Hi everyone!

 Pumpkin here, Knollwood’s 2023 School Horse of the Year to explain everything you’d like to know about the grand finale of the 2024 show season, the Knollwood Fall Horse Show.

You may think I’ve been sleeping when my eyes are closed, but I’ve actually been listening to everything around me. It's a skill I learned from Scott.

I’d love to answer your questions!

 

What’s the difference between horsemanship classes and equitation classes?

Horsemanship classes are judged on a rider’s ability to communicate with their trusty steed, and to use the arena while making their horse the best that they can be. This means that they should steer their horse to maintain safe distances from other competitors, look ahead to avoid interesting situations, and they should make it look pleasant and easy.

I, myself, excel in this division.

 

Equitation classes are judged on a rider's ability and position. I’ve heard Scott say that the proper equitation position is the most efficient way to ride a horse, and that’s why it’s the goal to be achieved.  ( I TOLD you I was listening!)

Riders should be sitting down in the back of the saddle, should be keeping their knees tight with weight traveling down to their stirrups, and be sitting up straight with shoulders and elbows down.

It takes a long time to develop these skills.

Here's Knollwood Kid Richie exhibiting the fiinished form. We lesson horses are proud to say that we started him on his path. 

 

Oh, and at the trot, the rider must be on the correct diagonal, which means that they have to be rising out of the saddle as their horse’s outside shoulder is going forward.

Cantering riders need to be on the correct lead, which means that their horse’s inside shoulder must be going forward farther that the outside. It will be the last moving part of the canter stride.

Riders have sssooo many things to keep track of, all while ‘riding into the future’ for great spots in the arena so the judge can get an unobstructed view of their skills.

A shameless plug for the best lesson horses in the world.

WE ROCK.

 

What is Friday Pattern Night All About?

Knollwood Kids love patterns. We lesson horses love them, too. It gives us a chance to teach on a whole other level.

Riders learn to help us listen better, to help us balance, and to make adjustments.  Listening is harder for some of us than others, just like the students we teach. For instance, Leon has earned the ‘golden halo’ in the listening department, while Vaughn, well, he has not. He’s usually more concerned with the light coming through the screen door than helping with even serpentine loops.

Patterns give our students a chance to compete alone in the arena. It encourages mental organization, communication with the horse, and resilience.

We don’t learn patterns to make them perfectly, but to learn problem solving, poise, and the mental strength to work through the process.

It takes bravery and trust in your horse to compete in this division, and we lesson horses love it.

 

 

Fashionista Bee Chimes In

And now, our organizational genius, and fashionista Bee would like to discuss the details of the weekend:

The show starts at 6:00 on Friday night for pattern riders.

The show starts at 10:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be in the big outdoor ring, which I shall enjoy greatly.

Sunday has a new start time, and will begin at 10:00 AM, the same as Saturday. Sunday's show will take place in the small outdoor ring.

Please refer to the personalized schedule you received in your show bag for your arrival time.

 

 

Our friends at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club have events all weekend, so we CANNOT park in their lot. You CAN park in the street, just not on the curve between the ‘No Parking’ signs, unless you’d like a visit from a tall, scary Town of Delafield Police officer.

The street is busy with people, dogs and cats. Please be very careful.

 

Now for the role that I was born to play, fashion policewoman.

You want to look your best in the ring, and your ‘look’ is part of horse showing.

Please make sure your jods are long enough to cover the heels of your boots.

TIE DOWNS are a must. No one wants to see your socks. We have tie downs for sale in the school barn if you can’t find yours, so no excuses for fashion crimes!

Your show shirt should be tucked in while you ride so judge Abby can see your posture.

Your helmet should be well adjusted, with no dangly straps. Your personal assistant or instructor can help you avoid floppy helmet straps.

Your back number is your signature. Be sure it’s affixed to your back with number magnets, and that it’s straight on your back. I’ve heard that iPhones have something called a level on them to make sure you don’t look crooked going down the rail.

