and depth of riders, and we can hardly wait.

This is going to be a record setting show, and we couldn't be happier to introduce horses to all of new customers, and to continue the educations of all of our experienced riders.

The show countdown has begun, and we have lots of helpful hints to share:

 

Rain Date?

While we can’t control the weather, we can sure plan a way around it. If the weather just isn’t going to cooperate with us, we’ll  move the show to June 12 and 13. If it rains that weekend? We’ll move the show inside, as the show horses will be in Springfield, Illinois competing at the Midwest Charity Horse Show.

 

Show Times?

The show starts at 11:00 AM sharp on both Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23.

 

 

Clothing?

We like to keep in-barn shows really simple to introduce everyone to the joys of horse showing. Riders just need jods, paddock boots, and a helmet. If you are currently using ours, you’ll continue to do so.

Prior to the show, you’ll receive a packet with your cool show shirt and your back number for the show. Please be sure to return your number so you can use it for future shows!

 

Show Schedule?

The Saturday show takes place in our big outdoor ring, affectionately known to all our academy riders as ‘patternland.’

Saturday will feature all of our walk, trot, and canter riders as well as our walk and trot riders aged 11 and up.

Our adult divisions are strong, and we’re offering both walk and trot and walk, trot, and canter divisions. Oh, and we suspect they’ll be enjoying some adult beverages after their performances!

Spectators are welcome to set up their chairs on the grass to the west of the show arena.

 

The Sunday performance takes place in our small outdoor ring, and will showcase our walk and trot riders who are 10 and under, our first time ‘maiden’ riders, and our leadliners.

Each of our lesson horses will have their very own personal assistant for the day who will see to their every need, and to the needs of the students showing them. These personal assistants are unbelievable with the riders and horses, as they’ve all grown up in the program and remember their walk and trot days. We are so fortunate to have them volunteering their mentoring skills to our new show stars.

Spectators are welcome to set up chairs under the trees along Horseshoe Bend , and along the school barn.

 

 

 

Did Someone Say Lunch?

The Knockouts are now accepting  preorders for  lunches for touchless pickup at the show. Order blanks are in the school barn lounge and offer a selection from grilled goodies to chicken curry wraps. Please place your order by May 14 at 1:00 PM. You can pay by cash, check, or venmo.

 

What? Preferred Parking Spots?

This is popular show, so parking spots are sometimes tricky to locate. The Knockouts have decided to auction off a preferred parking spot for each day.

This cool package also includes 10 raffle tickets, and a print of your choice from show photographer Hanna!

Opening bid is $50, and the auction runs through Thursday, May 20.  The auction is happening in the school barn lounge, and proceeds will benefit the Knollwood Knockouts.

 

 

How can you help with the show?

You don’t have to be a horse person to contribute to this memory making weekend. We need lots of volunteers to assist with set up, gift basket donations, concession stand sales and lunch assembly, sales of tickets for the baskets, and more.

It takes a lot of volunteers to put on a show of this size for so many wonderful kids, and we ask that every family who is enjoying the show please volunteer in some way if you can.

 

 

What’s a practice ride?

We offer practice rides on Friday night, May 21 so riders can put the finishing touches on their show skills. For only $40,  show riders get a small group lesson on their horse in the arena that they’ll be showing in. We’ll focus on show skills and procedures one last time to make everyone feel prepared and ready to show. You can sign up in the school barn, and we’ll bill your account for the class.  Please sign up soon, as spots are limited. Classes are available at 5:30 and 6:30.

 

Will there be a photographer?

We’re happy to have Hanna Agathen photography shooting both days of the show. You can view and purchase proofs here.

Hanna’s a Knollwood Kid and a true horse girl who has the ‘eye’ for capturing the connection between horses and their people.

 

We can hardly wait to watch our riders show all the skills they’ve learned in their lessons.  They’re welcoming the challenge of applying lessons learned in the totally different environment of a show, and we’re proud of each and every one of them.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Food Drive

Our food drive benefitting the Food Pantry of Waukesha County continues through May 10.  Each rider who contributes a minimum of 5 food kits or cash equivalent is eligible to compete in the Knollwood Olympics on May 15!

Help us help our neighbors in need.

 

Academy Palooza

Lesson horses are headed back to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock for the Academy Palooza Show. Hannah and Jilly are making their show ring debuts, and Paeton is competing for the second time.

Adrienne, Alexa, Emilie, and Samara are competing in the walk, trot, and canter divisions for the first time, too!

 

Street Clean Up

Join us this Saturday at 1:00 to clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for spring! The weather looks like it’s going to be perfect to spend some time with your barn friends AND beautify our neighborhood for spring.

 

 

Culvers Night

Tuesday, May 4

5:00 – 8:00 PM

Help the Knockouts raise some $ and anjoy some Culver’s deliciousness at the same time!  From 5-8 next Tuesday, a portion of ALL sales will be donated to the Knockouts.  Meet your friends, or bring your family to the Hartland Culvers.  You never know who you’ll meet!

 

 

FASH Horse Show

May 6-9

Show horses are heading to St Paul, MN on Tuesday for the FASH Show which takes place May 6-9. Many Knollwood horses will be competing, and we’ll post a schedule and livestream info soon.

 

Knollwood Olympics

May 15

6:00 PM

Get those food kits in, and join us on May 15 at 6:00 PM to watch Knollwood Kids compete in ‘games of skill.’ It’s a blast to watch.

 

 

Knollwood Show

May 22 and 23 starting at 11 AM.

 

 

May Classic

May 29

Noon, Academy Riders

The Madison Classic horse show has become the May Classic this year, as it’s being held in our backyard, at State Fair Park. We’re attending with many, many show horses and a crew of hard riding academy kids.  You won’t want to miss this show!

 

 

 

Prairie State Classic

June 4-6 at Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy kids and some ‘B’ horses will be heading to Woodstock to compete at one of the most hospitable shows on the circuit. It’s a short drive, so please drive down and cheer on your favorite riders.

 

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 15 - 19

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Midwest is the first of the truly big shows of the season where horses from the south and north meet for the first time. And, it’s held in arguably the most beautiful building in which to show horses.  The newly renovated Coliseum of Champions is a sight to behold, and the competition is pretty great, too. Team Knollwood will be there in numbers to compete with the best.

 

 

 

We hope you can join us for all the fun we have planned!

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