The 2023 show season ended on a high note for Team Knollwood.

Last week’s UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show was one for the ages. It showcased terrific horses in a beautiful facility with horsemen and horsewomen running the show.

The Royal is known as a showcase for saddle seat equitation, and Team Knollwood was at the top of the competition.

 

Our senior riders were stars.

Payton is the reserve national champion of the senior UPHA Challenge Cup final, and finished 5^th in the USEF Medal Final as well.

Payton also had the chance to show Eli, her heart horse, in the country pleasure division.  The reunited team finished 8^th in both their qualifier and the national championship. Their smiles lit up the arena.

 

Richie finished third in the senior Challenge Cup final, and finished 8^th in the big medal final. 

In addition to his equitation skills, Richie also showed Showdown to a 5^th in the junior exhibitor 5 gaited national championship, was third in the 3 gaited pony national championship, and 5^th in the national championship for 5 gaited ponies. Great thanks to Nancy Kingsbury for the chance to show Showdown, and to Kentucky trainer Clark Clouse for the opportunity to show the great ponies.

 

Maiya made a mark in her first year in the senior equitation division. She and Riddle finished 8^th out of 24 in the UPHA senior challenge cup final, and were 5^th in the senior national championship after finishing 3^rd in the qualifier. The future is bright!

 

 Knollwood’s junior equitation were super strong at the Royal.

 

Amelia and Garfield finished third in the junior UPHA Challenge Cup. She and her trusted partner finished 2^nd in their equitation qualifier, and were 4^th in the junior equitation national championship.

Brooklyn and Gamora were 7^th in the UPHA junior challenge cup final, and finished reserve national champions in the junior national championship after riding to 5^th in their qualifier.

Shaye and Teddy rode to a good 5^th in the UPHA junior challenge cup final as a start to the week. Shaye then rode to a 4^th in the 13 and under qualifier and came back to win the championship.

 

 

 

Finn returned to the equitation world showing Jaydee and rode to third in the Adult UPHA Challenge Cup final.

Of course, she showed her beautiful gaited mare in the Amateur five gaited division, riding to a 5^th place in the qualifier. Finn and Jade put on quite a show to finish 7^th in the National Championship for Amateur 5 gaited horses.

Finn’s riding skills are a perfect example of where equitation can take you.

 

While equitation gets a lot of attention at the Royal, our performance horses and riders were stars as well.

Margit and her boys are always a joy to watch, and we don’t think anyone has a better time showing than Margit.

She and Robert earned a fantastic 3^rd place ribbon in their show pleasure qualifier.

Margit and Charlie trotted and racked their way to a 6^th place in their 5 gaited show pleasure qualifier, and turned up the volume even more to earn a 4^th place in the national championship.

 

Alexa and Joe made their first trip to the Royal, and rode like they owned the place, earning a 6^th place in their qualifier, and a big 8^th place in their National championship out of a field of 18 teams.

College girl Tori made the trip to show her beautiful mare Stella and had a ball.  There's no better college break than a week at a horse show, especially when you're studying animal science!

 

We could not be more proud of all of the Knollwood horses and riders.

The show barn is taking a week off of lessons, and will be back at it planning for 2024 next week.

 

What’s Coming Up?

Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 PM

Parent’s Academy Meeting

We’re looking forward to meeting with parents interested in our academy program for 2024. Please sign up in the school barn if you’d like to join us for this informational session

 

Thursday, November 23

Happy Thanksgiving!

We will not be giving lessons, but your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

Saturday, November 25 at 5:00 PM

Parents Night Out

All Knockouts are invited to wrap gifts for our adopted families, hang with the Knockout officers and board members, and play games.

Please sign up and pay your $25 in the school barn lounge.

The families are still looking for some donations, and you can check out their lists in the school barn.

 

December

Academy Meetings

We’re looking forward to 2024!

If you ride with Nancy or Ann, you probably have already scheduled a time to sit down and talk about plans for next year.

If you ride with one of our fantastic junior instructors, and would like to include your Knollwood shows or camps in your enrollment amount, please let your instructor or admin know, and Ann can get in touch to help.

 

 

 

Friday, December 1

Stirrup Orders Due

December 1st is the last day to order your Freedman’s stirrups for holiday giving. Please talk to Ann.

