The Fall Knollwood Show this weekend marks the last show of our in-barn season, and it’s going to be a blast.

We’ve got some updates to enjoy the big weekend like a pro.

 

We’re thrilled to have Kelsey Nicole Farnham judging all three days of the show. Kelsey grew up a Knollwood Kid, and grew into an equitation rock star. She won at least eight national equitation finals, to top it off, won the World’s Grand Championship of Equitation on her beautiful mare Chimere.

Kelsey offers a wealth of knowledge, and we’re so grateful for sharing her expertise with us for the whole weekend. 

Side note, her son Bodhi is trying riding at our mini camp in November. Think horses are in the blood??

 

With the rainy weekend on the way, we’ve made the difficult decision to move the show inside. The schedule remains the same for all three days. Please refer to your personal schedule in your show bag to see when to arrive.

With all the dampness in the air, it may be a little chilly in the barn. Please feel free to layer shirts under your show shirt to keep riding muscles warm.

Because we were planning on showing outside, we didn’t rent chairs. Please feel free to bring camp or lawn chairs if you’d like to sit to watch the show. We’ll have a rope to contain the seating area.

 

 

Parking is available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot on Friday and Saturday, but they’re hosting an event on Sunday. Please be good neighbors and don’t enter their lot on Sunday.

Parking is always available in our lot, and on the street.  The concession stand will be in the show barn, and Scott’s rig will be at the Mane Event Horse show, so there will be some additional spots available near the Knollwood barns.

Please don’t park on the curve of Horseshoe Bend between the posted ‘No Parking’ signs unless you’d like a visit from an intimidating, yet friendly Delafield police officer.

 

The horse show office will be in the school barn lounge. If you have any questions, please refer your questions to the friendly ladies in the office.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR BACK NUMBER! It saves many texts and phone calls trying to track down missing numbers.

 

We are thrilled to have Four Leaf as the concession stand sponsor. This veteran owned roofing company is a big supporter of Knollwood, and we’re thankful for their generosity.

 

Speaking of the concession stand, it will be located in the show barn. The stand and gift baskets are some of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Knollwood Knockouts. These shows play a big role in subsidizing our annual awards banquet, and in funding the club’s charitable activities.  The stand is staffed by Knockout members who are earning their service hours.

Please stop by and enjoy some delicious food, and take a chance winning a gift basket!

There are still some class sponsorships available for only $25. We’ll announce your message to the crowd, and forms are available in the school barn.

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

The show horses are at the Mane Event Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois, which features fantastic show horses in a beautiful arena, and the first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals that comprise the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.

Team Knollwood is there with a big crew, and we have three riders headed into the Good Hands final.  Best of luck to Amelia, Payton, and Richie as they start the journey.

You can watch the show for free on SeeHorseVideo.com.

 

We’ll have the winning entrants announced early next week for Halloween on Horseback. The event takes place next Saturday at 6:00 PM, with costume creation starting at 5:00 PM.

All Knollwood Kids are invited to come and watch, and please wear your costumes!

 

Our final academy show is coming up at Beyond Stable Farm on October 28-29. IASPHA puts on a great Halloween themed show, and it’s a sellout.  Please come down and support Team Knollwood!

 

The show barn’s last show of the season is the UPHA National Championship American Royal Show November 6-11 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Home to national championships in a number of divisions, and to the last two equitation finals making up the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation, the show is a spectacle.

Team Knollwood will be there in force, and you can watch it with a subscription.

 

We’re hosting a parent meeting for future academy riders on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 PM. We’ll talk about why we love academy showing, our schedule, our philosophy, clothing and lesson requirements, and we’ll talk about costs as well. This meeting is for parents only.

We’re hosting a parent and rider meeting on December 2 at 6:00 PM to present what academy showing actually looks like. We’ll have demos with some current riders, and we will have some academy parents on hand to help answer questions, too.

 

The Knockout holiday party and election for 2024 officers is coming up on Saturday, December 9 at 6:00 PM. All Knockout members are invited to attend, and to run for office. More info will be coming soon.

 

Academy and enrollment meetings are coming up in December. If you’re currently showing academy or are interested in joining the fun,  your instructor will reach out to set up a time to discuss next year.

 

 

Finally, as we head into our last in-barn show of the season, let’s remember why we do this.

