The academy team is done competing for 2024, and the show horses are at the American Royal, their grand finale of the season.

If it seems like things are quiet around Knollwood, we’re hiding it well. We’ve been busy already, planning for 2025.  Here’s what we’ve been up to:

 

We’re preparing for the election everyone looks forward to, the School Horse of the Year contest. We hear that debates are currently being held in the pastures at night, and that primaries will follow. We’ll start voting as soon the parties agree on their candidates.

Portion size is a big issue in the debates, with most of the candidates promising bigger ones. The lone dissent comes from the Academy Superstar Party, who argues that it will affect show fitness. This is not a wildly popular stance.

Rumor has it that the Energy Conservation Party and the Academy Superstar Party will try to seize the top spot from last year’s winner, the Master of All Trades Party.

Stay tuned, as all current Knockout members are eligible to vote when they renew their membership for 2025. If you’re not yet a member, we’d love to have you! Please talk to your instructor or admin to join the fun.

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman

We’ve done our research, and have all of our out-of-barn academy show dates on the website. We’ll be meeting with all of our academy show families to plan enrollments for 2025. We love mapping out strategies to help our riders meet their goals.

 

We’ve mapped out dates for our introductory Welcome to Knollwood sessions and will update the website as soon as 2025 pricing is finalized. We run these small group classes to help riders discover all that horses and Knollwood have to offer.

They’ll once again be run on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 From January until May, and then start up again in September through the end of the year.

 

We even have tentative summer riding school dates. We’re just waiting for a couple of  2025 ‘A’ show dates before we can share the information.

Once again, currently enrolled Knollwood Kids will have the month of February to choose their dates before we offer the program to the public starting on March 1.

Academy riders will discover their special advanced camp dates at their enrollment meetings.

 

 

We’re working on some new ideas for 2025 as well!

Would you like to act as your parent’s helper during a special Mom and/or Dad’s day ride?

How about a ‘Bring a Friend’ day where Knollwood Kids act as a helper while a friend from school or the neighborhood rides an introductory lesson?

How about the return of Halloween on Horseback?  With the way the show schedule works out, it should work in 2025.

How about a special day of appreciation for our hard working helpers?

These are all things we’re pondering for 2025. We’d welcome your ideas!

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 23

6:00

We had a lively introductory parent meeting last Saturday, and we’re looking forward to meeting in the arena on the 23^rd. Several of our current academy riders and their parents will be on hand to show what the judge is looking for.

They’ll be happy to answer questions, and to share their experiences.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Thanksgiving Closure

Thursday, November 28

We’re not holding lessons on Thanksgiving Day, and your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 30

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Parents, here’s a great chance to shop, grab dinner, or enjoy some quiet time while your rider enjoys fun barn time!

All Knollwood Kids are invited to help us wrap gifts for our adopted family, to enjoy a pizza dinner, and to have fun with the Knockout officers and board members.

Please pay your $25 in the school barn and sign up with your instructor or admin.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and 2025 Election

Saturday, December 7

6:00 – 8:30ish

All Knockouts are invited to attend the club’s holiday celebration. Members will enjoy a team scavenger hunt, pizza, and lots of fun with barn friends.

We’re hosting an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift with a value of $25 to join.

We’re also hosting club officer elections for 2025. Our fantastic co-presidents Adrienne and Thea are both heading to college next year, so we’ll be electing new leadership.

Please attend and listen to the candidate’s messages. After their addresses and a question and answer session, all Knockouts are invited to vote.

We’ll announce the results that night.

Not yet a Knockout member? We’d love to have you. Please sign up for only $5 in the school barn lounge for 2025. Plus, you’ll receive a ballot to vote for School Horse of the Year, and an invitation to the club banquet on January 25.

 

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31

January 1

We’ll be closed for the holidays, and will credit lessons for these holidays.

 

Saturday, January 25

Merrill Hills

All Knockouts will receive invitations in the middle of December.

We can hardly wait!

 

 

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

 

Team Knollwood’s show horses are heading to Kansas City tomorrow where they’ll compete at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show.

What’s the big deal about the Royal?

It’s the final show of the season, and the show features national championships in many divisions.

In addition to the show horses, Kansas City is an equitation showcase. Home to all of  the UPHA Challenge Cup finals, the USEF Medal Final, and the national championships of equitation, the Royal draws the best of the best equitation riders. The competition is exciting to watch.

Here’s the Knollwood team traveling to the Royal

 

Tancy and Mickey

A life long equestrian and saddlebred exhibitor, Tancy took some time away from the show ring to support her daughter Lora in her successful equitation career.

