Hi everyone!

 Pumpkin here, Knollwood’s 2023 School Horse of the Year to explain everything you’d like to know about the grand finale of the 2024 show season, the Knollwood Fall Horse Show.

You may think I’ve been sleeping when my eyes are closed, but I’ve actually been listening to everything around me. It's a skill I learned from Scott.

I’d love to answer your questions!

 

What’s the difference between horsemanship classes and equitation classes?

Horsemanship classes are judged on a rider’s ability to communicate with their trusty steed, and to use the arena while making their horse the best that they can be. This means that they should steer their horse to maintain safe distances from other competitors, look ahead to avoid interesting situations, and they should make it look pleasant and easy.

I, myself, excel in this division.

 

Equitation classes are judged on a rider's ability and position. I’ve heard Scott say that the proper equitation position is the most efficient way to ride a horse, and that’s why it’s the goal to be achieved.  ( I TOLD you I was listening!)

Riders should be sitting down in the back of the saddle, should be keeping their knees tight with weight traveling down to their stirrups, and be sitting up straight with shoulders and elbows down.

It takes a long time to develop these skills.

Here's Knollwood Kid Richie exhibiting the fiinished form. We lesson horses are proud to say that we started him on his path. 

 

Oh, and at the trot, the rider must be on the correct diagonal, which means that they have to be rising out of the saddle as their horse’s outside shoulder is going forward.

Cantering riders need to be on the correct lead, which means that their horse’s inside shoulder must be going forward farther that the outside. It will be the last moving part of the canter stride.

Riders have sssooo many things to keep track of, all while ‘riding into the future’ for great spots in the arena so the judge can get an unobstructed view of their skills.

A shameless plug for the best lesson horses in the world.

WE ROCK.

 

What is Friday Pattern Night All About?

Knollwood Kids love patterns. We lesson horses love them, too. It gives us a chance to teach on a whole other level.

Riders learn to help us listen better, to help us balance, and to make adjustments.  Listening is harder for some of us than others, just like the students we teach. For instance, Leon has earned the ‘golden halo’ in the listening department, while Vaughn, well, he has not. He’s usually more concerned with the light coming through the screen door than helping with even serpentine loops.

Patterns give our students a chance to compete alone in the arena. It encourages mental organization, communication with the horse, and resilience.

We don’t learn patterns to make them perfectly, but to learn problem solving, poise, and the mental strength to work through the process.

It takes bravery and trust in your horse to compete in this division, and we lesson horses love it.

 

 

Fashionista Bee Chimes In

And now, our organizational genius, and fashionista Bee would like to discuss the details of the weekend:

The show starts at 6:00 on Friday night for pattern riders.

The show starts at 10:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be in the big outdoor ring, which I shall enjoy greatly.

Sunday has a new start time, and will begin at 10:00 AM, the same as Saturday. Sunday's show will take place in the small outdoor ring.

Please refer to the personalized schedule you received in your show bag for your arrival time.

 

 

Our friends at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club have events all weekend, so we CANNOT park in their lot. You CAN park in the street, just not on the curve between the ‘No Parking’ signs, unless you’d like a visit from a tall, scary Town of Delafield Police officer.

The street is busy with people, dogs and cats. Please be very careful.

 

Now for the role that I was born to play, fashion policewoman.

You want to look your best in the ring, and your ‘look’ is part of horse showing.

Please make sure your jods are long enough to cover the heels of your boots.

TIE DOWNS are a must. No one wants to see your socks. We have tie downs for sale in the school barn if you can’t find yours, so no excuses for fashion crimes!

Your show shirt should be tucked in while you ride so judge Abby can see your posture.

Your helmet should be well adjusted, with no dangly straps. Your personal assistant or instructor can help you avoid floppy helmet straps.

Your back number is your signature. Be sure it’s affixed to your back with number magnets, and that it’s straight on your back. I’ve heard that iPhones have something called a level on them to make sure you don’t look crooked going down the rail.

Your hair should be nowhere near your face. Your personal style can be creative, as long as your back number is visible for all to see.

Let's show everyone our respect for the sport, and for us, the best lessons AND PONIES in the land, horses by looking fabulous!

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up After the KF Show?

Lesson Horse Day Off

Monday, October 21

All lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 25-27

Join us for our final academy show of the season!

 

 

November 9

Academy Parent Meeting

6:00

Think you might be interested in academy showing for 2025?

All interested parents are invited to join us for an informational meeting where we’ll explain time and financial commitments, schedules, and all that’s to be gained by joining our academy teams.

 

 

November 11-16

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

Kansas City, MO

The grand finale for the show horses is here. Team Knollwood will be competing for national championships, and in the UPHA Challenge Cup finals as well as the USEF Medal Finals.

We’ll provide webcast info when available.

 

 

November 16

Academy Demo Night

6:00

Parents who have decided to go forward with academy showing in 2025 are invited to bring their rider for an evening of academy demonstrations, and discussions about clothing, shows, and the process. Current academy parents and riders will be on hand to answer questions as well.

 

 

November 30

Parents Night Out

Join the Knockouts as they wrap gifts for their adopted holiday families, enjoy dinner, and play games with the club officers and board members.

 

 

December 7

Knockout Election and Holiday Celebration

6:00

It’s party and election time!

We’ll celebrate the season with a treasure hunt, pizza party, and election.

All Knockouts are invited to elect their officers for 2025.

If you’re not yet a member, please talk to your instructor to join the fun!

Parents are invited to attend, and are welcome to BYOB.

 

 

December

Enrollment meetings

Your instructor will meet with you about your 2025 enrollment.

Did you know you can include your Knollwood Shows, and Summer Riding School on your enrollment?

Your instructor will help you design an enrollment that’s right for your needs and goals.

 

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