We show horses to learn, and to enjoy the company of horses and horse friends.

We don’t do it for recognition or for ribbons, or to ride the ‘fanciest’ horse.

Good sportsmanship is the lesson to be learned.

Congratulate your friends, congratulate your competitors. These two groups are hopefully the same.

Treat everyone you encounter with respect.

  This means helpers, parents, other riders, and all horses.

  Should you encounter any disrespect, walk away.

Help someone who’s having a challenging moment.

Hug a horse. Or 100 horses.

Enjoy the moments of glimmer!

 

 

 

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

 

 

The farm is a little quieter these days after six Knollwood Kids have headed off to college for their freshman years.

Team Knollwood is always proud of our high school graduates, and this year we have a particularly big group of Knollwood Kids heading off to higher education. These ladies are Knollwood Kids through and through, having almost grown up at the farm.

These riders were super active with the Knockouts, some helped with lessons and camps, and all of them were instrumental in helping the next generation of Knollwood Kids through their example.

Knollwood Kids always come back, and we can’t wait to see our latest grads in center ring at Thanksgiving break.

Here, in alphabetical order by last name, are Knollwood’s latest group of college girls!

 

Hanna’s horse loving mom Abbie put her on a horse at the age of 18 months, and the rest is history. Hanna started her Knollwood story at a summer camp at the age of 7, and has been taking lessons ever since.

Hanna’s first ever Knollwood horse was Brinkley, and she rode legendary Sparky in her first Knollwood show.

Her favorite Knollwood memories were the Knockout activities that introduced her to all her horse friends. She adds, ‘Being a Knollwood Kid was valuable to me in that I learned how to work towards my goals, advocate for myself, and build lifelong relationships.’

Hanna credits having horses and friends at the barn to help her through high school. ‘Knollwood helped me get through high school because it gave me a safe haven to go to when life got crazy. After a long day, I knew the barn was always there waiting for me.’

Mom Abbie will miss the gatherings at her house that she refers to as ‘Saddle Club Sundays’ when the horse girls took over her barn.

Hanna is attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Waukesha where she’s pursuing a degree in business. (She’s already running her saddle cleaning and photography businesses!)

She said she’ll miss being a little less involved at Knollwood during the school year.

 

 

Tori became a Knollwood Kid at age 7 after attending an Open House back in 2012.

Tori started riding in group lessons at the time, and proceeded to privates and showing before eventually getting her very own horse.

Tori has had the pleasure of bonding with her two mares. But honestly, ALL animals love Tori. Just ask Hazel for her thoughts about her!

She’s currently showing her beautiful mare Stella’s Stilettos in the Country Pleasure division.

Mark was the first lesson horse Tori ever rode at Knollwood, and she had the pleasure of showing Dudley in her first Knollwood show.

Tori’s favorite activities growing up at the barn were pattern camps and hanging out with friends and horses at shows.

Mom Tracy will miss seeing Tori’s joy in just being at the farm. 'Whether it was the quiet times she spent bonding with her horses after lessons, walking Hazel on the bridle path or playing with the cats in the school barn, Knollwood has always been her reset button. No matter what was going on in other parts of her life, time spent at Knollwood always brought her joy.'

She adds, ‘I know I have said this before, but I want to stress that the best things about this sport of showing horses is not found at the in-gate or the ribbons coming out. Your time with your child is precious and short, so make sure to put the focus on the memories you make on this journey together, centering around the love of horses.’

Tori is attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is studying Animal Science-Equine with a pre-vet emphasis.

 

 

 

 

Emilie became a Knollwood Kid at the age of 10  when she signed up for group lessons through Sussex Park and Rec.  She rode Willy in her first lesson, and showed Eddie at her first academy show.

Emilie’s favorite Knollwood memory is pattern camp summers. ‘Besides getting to learn a ton and practice a bunch of patterns, we also tried a bunch of fun games and rode in pairs. I got closer with all of the riders that week and made a bunch of new friendships because of it.’

Mom Anna credits Knollwood for teaching Emilie how to work towards a goal and accomplish it, even when it’s difficult.

‘When Emilie was in middle school, she wanted to start competing in out of barn shows. We made a deal with her that we could pay half of the entry free but she had to pay the rest. That year, Emilie started ‘E-Making Creations’ and used her Cricut to make personalized Christmas ornaments. She sold enough the first year to do two shows, and her business grew over the years thanks to many opportunities through Knollwood. She wanted to ride, and found a way to do it!’