Now that Lora finished college and is a successful professional in DC, Tancy is headed back to the Royal with her new horse, The Mouse King. Known to his friends as Mickey, he enjoys life as a show horse in the show pleasure division.

He and Tancy will be competing in the veteran horse division, for show horses that love to enter the ring as ‘grown up’ horses. Mickey still thinks he’s a four year old!

 

 

The Country Pleasure Kids

Richie and Tess will be showing in the country pleasure division for riders aged 14-17.

Tess will be showing Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist, known to all as Eli. Richie is once again borrowing college sister Tori’s horse Stella’s Stilettos, known simply as Stella.

These two grew up together at Knollwood, and always have a great time in the ring.

 

 

Richie’s Need for Speed

Richie will also be showing Showdown, his 5 gaited partner. Richie and Tyler are a pleasure to watch, and no one can tell who’s having more adventures in the ring, Richie or his horse.

 

 

Alexa Takes a Study Break

College girl Alexa is taking a break from her studies at University of Miami of Ohio to compete with Sirtainly Stylish, in the show pleasure division for riders 14-17. She and Joe have enjoyed a very successful couple of show seasons together, and we’re all looking forward to watching them on Alexa’s break.

 

The UPHA Challenge Cups

The United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA) established the first Equitation Challenge Cup Final in 1972. The program has grown to include many divisions including the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Cup which was added in 1986.

In this finals, showmanship is paramount. Judging is based 70% on showmanship, and 30% on the pattern. The judges are asked to choose patterns that showcase showmanship rather than intricacy.

Team Knollwood will be well represented in several divisions.

Brooklyn and Gamora are competing in the Junior division, for riders 13 and under.  Brooklyn and her powerful mare have become quite a team, having won 3 junior national finals already this year. Brooklyn and ‘Gammy’ have won the Junior UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final, the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Junior Medallion Final, and earned the gold medal in the Pleasure Equitation Olympic junior division.

They’ll also compete in the National Championship for Junior equitation riders.

 

 

 

Leighton and Pure Royalty will be competing in the UPHA Challenge Cup final for Walk and Trot riders. In only their first year together, and Leighton’s first year out of the academy division, this dynamic team has made names for themselves.

Prince is enjoying his life in the walk and trot division, and Leighton looks like she’s been doing this forever.

They’re a terrific team looking forward to their first trip to the Royal.

 

 

 

The UPHA Senior Challenge Cup final is stacked, as usual.  There are currently 22 riders entered in the competition, and Knollwood is well represented with 5 contenders.

Maiya and Riddle have had quite a season so far. They’re the current 15 year old world champions, and are the silver medalists in the Senior Pleasure Equitation Olympics.

‘Rescue Riddle’ is living his dream as an equitation horse, and Maiya is helping him make a name for himself.

Maiya and Riddle will also compete in the senior national championship.

 

Natalie and Garfield will be joining the deep class after having a great year, and are the reserve national champions in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final.

Garfield and Natalie present a beautiful picture of calm, cool athleticism in packed show rings.

Natalie and Far Away Garfield will also show in the senior National Championship.

 

 

Payton and beautiful Gigi are heading to KC ready to take on any and all competitors. They’ve had quite a season, and are currently the Reserve World Grand Champions of Senior Equitation.

She and Gigi are the perfect team. Not everyone could keep up with the beautiful mare’s mental and physical skills, but Payton loves the challenge. They are thrilling to watch.

 

Richie and Doc are ready to join the talented contenders in the final. Reedann’s Dark Mystery and his young man are standouts in the arena.

They finished 3^rd in the world at Louisville, and have traveled far and wide this season to hone their skills.

 

Shaye and Teddy are making the trip after quite a season.

Teddy and Shaye were the grand champions at the Lexington Junior League show, and have since won the gold medal in the Pleasure Equitation Olympic, won the Saddle and Bridle Senior Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final, and won the ASHBA Pleasure Equitation National Championship.

You can’t miss Fox Grape’s Fort Defiance and Shaye in the ring. They’re quite a team.

Shaye and Teddy will also show in the senior national championship.

 

 

The Medal Final

The USEF Medal is considered the toughest final of them all.

The Medal started in 1937 with all seats competing together. Imagine a giant equitation class with saddle seat, hunt seat, and stock seat riders competing against each other!

Common sense eventually prevailed, and the final was split by seat in 1948.

