Our academy team stayed warm and dry at the UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show in Woodstock, Illinois last weekend. Held at beautiful Beyond Stable Farm, the show is relaxed and social in the new, peaceful facility. Team Knollwood rode strongly and learned many things.

The star of the weekend was Cashew, officially known as Captain Kaos. Thanks to lots of hard work by Scott and Carol, he has become an academy star, and is enjoying his new role. He and Maddie won several classes in the walk, trot, and canter division before Juliet showed him in the Sunday walk and  trot classes. Team Cashew even won the 10 Walk and Trot Horsemanship Championship!

 The big news coming up is the Knollwood Fall Academy Show on November 10 and 11. The last show of the season gives us all a chance to appreciate the progress all our riders have made throughout the year. It’s going to be a big show with lots of opportunities to help the Knockouts, so we’ve put together a checklist so you don’t miss any of the chances provided at the show.

Not sure how to make a perfect horse show bun that will stay in, and look great under a helmet? Let our bun experts help you out for only $5. Appointment signup sheets are available in the school barn lounge.

Whether it’s your first show or your 50^th, our practice rides offer great instructions on the ways of the show ring. We highly recommend them for first time show riders and anyone else who would like a refresher. We’re offering these classes on Friday, November 9 at 5:30 or 6:30. They’re a bargain at $35, and you can sign up with your instructor.

Want to congratulate the rider in your family for their beautiful rides? The Knockouts are selling bouquets from our friends at Bank of Flowers for only $12 during our presale.  Purchase them now with order blanks in the school barn to guarantee availability. We may have some available at the show for $15.  Proceeds benefit the Knollwood Knockouts.

Does your rider have a favorite song that they enjoy and that motivates them? Our benefit for Saddlebred Rescue lets you purchase a song for only $5 to be played during the class of your choice. Act fast to get the class(es) you want! DJ Maria will be playing songs all weekend! You can purchase your songs with cash, or checks made out to Saddlebred Rescue.

The concession stand will be rocking all weekend, and is looking for Knockout members who would like to volunteer for a shift or 2.  You can meet fun people, watch the show before or after your shift, and fulfill your club service requirement. This is the last event of the year for service hours, so be sure to get yours in so you can be eligible for high point awards at the banquet on February 9. You can sign up here.

The best helpers in the world are competing at this show to see which night can create the best gift basket, and they need your help. Please check out the sign up sheets in the school barn lounge, and donate some items to the basket(s) of your choice.  The helper team that wins will receive a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts, so please show your helpers how much you appreciate their efforts.

Most of all, we want you to have fun. The best lesson horses in the world will be showing their skills, and you’ll be able to enjoy watching riders from our record setting lead line class all the way to our most experienced riders showing in the finals of the 2018 Knollwood Challenge. The horses are amazing, the riders are amazing, and we love what we do.

Sit back and enjoy the show!