Emily is attending UW-Platteville and is studying mechanical engineering. Emilie would like to work in product development and eventually become an engineering project manager.

 

 

 

Sofia became a Knollwood Kid at age 11 when she started riding with us. Living in Oshkosh has made for lots of bonding time spent in the car with mom Julia.

Sofia was fortunate to ride Sundance for her first Knollwood lesson, and had the privilege to show Klem in both her first Knollwood and academy show.

Sofia’s most valuable lessons learned at Knollwood? ‘I was able to find a community that I fit into really well. Plus, I know I’ll be a part of this community for a long time. I learned how to be scrappy and how to assert myself. Those are only some of the skills that I’ve learned that make me a much more confident person. Being confident has helped me in every aspect of my life.’

Julia credits Knollwood for raising Sofia’s confidence. ‘She has learned that hard work pays off and patience, as sometimes the payoff takes time. She learned about how to be a mentor and the skills associated with leadership roles. She learned about respect, respect for a 1200 pound animal and what they are capable of; respect for the instructors; respect for fellow riders and her own respect.’

Sofia says she’s literally counting down the days until she can be at the barn again to see all her favorite people and horses.

Sofia is settled in at Macalester College where she’s studying Spanish and English. She hopes to go into publishing and editing, and to do some Spanish translation work.

 

 

 

Emma came to Knollwood when she signed up for a group lesson package through Hartland Park and Rec. She had the pleasure of riding Mark at her first lesson.

Emma was a leader in the Knockouts and a camp counselor and even did some lessons for us.

After her academy days, Emma’s parents leased Fergie for her to show.  Emma credits Fergie for teaching her many, many lessons.

She appreciates the friendships she made, saying that her favorite memories were working on Tuesday nights with Heather and Margit. 'Working on Tuesdays with them gave me my best friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Another great memory is the morning before academy shows. Everyone is there supporting each other and willing to help everyone and the environment is just overall very positive.’

Emma credits Knollwood for helping her get through high school. ‘It gave me a safe space that I felt like I could always come and hang out with people who were there or just simply come and hang out with the horses.  Knollwood also gave me the valuable life skills that helped me get through my coursework in high school, to never give up and to keep working hard’

Emma’s mom Pam adds ‘From the sweater vest academy era to suit, there are so many great memories that have been made.’

Emma is attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she’s double majoring in early childhood and elementary education. She’s also on the track team at Stevens Point.

She hopes to become a teacher for kindergarten through third grade. Emma is going to be certified in preschool through 9^th grade in case she changes her mind later.

 

 

 

Maddie became a Knollwood Kid at age 7 when she signed up for beginner lessons through the Hartland Park and Rec department. Willy was the first horse she rode at Knollwood, and Skipper was her trusty steed at her first in-barn show.

Maddie’s favorite memories of growing up a Knollwood Kid include summer pattern camps with friends, the ASAW Summerfun Show, which we consider our home show, and award banquets.

Maddie’s riding career didn’t run on a straight line, as most don’t. She suffered two serious knee injuries on the basketball court, only a year apart.

Her mom Sara says, ‘Knollwood has had this hold on Maddie’s heart from the very beginning. It has been the one special place in her life that allows the other parts of her life to just pass by. It is her retreat, her time away from both of her ACL recoveries of 10 months each. Knollwood has taught Maddie how to love an animal that will truly love you back, that hard work pays off, perseverance, patience, and that when you love something, just do it!’

Maddie will ‘miss the community and the people that build everyone up and make riding at Knollwood a blessing. I will miss show days and weekends that bring so much joy into my life, and I will miss the horses that make riding the best part of the week.’

Sara adds, ‘There are lots of things that I will miss about Knollwood. I actually had the chance to miss them twice before when Maddie was out with her injury and they just made me appreciate them so much more. I will miss Ann tremendously. Her kindness to Maddie, her patience. I will miss the horse shavings in my washer, the smell of the barn in my car, and the incredible smile that riding brings to Maddie. Riding puts Maddie on cloud 9, it’s her retreat , her way away from the outside world of school and sports.’