Trivia fact: The saddleseat riders got to keep the original trophy while replicas went to the other divisions.

The medal is based 50% on railwork, and 50% on workouts.

Team Knollwood has had 4 winners of the prestigious final, Sarah, Kelsey. Nick, and Haley.

This year, Payton and Richie will join 10 other riders in the competition.

We wish everyone a terrific show, and applaud all the hard work that’s gone in to making it to Kansas City.

 

You can purchase the webcast here.

 

What’s Coming Up?

Parent Academy Meeting

Saturday, November 9

6:00

Parents are invited to join us to learn more about our academy show team.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 23

6:00

If you attended the first meeting and are interested in learning more, please join us for a fun demo session. A few of our academy riders will be show ready and ride for us so we can learn more about the show process.

 

Adopt a Family

The Knockouts have adopted a family with 5 children for the holidays. Their wish lists are posted in the school barn lounge. Please consider donating an item or two to help a local family’s holidays a little brighter.

You can donate to any day of the week, regardless of which day you ride.

 

Thanksgiving

We’re not holding lessons on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28. Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 30

6:00-8:00 PM

Join us for a gift wrapping party as we prepare gifts for our adopted family.

We’ll also enjoy pizza, and games with the Knockout officers and board members.

Please pay your $25 in the school barn lounge.

 

The Month of December

Ongoing…

Enrollment meetings

Your instructor will reach out about changes to your enrollment for 2025. Did you know you can include Knollwood shows and summer camps and enrollments in your enrollment so you can pro-rate the costs?

Academy riders, you’ll have your annual meeting to discuss plans for 2025!

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

The lesson horses have just about finished their primary process, and will announce their candidates soon.

Knollwood Kids who join or renew their memberships in December will receive a ballot for the election.

The winner will be announced at the banquet on January 25.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election 

December 7

6:00

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Knockouts, please join us for your party!

We’ll celebrate the season AND elect officers for 2025.

It’s free to all Knockout members. Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We’re closed to celebrate the holidays.

Your lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Andrea SItzman

Knollwood’s academy team has returned from their 9^th and final out of barn competition for 2024. We had a fantastic time at the Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association’s Fall Show. From this point forward in the blog, let’s call the award- winning charter club IASPHA.

Beyond Stable Farm is a beautiful and beautifully run facility.  Everything is always clean, and the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. Heck, you can usually find owner Amy directing parking or cleaning the restrooms.

The show is run by wonderful Kristen and her crew. They’re experienced, understanding, and responsive to riders’ needs. In addition to a friendly horse show, the hospitality, including a halloween party, is much appreciated.

 

On to Knollwood’s own stories:

 

Richmond Hosts a Party

Knollwood’s very own Richmond hosted the Saturday evening hospitality event, serving several pasta dishes and salad.

While his duties at home kept him from attending, Richmond was there in spirit, and on the signs advertising the event.

 

Walk Trot Canter Riders Galore!

The Saturday academy performance that showcases walk, trot and canter riders was very well attended. Knollwood alone had 13 riders competing, so most of the classes were split into several sections.

Our riders shone in some deep competition, and their progress throughout the year was great to watch!

 

Tracy and Tori Show Together!

Sometimes, schedules align perfectly.

Tracy made her debut in a suit this weekend, showing Nacho in the Monarch single bit division.  She found her suit coat in son Richie’s closet, as she fit into the one he wore in his 10 year old equitation year.

Tracy and Nacho had a ball in their debut, and even won their qualifying class before finishing reserve in their championship. That’s quite a show debut!

Tracy’s daughter Tori, who studies at UW-River Falls, had a fall break over IASPHA weekend, and was able to make the trip. Tori showed her beautiful mare Stella at the show, winning both their qualifier and championship.

 

 

Walk and Trot Show Riders Progress

Our eight walk and trot riders attending the IASPHA Fall show have shown terrific progress throughout the show season.

Our three experienced riders, Kali, Kylie, and Maddie competed with skill and presence and were in the hunt for top awards.

Our five ‘green’ riders who are finishing their first calendar year of showing, performed with lots of confidence and enthusiasm.  It was only the second show for these new stars, and we were beyond impressed with their progress since their show ring debut.

Their future is bright.

 

 

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman

Think you might be interested in joining the academy team next season?

We’re hosting informational meetings in November so you can learn what we love academy showing so much.

November 9 at 6:00

Parent meeting to discuss the costs, commitment, and what’s to be gained from academy showing.

November 23 at 6:00

We’ll meet in the arena to learn about attire requirements, what the judge is looking for, and the ins and outs of showing.