 

 

Friday, December 1

Election Begins

The polls open for the school horse of the year election. There’s a rumor floating around the pasture that the horses are holding a primary election, so stay tuned to see what the lesson horses are up to!

 

Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 PM

Academy Demo Night

New academy riders for 2024 are invited to join us in the arena to see some of our stars outfitted and ready to ride for you.

Experienced academy parents will be there as well to answer questions.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Saturday, December 9 at 6:00 PM

Holiday Party and Knockout Election

All Knockouts are invited to join us for the holiday party and election of officers and board members for 2024.

 

 

December 24 and 25

Closed

 

December 31 and January 1

Closed

 

February 24

Banquet at Merrill Hills

Knockouts, be sure to save the date. It’s an evening of good food, good company, and good fun.

Plus, we have lots of awards for in-barn and out-of-barn shows, a slide show, Scott’s ‘state of the farm’ speech, AND election results for school horse of the year!

 Heads up, Merrill Hills has a dress code, and it's very appropriate for a celebratory event like ours.

No Denim for anyone.

Men must wear collared shirts, and they must be tucked in.

Please help us make it a smooth, enjoyable night for all.

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s face it, Team Knollwood has been fortunate to have had some of the best lesson horses ever.

  Looking back, we can identify the characteristics that made them grand, as well as some traits that we appreciate, but are not required.

 

Requirement #1. 

Patience

If you watch many beginner or tiny tot lessons, you’ll start to believe that Sparky and Pony Frank were saints in their former lives.

They take beginner hands and posting without even thinking about it. They wait for extended periods while riders learn to switch crops, lengthen and shorten reins, and work through transitions.

After a beginner lesson, their next one may be teaching a rider’s first bareback lesson, or teaching a rookie how to trot a circle or a serpentine.

They enjoy their work, as evidenced by their ‘ears up’ in the arena, and their eyes on their instructor.

 

 

Wish List #1

Beauty

While some lesson horses are physically quite beautiful, most of them are a little plain on the outside and very, very beautiful on the inside.

In our eyes, they're all beautiful.

 

 

 

Requirement #2

People Pleaser

Great lesson horses love people.

We’ve all seen it, a little rider getting off their horse and immediately starting a conversation with their horse. The horse usually acts quite interested, and probably is.

Watch riders while they’re performing patterns, and you’ll often see them pet their horse after a difficult section, and you can actually see the horse soften and appreciate the rider.

Lesson horses love their people.

While at horse shows, these horses are constantly trying to touch riders or show techs in the warm up ring.

 

 

 

Wish List #2

Perfect Conformation

How a horse is put together is important to his movement, and even his ageing process. Since the physical demands of a lesson horse are quite different than for a top line show horse, our lesson horses can have some flaws.

Have you ever noticed the length of Baxter’s short front legs? Have you noticed Leon’s straight shoulders and knees? Nope, because they do their jobs so happily.

 

 

Requirement #3

Resilience

Great lesson horses must be able to teach a number of lessons to different levels of riders.

Jelly may be lazy at times, but he loves tiny tots, has a perfect jog to teach posting, and can also execute a precise pattern, and LOVES games at pattern camps.

You’ll see him teaching riders from 3 to 73, in privates, groups, and camps.

 

 

 

Wish List #3

A nifty color

Sure, 'horses of a different color' are interesting to look at, and we have some representatives at the moment. With the two Hafflingers, Mac, and the grays of Earl and Sparky, Knollwood is kind of a colorful place.

While it makes the arena a little more exciting to look at, you truly can't beat the sight of chestnut Fred serpentining with a 5 year old, or of chestnut Beau teaching a little show rider how to keep his head up.

 

 

 

Requirement #4

A Unique Lesson

Every great lesson horse finds his ‘niche’ lesson.

Knollwood has many lesson horses, and we call them the ‘library.’

Need to teach a rider to canter? Go get Leon or Hugo

Need to teach a sitting trot? Go get Sparky or Bilbo

Need to teach keeping heads up? Go get Pumpkin or Jelly

Need to teach patience on leads? Go get Thomas or Poppy

Need to teach sitting and slowing? Go get Bee

 

 

 

 

We’ve had some legendary lesson horses, and continue to develop more all the time,

Soon you’ll have your chance to vote for Knollwood’s Lesson Horse of the Year!