Maddie is attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where she’s studying Sports Marketing. She’s also a member of the soccer team.

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

October 6-7

UPHA Chapter 10 Academy Show

 

October 11-14

Mid America Mane Event

 

October 13-15

Knollwood Fall Show

 

October 21

Street Clean Up

Knockout Meeting

Halloween on Horseback

 

October 28-29

IASPHA Fall Show

 

November 6-11

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

 

November 18

Academy Info Meeting for Parents

 

November 25

Parents’ Night Out

 

December 2

Academy Demo Meeting  for All

 

December 9

Knockout Holiday Party

 

 

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

 

Cooler weather, trees changing colors, and it's perfect for outdoor lessons.  Of course, our adventures continue!!

The show horses and their staff are home from a successful Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show where several new teams were unveiled.

Amelia continued her success in equitation with a new partner, Far Away Garfield. Thanks to the generosity of the Kingsbury family, this beautiful show horse will team with star rider Amelia.

These two hit it off big at Futurity, winning both the Good Hands qualifier, and the equitation championship.

 

Richie and Showdown made a splash in their debut at Futurity, winning the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited qualifier and championship. Again, thanks to the generosity of the Kingsbury family, Richie will be showing this grand horse for the rest of the season.

In other Futurity events, Lily and Fergie were champs of the Single Bit division, Natalie continued Lola’s education, Kerry had great rides on both Henry and her sister’s Park horse, and Tancy turned in strong performances with Mia.

 

After a week at home, the show horses will hit the road on Monday and head to the St Louis Charity Horse Show. Home to two pleasure equitation finals, the show boasts deep, deep competition in a beautiful facility with unbeatable hospitality.

We’ll update with webcasting info soon.

 

Our academy team is heading to the UPHA Chapter 10 show in Woodstock on October 6-7. This mostly academy show is perfect for our newest academy stars, and our more experienced academy riders get to show on Friday night. We can hardly wait to take our 15 riders.

 

Our fall in-barn show is coming up fast October 13-15.  With more than 90 riders participating, we’re looking forward to a very busy weekend.

Please consider volunteering for a shift at the concession stand, donating an item or two to the gift baskets, or sponsoring a class or two. We’re looking for some new volunteers, as our show barn families will be at the Mane Event horse show on our home show weekend.

We’re also looking for donations of used clothing in kids sizes for our ‘store.’ If your rider has outgrown jods or boots, please consider donating them to outfit our younger riders for their first show.  All proceeds benefit our school horse ‘sunshine fund.’

 

Speaking of Mane Event, the show horse team will be in Springfield, Illinois for a big horse show, and the first of the ‘Triple Crown’ equitation finals.

Knollwood will be well represented at the show, and in the Good Hands final.

 

Do things calm down after the Knollwood Show?

Heck no!

 

The Knockouts are hosting a street clean up on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 PM, followed by a Knockout meeting at the farm. Please join us to meet other Knockouts, and to help beautify our neighborhood. We’re looking for parent volunteers as well.

 

Halloween on Horseback is back!

On Saturday, October 21 we’ll host a horse costume contest at 6:00 PM.

More details are coming soon!

 

The academy team and a few show horses are heading to the IASPHA fall show on October 28-29 at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock. It’s our final academy show of 2023, and would love a large cheering section!

 

The show horses are heading to Kansas City for their last show of the season, the UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show.

Hosting the last 2 equitation finals in the Triple Crown, and National Championships in many show divisions, this show is fantastic.

Knollwood will be well represented, and will be competing with the best in the country,

 

Think your rider might be interested in joining our academy show team for 2024?

We’re hosting an academy meeting for parents on Saturday, November 18. We love academy showing and look forward to sharing information with parents at 6:00 PM on the 18^th.

Because we’re talking about costs and commitments, this is a parent only meeting. We’ll host a demo meeting in early January for both riders and parents.

 

Parent’s Night Out is coming up on Saturday, November 25. Knockouts will wrap gifts for the adopted holiday families after games and dinner. All Knockouts are welcome!

 

 

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

 

 

Team Knollwood returned from the Monarch Series Championship Horse Show on Sunday, and we have PLENTY of stories to share!

Our equitation riders were rock stars, winning a number of National titles.

The 13 and under riders dominated the junior divisions of the Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup.