New parents and riders will also be able to ask questions of the show kids and their parents.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge if you’d like to learn more.

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Holiday Giving

The Knollwood Knockouts have a holiday tradition of adopting a family and making sure the children have gifts to celebrate the season.

Our adopted family for 2024 has 5 children, and their wishlists are posted on the tack room door in the school barn.

Please consider shopping for an item or 2 to help these kids in need.

The Knockouts will wrap the gathered presents at their Parents Night Out on November 30.

 

 

The UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 11-16

Kansas City, MO

Team Knollwood is headed to KC for their last show of the 2024 season. With UPHA Challenge Cup national finals, the USEF Medal Final, and national championships in many divisions, the Royal is a gathering of the best horses and riders in the country.

Team Knollwood will be well represented in the equitation finals and the show horse divisions.

We’ll post webcasting info as soon as it’s available.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

We’ll be closed, and your instructor will arrange a makeup.

We are grateful for all of our customers and friends.

 

The month of December

Photo by Andrea Sitzman

 

Academy Meetings

Instructors will meet with parents to arrange individual enrollment plans for 2024. Riders can, and are encouraged to include camps, Knollwood shows, and academy shows on their enrollment plans.

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues in December, and you’ll receive a ballot in the much awaited 2024 School Horse of the Year election. The horses are currently holding primary elections in the pasture, and they’ll get us their results shortly.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election of 2025 Officers

December 7

All Knockouts and their parents are invited to celebrate the holidays with us. The evening includes a scavenger hunt, pizza dinner, election speeches, and the election of new leadership for the Knockouts. Our co-presidents are both heading off to college next fall, so the election is wide open.

If you think you might be interested in running, please talk to Ann, Adrienne, or Thea.

 

 

Happy Holidays!

 

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We’ll be closed on these days, and your lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

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

 

Team Knollwood finished their in-barn show season with a celebration of the lesson program.

Ninety riders competed on the best lesson horses in the world in our beautiful outdoor arenas. Did we mention that the weather couldn’t have been any more perfect?

We had a ball, and have stories to share.

Abby comes home

Knollwood Kid Abby returned to Knollwood to judge all the events this weekend.

Abby grew up at Knollwood, rising through the academy program before she moved up to the world of show horses.

Abby was an incredible performance rider and showed two wonderful 5 gaited horses in the junior exhibitor division. She finished her show career with the one and only CH Freaky Links, and they were a top team known for their exciting rides.

Judge Abby was looking for riders with spunk. After judging on the basics, she was looking for riders who looked ahead and planned their next move. She was also looking for energy and riders who were enjoying themselves.

Abby remarked many, many times this weekend that her job this weekend was incredibly difficult. She loved all the riders and horses and had a hard time placing many of the classes.

We loved having her back.

 

Shooting the Weekend

Knollwood Kid and professional photographer Hanna Agathen was in the ring on Saturday and Sunday capturing the memories of the weekend.

You can check out proofs and order here.

 

 

Sportsmanship on Display

We value sportsmanship.

The Knollwood Kids have learned this lesson well, and showed it this weekend. Riders cheered each other on, helped with tack changes, and congratulated fellow competitors.

It’s not the ribbon, it’s the ride.

 

 

We Have the Best Parents Around

Our parents raised over $2000 for the Knockouts this weekend.

They ran a killer concession stand, ran a raffle of gift baskets, and offered encouragement to riders and parents new to horse showing.

Joe O’Brien and his company Four Leaf sponsored the concession stand this weekend. Daughter Finleigh is a Knollwood Kid and showed on Sunday.

We can’t thank these hard working supportive parents enough. We couldn’t do it without them.

 

We Have Happy Horses

If you think our riders looked happy this weekend, did you check out the lesson horses?  They love showing, especially outside.

Thomas loves his wee walk and trot riders, Baxter loves audiences anywhere, Earl likes meeting new friends along the rail, and Fred just likes being a horse anywhere, anytime.

Our newest equine additions, Sherman and Leona were great in their test runs this weekend, and will be showing at our spring show.

These horses are priceless teachers.

 

 

Our Personal Assistants Make Sunday Happen

Sunday is a special day at our shows, because it’s the day that our youngest riders shine. Each horse is assigned his or her own personal assistant. The assistant is responsible for the horse’s grooming, tacking, and care throughout the day. Assistants get riders on and off, head horses in the lineup, and offer encouragement to riders.