Starting on December 1, you’ll receive a ballot for the election when you pay your 2024 Knockout dues.

Polls will stay open until 12/31, and results will be announced at the Knockout banquet on February 24.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

November 12

Last chance for Woodwear orders!

 

November 18

Parent Meeting for New Academy Riders

Join us at 6:00 PM in the show barn lounge to learn about Knollwood’s academy show program.

We’ll talk about schedules, clothing, costs and commitments, and all that can be learned from academy showing.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many info folders to prepare.

 

November 23

Happy Thanksgiving!

No lessons, your instructor will schedule a makeup.

 

November 24

Holiday Sale starts!

Get 10% off any enrollment payments.

Our promo runs through December 31.

 

 November 25

Parents Night Out

All Knockouts are invited to join fellow members as they hang out with the Knockout officers and board members. Partiers will eat dinner, play games, and wrap gifts for our adopted families.

If you’re not yet a member, we’d be happy to have you join! You can sign up with your instructor or admin.

PNO participants, please sign up and pay your $25 fee in the school barn lounge.

 

December 1

Polls Open!

The school horse of the year election begins at 8:00 AM.

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and place your vote!

The winner will be announced at the club banquet on February 24.

 

 December 1

 

Stirrup orders due to Ann

They’re the perfect holiday gift!

We’ll place your order for Freedman’s irons and leathers, our supplier for all of our show riders. We’ll get the correct iron size and stirrup leather length for your rider.

Remember, all academy riders must own their own stirrups.

 

 

December 2

Academy Demo Night

6:00 PM

Join us in the arena to watch some of our academy stars in all their show ring finery. They’ll be there with their parents to answer questions for kids and parents alike.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we’ll have enough handouts and snacks.

 

 

 December 9

Knockout Holiday Party and Knockout Election

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join the holiday party. Wear layers so you’ll be ready for the scavenger hunt, which can take you all over the farm!

We’ll elect new officers after dinner, and even host an optional gift exchange.

If you haven’t yet joined the Knockouts, please do! You’ll find membership envelopes in the school barn, and your instructor or admin is happy to help.

 

 December 24 and 25

Happy Holidays!

No lessons.

 

 

December 31, January 1

Happy New Year!

No lessons.

 

 February 24

6:00 PM

Knockout Award Banquet

Merrill Hills CC

 

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

 

 

 

Last weekend’s IASPHA Fall show marked the end of Knollwood's academy show season. We traveled to 12 shows through Wisconsin and Illinois, we showed inside and outside and we were at shows that ranged from all-academy shows to big ‘A’ shows.  It all gave our 46 academy stars, including eight new competitors, many, many great experiences and adventures. We learned many things, and would like to share some of them.

 

 

 First of all, we had fun. A ton of fun.

We shared prep time while doing hair and makeup, and walking patterns.

We kidnapped a kitten in hopes of a large ransom payoff....but it didn’t work.

We spent quality time with Hazel and Izzy.

We made friends with riders from other barns.

We became better friends with our teammates.

 

 

We Perfected Sportsmanship.

We cheered each other on, no matter who won.

We included others in the process, just ask Owen from Woodwind.

We made friends from other barns and asked them to join our celebrations. Just ask Payton from Rose Tree.

We ran victory passes in pattern classes without our horses, and when Team Knollwood didn’t win, we met the victor at the gate to offer congratulations.

 

 

 

We Practiced Resilience.

We’ve changed our schedule on a dime and our riders made it work.

We introduced Pumpkin the Magnificent to the academy world in short order. Riders who had to change horses at the last minute relished the chance to show the newbie, and even won some classes.

We had to learn patterns in a hurry and welcomed the challenge.

We didn’t always have the rides or results we hoped for, and realized those were learning moments that build better character.

 

 

We Are A Team.

Knollwood is known for its teamwork.

At academy shows, someone always forgets pins, hair supplies, or a belt.  There’s always someone there happy to help out and donate what’s missing.

At shows where both the show and academy riders compete at the same venue, our show riders love to help out the academy riders. It’s a real confidence boost to be helped by your champion teammates.

Our academy riders in turn are on hand to cheer on their mentors when the show classes are competing.

