Some of our show horses are heading to Louisville for the World’s Championship Horse Show, and at the home office, we’re preparing for our first ever outdoor Knollwood Academy show.

The two shows may seem very different, but they actually rely on each other.

Riding at the World's Championship Horse Show is an accomplishment that few will ever attain. It takes years of dedication to training and learning, hours spent learning how a horse's mind works, countless saddle sores, and a fierce inner drive to ride with the best.

That feeling of riding down the ramp into Freedom Hall starts right here at the Knollwood Show. Our home shows offer the most inexperienced rider the chance to feel the excitement of riding a horse into competition all by yourself. The best lesson horses in the world safely introduce riders to sportsmanship, competition, and the all important lesson of learning how to lose so you can be a gracious winner.

It takes real team effort to get to Louisville level. Academy instructors fan the flame of the youngest 'horse kids', parents support the riders and guide them througn the ups and downs of horse life, older, more experienced riders mentor the 'up and comers', and we're proud to say that this is a way of life at Knollwood. You'll see our champion riders fighting over who gets to help the academy stars at the big shows.

Trainers and instructors will take the rider to the top, but we at Knollwood always remember how these champions got there. It's the years of 'building the base' on our incredible group of lesson horses, the summers of pattern camps, the years showing in big academy classes to learn how to be seen in the ring. And it's the hours spent listening to Scott and Carol share their world class knowledge that has taken many riders to World Championships. Cumulatively, all those elements provide the pathway to Louisville and it all starts while building the base on the lesson horses.

So, while it may seem that the two shows next weekend are worlds apart, they actually work together.

Here is some inside information about our latest adventure.

First of all, we’ve never done this before. We’ll be feeling our way through some processes, so please be patient as we learn along with you. We have plans on how we think things will go, but if improvements can be made along the way, we will do so.  While the new outdoor environment will create some uncertainties, we are certain that it will be a blast.

Shirt packets are ready for pick up in the school barn lounge. You'll find your back number, your shirt for the show, and an order blank for lunch. We'll distribute personalized class schedules soon so you know in advance exactly which classes you're showing in!

The show will start at 11:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23.

Saturday’s show will take place in the BIG outdoor ring, and will feature classes for our walk, trot, and canter riders and for our walk and trot riders who are 11 years old and up. We’ll finish the performance with a games session featuring some of our experienced riders.  You won’t want to miss the fun!

Sunday’s show will take place in our smaller outdoor ring, and will feature our newer show ring stars.  Our walk and trot riders who are 10 and under, our maiden riders who are showing for the first time, and our leadliners will be the Sunday stars.

Parents and friends are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers with drinks for the show.

The Knockouts will not be hosting a traditional concession stand, but are offering pre-ordered lunches featuring touchless pick up. You can place your orders through Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00 PM. All proceeds will go to the Knockouts, so they can continue to make contributions to those in need.

The Knockouts have also organized a fundraising basket raffle with some great items. We are still looking for a few donations, so please check the sign up sheets on the school barn tack room door!  Again, all proceeds will benefit the Knockouts.

We are thrilled to welcome a Knollwood Kid, and homegrown Triple Crown winner to judge all events.

Haley Berget will be presiding over both days of the show, and will feel right at home in the arenas where she spent so many hours learning her skills.

As a reminder, masks are required inside the barns, and we ask that everyone maintain proper social distancing at the show. If you’re closer than six feet to someone, please mask up so we can all stay safe. Of course, our outdoor handwashing stations will be ready for you, too!

That World Championship Horse Show thing?

Richie and Finn are making the trip to Freedom Hall with their horses.

Richie will be showing Sophie in 12 year old equitation, and will show Tink in 13 and under Country pleasure, while Finn will show Leila in 16 year old equitation and Frankie in Show Pleasure for riders aged 14-17.

They both hope to advance to their equitation and pleasure championship rounds, and we wish them the best at this unique edition of the show.

The tradition and history of the show will continue, even in this most unusual of years.

We’ll be sure to update everyone with their accomplishments!

Finally, we only have three academy shows left this season!

 If you’re planning on attending, please get your entry forms in soon. We’re expecting big shows, and would like to get a handle on horses as soon as it’s possible. What a great time we’re going to have!!!

What’s coming up?

Photo Shoots With Emma Utoft

Saturday afternoon, September 26

Emma will be at the farm for photo shoots with your favorite horse(s). You can contact her at 815-742-0838 to arrange a time and package.

We’ll also be doing our annual academy show picture, so please save the date if you’ve shown away from home this season!

Fall Street Clean Up

Saturday, October 10 at 1:00 PM

Join the Knockouts as they clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads.

It’s a great way to meet more Knockouts, and to beautify the neighborhood at the same time! Stay for the Knockout meeting at 2:30 PM!

Thanks for joining our adventures of Knollwood Summer 2020.

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