Your hair should be nowhere near your face. Your personal style can be creative, as long as your back number is visible for all to see.

Let's show everyone our respect for the sport, and for us, the best lessons AND PONIES in the land, horses by looking fabulous!

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up After the KF Show?

Lesson Horse Day Off

Monday, October 21

All lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 25-27

Join us for our final academy show of the season!

 

 

November 9

Academy Parent Meeting

6:00

Think you might be interested in academy showing for 2025?

All interested parents are invited to join us for an informational meeting where we’ll explain time and financial commitments, schedules, and all that’s to be gained by joining our academy teams.

 

 

November 11-16

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

Kansas City, MO

The grand finale for the show horses is here. Team Knollwood will be competing for national championships, and in the UPHA Challenge Cup finals as well as the USEF Medal Finals.

We’ll provide webcast info when available.

 

 

November 16

Academy Demo Night

6:00

Parents who have decided to go forward with academy showing in 2025 are invited to bring their rider for an evening of academy demonstrations, and discussions about clothing, shows, and the process. Current academy parents and riders will be on hand to answer questions as well.

 

 

November 30

Parents Night Out

Join the Knockouts as they wrap gifts for their adopted holiday families, enjoy dinner, and play games with the club officers and board members.

 

 

December 7

Knockout Election and Holiday Celebration

6:00

It’s party and election time!

We’ll celebrate the season with a treasure hunt, pizza party, and election.

All Knockouts are invited to elect their officers for 2025.

If you’re not yet a member, please talk to your instructor to join the fun!

Parents are invited to attend, and are welcome to BYOB.

 

 

December

Enrollment meetings

Your instructor will meet with you about your 2025 enrollment.

Did you know you can include your Knollwood Shows, and Summer Riding School on your enrollment?

Your instructor will help you design an enrollment that’s right for your needs and goals.

 

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

 

 

 

Sometimes, hard work pays off at the perfect time.

Riders have been riding many intense lessons, Scott, Carol, and Lin have been hyper focused on the tiniest of details with horses and riders, and it all showed last week at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show.

The show is home to both the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association national championship of pleasure equitation as well as the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals. It is one of everyone's favorite shows.

Team Knollwood came ready to compete against the best horses and riders out there, and we have stories to share.

 

Grown-ups Rock!

Tancy and her beautiful show pleasure horse, The Mouse King,  have quickly become a strong team. A lifelong Saddlebred exhibitor, Tancy and Mickey enter the ring with style and pure joy.  At St. Louis, they were rewarded with a blue ribbon in their qualifier, and a strong 4^th in a stacked championship.

 

Leighton and Prince are Champs

Let’s all remember that just a year ago, Leighton was showing in the academy division.

She and Prince have worked so very hard this year, and have made tremendous progress. They’ve shown at Madison, Midwest, and Lexington so far this year, and made quite an impression at St. Louis.

This charismatic team won both their UPHA Challenge Cup class, and the 10 and Under Walk-Trot Equitation championship in St. Louis. These were good, deep classes, and Leighton was all business.  And Prince? He couldn’t be happier with his new job.

 

Determined Shaye Made Her Mark

All three of our senior pleasure equitation riders were wonderful in St. Louis. Maiya, Natalie, and Shaye have each been contenders in the finals so far this season. Their success continued last week with precise patterns and dynamic railwork.

Shaye’s determination could not be denied. She and Teddy won the ASHBA Pleasure equitation national final first, with Maiya and Riddle in 3rd, Natalie and Garfield in 4^th, and junior equitation rider Amelia and Connor in 8^th. All four of Knollwood’s riders made the top 10, which is quite an achievement on it’s own.

Shaye moved on to the Senior division of the Saddle and Bridle Medallion Final on Saturday.  After railwork and initial patterns, all three Knollwood riders were named to the Top 10. At the end of the competition, Shaye was the champion with Natalie finishing in 4^th and Maiya in 5^th.