Shaye showed Teddy beautifully to earn national titles in both events, and Brooklyn and Gamora were reserve national champs in both events. Knollwood took all three medals in the Olympic event, with Maddie and Eva earning the bronze.

 

Our senior division riders were standouts, too.

 Maiya and Riddle had a great show in the senior division of the finals. They earned the silver medal in the Olympics for riders 14-17, and are national champions of the UPHA Pleasure Equitation Challenge Cup for senior riders.

In their first ever equitation finals, Natalie and Mariah made the top 10 in both national championships!!

 

In addition to the pleasure equitation riders, Mia and Thaylee showed in equitation for the first time, and earned great ribbons. Mia and sometimes sassy Thaylee even completed their first pattern at a show, and earned a third place finish in the championship!

Jane and Fergie just keep having fun and winning top ribbons. At Monarch, these two ladies won both their qualifier and championship.

Alexa and Joe are a team to beat. They won their qualifier, (in a borrowed suit, ask her about it…) and finished third in the championship in her own suit.

 

And then there’s superman Nacho.

He and Kim won their Monarch single bit qualifier, and were reserve in the championship.

Super Nacho then showed in the academy division with Samara, and the team won their equitation qualifier of 15 riders.

For those in the back, Nacho is a rock star.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Knollwood Entries Due Friday!

 

 

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show

New Holland Pavilion in Madison

September 13-16

Come see some beautiful show horses, and young horses, too.

 

 

Knockout Movie Night

Saturday, September 23 at 6:00 PM

Come join the Knockouts to watch ‘Racing Stripes.’

It’s a free event, and the Knockouts are providing movie snacks.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

St. Louis Charity Horse Show

September 27-30

National Equestrian Center, St. Louis, MO

Finals season continues, with the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion final, and the ASHBA Pleasure Equitation National Championship.

The show also features National Championships in the Hunt Seat Division, and the Western division.

We’ll update with livestreaming info soon.

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 11-13

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, Illinois

Home to the first of the ‘Big Three’ finals, Mane Event is always a highly competitive show.

Equitation riders from all over the country will be there to compete in the Good Hands Final, and oldest of all the finals. It’s for all riders 17 and under who have finished first or second in a qualifying class during the season.

In addition to the Good Hands, Mane Event draws terrific horses and ponies in possibly the most beautiful horse show venue in the country.

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 13-15

It’s going to be a great season finale!

In addition to the traditional classes on Saturday, we’ll finish the performance with the finals of the Knollwood Challenge in both the walk trot and walk trot canter divisions.

Judge Kelsey Farnham will preside over all three days of showing. We’re thrilled to have Kelsey’s expertise as a lifetime Knollwood Kid, and a former World’s Grand Champion of Saddle Seat Equitation. (That’s in addition to many, many national finals.)

She’s an equitation guru.

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to sign up for gift basket donations which are posted in the school barn lounge, and to work in the concession stand here.

We’re also offering class sponsorships for only $25. It’s a great way to honor a horse, a friend, an instructor, or anything, really.

 

 

 

Street Clean Up

Saturday, October 21

1:00 PM

It’s your last chance to earn Knockout service hours. Remember, that you need two hours of club service to be eligible for year end awards at the banquet.

Plus, it’s fun and makes our neighborhood look better! We’ll clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the fall, and meet back at the farm.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Team Knollwood lost a little bit of light yesterday when we had to put Captain Kaos down due to a nasty colic.

 

Known to all as Cashew, he earned his name because he looked like legendary lesson horse Peanut, but he was a lot fancier than Peanut. Since a cashew is sort of a fancy peanut, he earned a new name.

After spending some time with Scott and our show barn riders, Cashew became a most educational lesson horse.

 

27 minutes into every lesson, Cashew would decide that walking was a waste of time, he had a case of ‘pattern anxiety’ and taught all his students how to manage his conditions.

Cashew also taught countless Knollwood Kids the importance of impulsion and rhythm to keep him in his beautiful canter.

He became an integral part of our academy show string, and even showed walk trotters the way of the ring with kindness and a little bit of sass.

Great thanks to Dr Matt Hebl for his quick response and care yesterday for this grand soul.

We’ll miss Cashew’s patience, teaching skills, and his big brown eyes.

Peace, Captain Kaos.

You were well loved.