 

 

Respect is All.

Riders quickly learn that many hands go into a successful horse show.

Most of all, riders learn to respect their horses who work for them with ears up.

They respect the judge’s decision.

They respect other riders’ successes.

They respect teammates’ successes.

They respect the show staff.

They respect the process.

 

 

Mentors Keep It All Going

Our show mentors for this season have been rock stars. Hanna and Natalie have been there taking great care of the best academy horses in the world, making sure riders are ready for their classes, and running tack changes like the efficiency experts they are.  Heck, at the IASPHA Fall show, they did a timed tack change in 23 seconds!

Even more importantly, these ladies support riders while they prepare to show. Hanna is a master hair bun designer, and she and Natalie straighten numbers, tape boots and gloves, ‘poof’ ties, and make sure the total look is ‘Knollwood ready.’

Our mentors are seasoned show riders, so they can offer support and advice to the riders in-between classes while the instructors are coaching other riders.

 

 

 

Education is Continuous.

Riders learn something every time they come in contact with a horse.

Over the course of a show season, riders learn about ring position, checking for diagonals and leads, and finishing rails.

Riders will learn from their missteps in order to learn a new lesson next time.

Our academy riders build confidence through the season of learning. Even our riders new to the ring in 2023 looked like seasoned pros at our show last weekend.

We couldn’t be more proud of their progress!

 

 

 

If you think your rider might be interested in joining our academy team for 2024, please plan on attending our parent meeting on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 PM.

We’ll discuss the whole process from schedules, lesson requirements, clothing, costs and benefits, and what the process can do for your rider.

Because we’re discussing the details, including finances, we ask that only parents attend this meeting.

We’re hosting a kid friendly meeting on Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 PM. Riders and parents are asked to join us in the arena to see current academy riders in their show gear. We’ll also have some experienced show parents on hand to answer questions.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge if you can join us on the 18^th. Each attendee will receive a folder of information, and we want to make sure to have enough  folders for everyone.

We hope to see you there!

 

What’s Coming Up?

UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 6-11

It’s time for the grand finale!

The best in the country will gather in Kansas City to compete for national championships. The show also features the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals and the biggie, the USEF Medal Final.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and we’ll keep you updated.

 

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

November 12

Don’t miss out on the perfect gifts!

The signature jacket and the new backpack are wonderful presents for your Knollwood Kid, and their names are embroidered on both!

 

 

 

Academy Parents Meeting

November 18

6:00 PM

Parents’ join us to learn all about our fantastic academy showing program and all it has to offer our riders both in and out of the ring. Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

  

 

 

Thanksgiving

November 23

No Lessons

Your instructor will be in touch to schedule a makeup.

 

 

 

Parents Night Out

November 25

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us for a festive night as we enjoy  dinner and games. The main event of the evening is wrapping gifts for our adopted families. Gifts will be delivered to our families for the holiday season.

Not yet a member, we’d love to have you. Please talk to your instructor or office admin for help.

The event is $25, and can be paid in cash or by a check made out to the Knollwood Knockouts.

Please sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Polls Open for School Horse of the Year Election

December 1

The best election is starting!

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and receive a ballot for School Horse of the Year. The winner will be announced at the banquet on February 24 at Merrill Hills.

 

 

 

 

Stirrup Orders Due to Ann

December 1

Stirrup leathers and irons make the perfect holiday gift!

Let Ann know you'd like to purchase them by December 1, and she'll order the appropriate sizes for your rider. You'll get the best equipment out there from Freedmans, the same brand used by our show barn competitors.

Friendly reminder that all academy show riders need their own stirrup leathers and irons.

 

 

 

Academy Demo Night

December 2

6:00 PM

Parents and riders are invited to join us in the arena for an evening of demos and fun. Experienced academy parents will be there to answer questions as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 9

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join our annual holiday celebration. It’s a real gala with pizza, a scavenger hunt, campaign speeches, an election for officers and board members for 2024, and even an optional gift exchange.

If you’re not a Knockout member, it’s a great time to join. Just talk to your instructor or office admin.

 

Christmas Eve and Day

December 24 and 25

No Lessons

Happy Holidays!

Your instructor will be in contact to schedule a makeup

 

New Year’s Eve and Day

December 31 and January 1

Happy New Year!!

