Our academy team is back from an action-packed UPHA Chapter 10 show at Beyond Stable Farm. With several of our fellow instructors preparing riders for the Academy National Show, the competition was high level across all the classes. We had a wonderful show full of learning, meeting goals, and celebrating our successes.

The highlight of the weekend was the progress made by our six green riders who were participating in their second show. Several of our riders started out looking a little like first time show riders. After the first classes, and strategizing changes to be made, confidence improved, and riders improved their performances.

Here lies one of the best things about academy showing:  Riders have the chance to show several times a day, and to build on their performances as the day goes on. We saw riders make huge improvements over the course of their day at the show, and we saw confidence go through the roof.

Of course, we had some missed diagonals, and some errors in the ring. Learning to ride and show is a long process which involves mental organization, ‘listening’ to your horse, and paying attention to your environment.

Our 18 riders at the UPHA show were wonderful teammates, too. They congratulated each other, helped each other prepare to show, and even shared trophies when a rider earned more than one.

There’s no better way to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, or communication than showing a horse. We’ve seen terrific progress in these riders throughout the season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

We have one more academy show coming up October 26-27, also at Beyond Stable Farm. If you think you might be interested in joining the team next season, please try to come and watch the show.

 

Would you like to learn more about academy showing for 2025?

We’re holding meetings in November to provide information about our program and all that it has to offer.

November 9 at 6:00 PM

Parents only meeting

We’ll discuss time commitment, schedules, types of shows, and finances.

 

November 23 at 6:00 PM

Parents and riders are invited.

We’ll continue our discussion, and include demonstrations by some of our academy riders. You’ll see academy attire, learn what the judge is looking for, and have the chance to ask riders and their parents all about the program.

 

We’d love to have you hear about why we love academy showing so much. We think it offers riders the opportunity to grow their riding skills and so much more.

Please talk to your instructor, and sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many information packets to prepare.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Haunted Hike

This weekend and next.

Highland Ridge Stables

Please head out to support Sarah in her battle against breast cancer. For a $10 donation, you can get into the spooky spirit as you make your way through the haunted woods!

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 16-19

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Team Knollwood is all set up in Springfield for a favorite show.

It’s home to deep, deep, show horse classes and equitation classes, and hosts the first of the jewels in the Triple Crown, the Good Hands National Final.

Won by Knollwood Kid Richie in 2023, the best equitation riders in the country will be competing for the title. Knollwood Kids Maiya, Payton, and Shaye are qualified, and ready to compete in the final.

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

It’s the grand finale of our in-barn season!

Friday night patterns start inside at 6:00 PM.

Saturday starts at 10:00 AM in the big outdoor arena.

Sunday starts at 10:00 AM in the little outdoor.

 

 

PARKING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE CURLING CLUB LOT!

Please park on the street. If needed, we’ll open the lower pastures for parking on Sunday!

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

October 20

Be sure to get your orders in for apparel and gear by the end of the show on Sunday.

Academy riders and parents, please consider purchasing the backpack which we designed to match your Knollwood team jackets. Your rider will look super sharp!

 

 

Horses' Day Off

October 21

No lessons. Lessons will be credited to your account.

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 26-27

Beyond Stable Farm

22 of our academy riders will be attending our last show of the season. Several show horses will be joining the fun, as well.

Please consider taking a trip to Woodstock to cheer us on!

 

 

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 12-16

Kansas City, MO

The show barn is off to KC to compete at the national championships, and for the last of the national equitation finals of 2024.

The UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, and the USEF Medal Final are up for the taking, and Knollwood will be in the middle of it.

We’ll provide webcasting info when it becomes available.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving

No Lessons

Your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

 

Parents’ Night Out

November 30

Join the Knockouts’ officers and board members to wrap gifts for our adopted families. Of course, the evening will also include dinner and lots of fun with friends!

 

 

Month of  December

School Horse of the Year Election

Who will win the coveted title of School Horse of the Year for 2024?

Pay your 2025 Knockout dues in December, and you’ll receive a ballot to vote!

 

 

Academy Meetings

Academy riders will meet with their instructor to discuss enrollments and horse shows for 2025.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 7

6:00 PM

Join the Knockouts for an evening of holiday fun and election of new officers and board members for 2025.

 

Holiday Breaks

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

No lessons will be held, and will be credited.

 

Knockout Award Banquet

January 25

The Legend at Merrill Hills

We can’t wait!

 

 

 

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