These experienced helpers must be experienced riders to be able to tack and adjust stirrups and reins for an assortment of riders on Sunday.

Most importantly, they must be patient and kind. New show riders are usually nervous, and assistants must rise to the occasion to stay positive, calm, and kind in the face of sometimes a million and a half questions.

Personal assistants are amazing, and do a terrific job of representing the spirit of Knollwood.

 

Our 6 and Under Division is Growing

We have a special group of riders showing in our new 6 and under division. They ride a certain group of horses due to their size, but these are mighty riders. At this show, they even rode in their own pattern class.

We offer great thanks to Bilbo, Fred, Hooper, Hugo, Leon, Pumpkin, and Thomas for being such patient teachers to our youngest stars.

 

 

Our 12 finalists

 

 

Knollwood’s 2024 Equitation Final

Knollwood offers its own equitation final for our academy riders.

Based on the national finals in the show horse world, riders qualify for the final by placing first or second in a qualifying class.

Held on Friday night at each of our shows, riders perform railwork before each rider performs the qualifying workout.

In the walk trot division, each rider trots an exverted figure eight, while in the walk, trot, and canter division the rider trots an inverted figure eight.

Riders who finish first or second in a qualifier advance to the final in October, and are eliminated from further qualifiers.

In the final, riders receive a pattern on Friday night after the final riders have qualified. All riders get to walk the pattern on foot before they ride it on Saturday, but no one has the opportunity to ride it.

The Knollwood Challenge is a wonderful test of horsemanship, and has been won by many Knollwood riders who have gone on to accomplished equitation careers, including triple crown winner Hailey Berget.

The finals winner in each division each gets their name engraved on a traveling trophy that they keep for a year, and they also win a custom show shirt from our show barn tailor, DeRegnaucourt.

 

The competition was fierce again this year, with Charlotte winning the walk trot and canter final on Leon, and Maddie was the reserve champion on Hugo.

In the walk and trot division, Rags was the winner on Baxter, and Kali was reserve on Thomas.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

One more Spooky Weekend!

Friend of Knollwood Sarah is battling breast cans=cer, and her husband has designed a spooky fundraiser to assist with medical bills.

Please  visit Highland Ridge Stables this weekend to enjoy a very scary haunted walk through the woods, and support Sarah's journey.

We may be at IASPHA this weekend, but Knollwood Kids will enjoy the spooky season at HIghland Ridge for a great cause.

 

IASPHA Fall Show

Join us this weekend for our last academy show of the season.

We’re heading to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock Illinois, and would love to see you there.

 

 

Knockout Mini Photo Shoots

Sunday, November 3

Hanna will be at the farm for mini photo sessions to benefit the Knockouts. They’re perfect for family pics, holiday pics, or just for fun.

You can sign up here.

 

 

 

Parents Academy Meeting

Saturday, November 9

6:00 PM

Parents, please sign up in the lounge if you’d like to learn more about our academy showing program. We’ll discuss schedules, commitment, and finances.

Our second meeting on November 23 is kid friendly, and will primarily involve demos.

 

 

UPHA American Royal National Championship Show

Kansas City, MO

November 12-16

Team Knollwood is traveling to KC to compete in national championships, and to compete in the last two equitation finals of 2024.

 

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

Sunday, November 17

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Molly is running a mini camp for our youngest new riders.

 

 

 

 

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 23

6:00 PM

We’ll be in the arena with academy riders dressed to show. You’ll learn all about what the judge is looking for, what proper attire and turn out looks like, and what’s required.

We’ll have a lot of fun talking to current academy riders and their parents as well.

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 28

We will not be holding lessons. Your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 30

Join the Knockout officers and board members as everyone wraps gifts for our adopted families. Of course, dinner and barn fun is included in the evening!

 

The month of December:

School Horse of the Year Election

You guessed it, the lesson horses are currently holding their primary elections in the pasture at night. (Maybe that’s why Hugo is so tired?)

They’ll announce the primary winners soon!

You can cast your vote in the month of December when you pay your Knockout dues for 2025.

 

Academy Enrollment Meetings

Instructors will be meeting with parents during the month of December to plan 2025.

Did you know that everyone can include camp and Knollwood shows in their enrollment packages in the monthly enrollment? Your instructor would be happy to work out an enrollment perfect for you.

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 7

Yup, It’s election and celebration time!

All Knockouts are invited to our holiday party and election for 2025 club officers.

Interested, but not yet a member? You can join in the school barn lounge. We’d love to have you!

 

 

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 31

All lessons will be credited

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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!