No lessons

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

What a week it’s been at Knollwood! Let’s catch up.

 

Last Saturday was a busy, busy day in the school and show barns.

Show riders are prepping for the Royal, and Finn made the trip from the University of Michigan to ride before the show, Tancy was in from Iowa, Emma was here from Stevens Point, and even let Jeni ride Eli! Tori visited from River Falls to ride Stella before the Royal, and to visit with Hazel.

The Knockouts performed their semi-annual street clean up in the neighborhood. Several groups of Knockouts and their parents beautified the neighborhood for fall, and we thank them for their time on a dreary day.

Following clean up, the members returned to the farm for a club meeting. New this year, the Knockouts are going to create a Knollwood calendar featuring the lesson horses. They’ll be using pictures from Hanna Agathen Photography, and will feature important Knollwood dates, like school horse birthdays.

The club hopes to have these available for holiday giving!

 

Saturday night featured the return of Halloween on Horseback.

Fourteen Knollwood Kids designed costumes for their horses, and each team had an hour to execute costumes before they entered the arena for judging in multiple categories.

Esteemed Judge Werner had a difficult time creating prize categories for the characters in the arena, and even had to add a ‘favorite food’ division.

Each costume creation received a goody bag before the big pieces of the costumes were removed and games on horseback began.

The riders played a relay game in which they tried to scare the helpers, not an easy task. They finished the games with the largest game of musical towels ever attempted. We think.

After games were done, and horses were taken care of, it was piñata time! So, the strong horse girls bent the piñata bat, and busted the handle holding the piñata, but it wouldn’t break open. Yes, we resorted to running and throwing the piñata on the ground to break it up.

Costume planning has already begun for 2024!

 

Coming Up?

IASPHA Fall Show

October 28-29

The academy team and some show horses are heading out to the last academy show of the season this weekend. We’re attending the Fall IASPHA show at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the grand finale of 2023.

We have ten riders competing in the walk, trot, and canter classes on Saturday afternoon, and seven walk and trot stars on Sunday afternoon.

Classes are big, the Halloween hospitality at the show is fun galore, and we can hardly wait to show.

Come on down to watch a great horse show!!!!

 

 

The UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 6-11

The show horses are heading to their last show of 2023 in November, and it’s a biggie.

The Royal features National Championships in many divisions, and is home to the last big National Equitation Finals.

Team Knollwood will be well represented in the finals, with Finn competing in the adult Medal and UPHA finals.

The UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Finals will showcase Amelia, Brooklyn, and Shaye while Maiya, Payton, and Richie will compete in the senior division.

The 17 and under USEF Medal Final will feature both Payton and Richie.

In addition to the equitation stars, the show is a spectacular year end event. It’s available to watch online for a fee, and we’ll keep you updated as the show progresses.

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

November 12

You can order Knollwood jackets, ¼ zips, hats, backpacks, and parkas just in time for the holidays. The jackets and backpacks will be personalized to keep them straight!

Samples and order blanks are available in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Academy Parent Meeting

November 18

6:00 PM

Think you might be interested in academy showing next season? Parents are invited to an informational meeting where you’ll learn about the process, why we love showing so much, and all the nuts and bolts of schedules, clothing, and pricing.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many packets to prepare.

 

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23

We’re not holding lessons on Thanksgiving, and your instructor will be in touch about scheduling a makeup.

Please keep us informed of any travel plans that would mean missed lessons. With college kids coming back for the holiday weekend, we’re always looking for open spots!

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 25

5:00 PM

Join the Knockout officers and board members for an evening of fun. We’ll be wrapping gifts for the Knockout’s adopted families, eating dinner, and playing games in the arena.

It’s only $25, and you can pay and sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

December 1 – 31

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and receive a ballot for the School Horse of the Year election! The winner will be announced at the Knockout awards banquet on February 24!

 

 

Stirrup Orders Due

December 1

Be sure to get your stirrup requests to Ann by December 1 to ensure holiday delivery.

Remember, all academy show riders must have their own stirrups to show.

 

 

Academy Demo Night

December 2

6:00 PM

Families who have decided to join our 2024 academy team are invited to an evening of demonstrations and information gathering.

Current academy riders and their parents will be on hand to share their experiences, and you'll be able to see riders in full academy dress ride as well.

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party

December 9

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us for a party and election of Knockout officers for 2024.

We’ll have a scavenger hunt, pizza, campaign speeches, and an optional gift exchange.

Sign ups will begin soon.

Not yet a Knockout? We’d love to have you join, and you can sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

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

 

Last week was a Knollwood classic.

With the show horses in Springfield at the Mane Event Horse Show, the home team was gearing up for the Knollwood fall in-barn show.

We held the grand finale of Knollwood shows while the show horses were competing against the best, and our show riders were competing in the first of the 'big three' equitation finals.

Read on about all of our adventures, both in Springfield, and at the home office!

 

 

Girl Power

Two of our latest ‘project’ lesson horses came into their own last weekend at the Knollwood show.

Jilly piloted beautiful Fiona to 2 blue ribbons, and Bee won her first equitation class, with Sophia in the irons.

 

 Amelia’s First National Final

Knollwood Kid Amelia competed at Mane Event last weekend with the handsome Garfield.  After winning the 13 and under Saddle Seat Equitation class, she dove in to the deep end and rode into her first national equitation final.

Amelia and Garfield rode with 12 of the best equitation riders in the country in a final that’s for riders 17 and under.  Riding against ‘the big kids,’ Amelia absolutely held her own. Her Phase II pattern was beautiful, and she and Garfield looked great.

 

 Those Challenge Patterns

As many of you know, our Knollwood Challenge Final is modeled after the national equitation finals. Riders compete in qualifying classes at Knollwood shows for the right to compete in a final at the fall show.

The night before the final, riders receive their pattern for the final session. They study it overnight, and walk it on Saturday.

Riders show the horse they qualified for the final, so there’s quite an assortment of lesson horses working on a challenging pattern.

This year, the walk trot and canter challenge final used the pattern from the senior division of the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final.

 

In a true test of horsemanship and patience, the final was won by Jilly on Hugo with Ary and Dexter in reserve.

 

The walk and trot division was a fierce  one. Maddie came in first on Baxter, with Charlotte reserve on the one and only Leon.

 

 Payton’s Former Life

She proved it again. In a former life, Payton was most definitely a horse.

Payton rode the beautiful and always enthusiastic GiGi to a beautiful fourth place finish in the Good Hands National Final.

The picture of equitation, you just can’t take your eyes off these two!

 

 Bravo, Mane Event Riders

Team Knollwood’s riders were tuned in at Mane Event.

A few highlights?

Kerry and Uno won the amateur Park championship, and Kerry won the Open English Pleasure championship with Henry.

Mia was second with Thaylee in the Equitation Jackpot after completing a tough pattern for equitation novice Thaylee.

Margit and her boys were on fire. Robert was second in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship, and Charlie has never looked better.

Tancy and Mia won the Three Gaited Amateur Stake.

Jane and Fergie were a sight in the adult Show Pleasure division, too!

 

 

 The Knockouts Do It Again!

The Knockout team of amazing kids and parents raised over $1900 at the Knollwood show last weekend.

Great thanks to 4 Leaf Roofing for their sponsorship of the concession stand.

The Knockouts are grateful to the parents who helped with gift baskets,  the concession stand, the silent auction, and the 50/50 raffle.

These parents also act as Knollwood ambassadors all weekend, answering questions, supporting riders, and creating a really welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

We are grateful!

 

 

 Knollwood Kids Always Come Back

We were beyond fortunate to have celebrated Knollwood Kid Kelsey in to judge the show. Having grown up at the farm and achieving great success in the equitation world, Kelsey lived the whole Knollwood experience.

Kelsey had words of wisdom for riders, appreciated the lesson horses, and created a positive learning experience.

Her son will be joining us for a mini camp soon, so she may be a Knollwood mom, too!

 

 

 

 What Would We Do Without the Personal Assistants?

We couldn’t run a show for 95 riders without the help of these amazing Knollwood Kids.

On Friday night, Adrienne, Brooklyn, and Natalie put 55 pattern riders into the ring. This feat was done with countless saddle changes, stirrup adjustments, and moral support to the riders.

On Saturday, Thea and Morgan joined the crew. The assistants prepped horses and supported all the riders throughout the performance.

We brought in the troops on Sunday for walk trot extravaganza day.

Twelve personal assistants, one for each horse competing that day, made the day a great one for all the Knollwood Kids.  With each horse having their own assistant all day, our newest riders got to know their helper for the day, and appreciated their help.

Their positivity in contagious.

These kids are so organized that the instructors were freed up to watch their riders compete in the show ring, allowing great feedback to each rider.

Heck, they even stayed on top of setting the barn up for business as usual on Monday.

Amazing, just amazing kids.

 

 

 

Olivia holding Richmond, the boneless cat.

Sportsmanship

If you’ve been around our program for very long, you’ll know that good sportsmanship is a big part of what we teach.  Bad sportsmanship is called out and dealt with.

We loved seeing riders clap for each other in the line up, and the pattern class riders lining up at the chute door to congratulate the class winner after their victory pass. On foot, of course.

 Our favorite story of the weekend involves small but mighty Olivia.

She and Hooper were stars on Sunday, winning all three of their 8 and under walk trot classes.

Her friend and fellow competitor Matilda was second in all three classes.

When Olivia discovered she had won 2 Knollwood champion hats in her qualifiers, she gave one to Matilda because, ‘I wanted her to win.’

Possibly better yet is the thank you note Matilda wrote to Olivia, saying, ‘Thank you for giving me the other hat you won. You’re a great friend! I like riding together.’

Horses raise great kids.

 

 

 

Richie the Horseman

Richie has been a Knollwood Kid from the moment he saw his sister Tori riding and decided he wanted to ride, too.

All of his lessons, including the ups and downs that go along with the process, aligned last week at Mane Event.

While Tori is studying at River Falls, Richie showed her beautiful mare Stella to wins in both the qualifier and championship in the Country Pleasure division, and he showed  Tyler to two wins in the  qualifier and championship in the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited division.  He also showed two saddlebred ponies from trainer Clark Clouse in Kentucky, winning the 5 gaited pony division, and the 3 gaited division.

Then he put his equitation hat back on, and won the Good Hands National Final on his own horse, Doc.

Richie has become a great horseman. He has always embraced all the behind the scene work in addition to time riding. As a 10 and under walk trot star, he learned how to take care of Tink, even putting her wraps on by himself.

He spends time working in the show barn, and you’ll often find him  in center ring watching and listening.

Congratulations, Richie!

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Street Clean Up

Knockout Meeting

Halloween on Horseback

 

It’s all happening this Saturday!

Join us at 1:00 as the Knockouts clean up Nagawicka and Oakwood Roads. It looks like its going to be a beautiful Fall day to be outside with friends.

Come back to the barn for the Knockout meeting immediately following!

We have 15 Knollwood Kids joining us for Halloween on Horseback in the evening. Costume creation starts at 5:00, and judging is at 6:00.

All Knollwood Kids are invited to watch at 6:00. We ask that you come in costume to celebrate the Halloween theme.

 

 

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 28-29

Our last academy show of the 2023 season!

Please join us at Beyond Stable Farm for a really fun show!

 

 

UPHA National Championship American Royal

November 6 - 11

The show horses are off to Kansas City to compete against the best at the National Championships. The Royal features the last of the 2 equitation finals making up the Triple Crown, the UPHA Challenge Cup Final, and the USEF Medal Final.

Webcasting is available with a subscription, and we’ll keep you updated.

 

 

Parents' Meeting

Think you might be interested in academy showing next season? We’re hosting an informational meeting for parents on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00.

We’ll talk about schedules, pricing, lesson requirements, and much more.

Please sign up in the school barn so we know how many packets to prepare.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 25

5:00 - 7:00

Kids, join us for an evening of wrapping gifts for our adopted holiday families, games with the Knockout board members, and so much more. It’s only $25, and you can sign up soon in the school barn.

 

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, December 2

6:00 PM

Parents and riders interested in academy showing in 2024 are invited to join us in the arena for an evening of demos and information from current academy riders and their parents.

 

 

Holiday Party and Knockout Elections

Saturday, December 9

6:00

All Knockouts are invited to join us for our holiday celebration and election of officers and board members for 2024.

 

 

Enrollment Meetings

December

If you show away from home, your instructor will meet one on one to discuss your enrollment plans for 2024.

 

 

 

 

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