 

Triple Crown Winner Brooklyn

Knollwood’s 13 and under pleasure equitation riders have enjoyed a busy season learning about their horses and competition.

Brooklyn and Gamora have been learning and getting better and better all season.  This team is peaking at the perfect time of year, and came into St. Louis ready to take on the competition.

You may remember that Brooklyn won the Pleasure Equitation’s Olympics Junior Division and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final’s Junior Division at the Monarch Show.

Brooklyn came to St. Louis with her sights set on the Medallion final, and her determination took her to a 1st place finish. Her barnmates were close behind, with Maddie and Eva in 4^th, and Amelia and Connor in 5^th.

Winning all three finals in a single season is a rare and difficult achievement, and we congratulate Brooklyn on all her hard work.

 

Richie Has A Week

The senior Saddleseat equitation division is always crazy deep at St. Louis, and this year was no exception. Richie and Payton were competing against some of the best in the country. The two Knollwood Kids came out at the top of judges’ cards, with Richie winning the qualifier and the championship, and Payton and Gigi riding to great 3rd place ribbons in both.

In addition to his equitation successes, Richie showed two 5 gaited horses at the show.  He has been showing Showdown all season in the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited division all season, and what a ride they’ve had. They wowed the crowd at the National Equestrian Center, winning both the qualifier and championship in St. Louis. The championship was a unanimous win, as well.

Richie rode CH Lucky You Lucky Me for another trainer in the 5 Gaited Country Pleasure division, and left the ring with a 3^rd place ribbon in the qualifier before winning the championship.

 

 

 

Congratulations to everyone on the successful week at St. Louis.

Show horses will be hitting the road for the Mane Event in Springfield, Illinois from October 16-19.

 

 

What’s Coming Up Next?

 

October 11-12

UPHA Fall Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

 

October 14

Donations for gift baskets due

 

October 18-20

Knollwood Fall Show

 

 

October 20

Last day for Woodwear orders

 

 

October 21

Rest day for horses.

Lessons will be credited.

 

October 25-27

IASPHA Fall Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

 

 

November 9

Academy Parent Meeting

6:00 PM

 

November 17

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

November 23

Academy Demos and Meeting for those who attended on November 9

6:00 PM

 

November 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lessons will be made up.

 

November 30

Parents Night Out

Gift wrapping for our adopted families

 

December

Meetings to plan 2025 enrollments

 

December 7

Knockout Holiday Party and Election of 2025 officers

 

December 24, 25, 31 and January 1

Closed, lessons will be credited

 

 

January 25

Knockout banquet at Merrill Hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Team Knollwood prides itself on helping to raise great kids.

While the horses do the heavy lifting of teaching life lessons, everyone involved at Knollwood has a hand in interpreting these instructions.

We’re happy to introduce you to our 4 high school graduates of 2024, and the thoughts they and their Knollwood moms would like to share about the experience of ‘growing up Knollwood.’

 

 

 

Taylor discovered her love of horses at age 8 while on a vacation in Colorado. After their trip, Taylor and Mom attended an open house at Knollwood, and she spent the next 10 years growing up Knollwood.

Taylor has been a  fixture on Saturdays. She started in group lessons before moving to private lessons and academy showing. Taylor grew from helping to being a leader in the barn on busy Saturdays where she says, ‘We always found ways to make work fun.’

Mom Suzanne says that horses have helped Taylor in many ways. ‘Horses and riding have helped Taylor gain confidence in herself. Horses force you to be present in the moment and concentrate on what you are doing. They bring peace to a stressful day and love unconditionally. They give riders strength physically and mentally. You really can learn new things and do hard things. Many horses have challenging personalities and that provides opportunities to grow. They are all unique.  They can’t speak English, so you have to learn their language.'

Taylor wants everyone to know what Knollwood means to her. ‘Knollwood to me is one big family where everyone supports you. No matter what happens I always know someone at Knollwood has my back. It means a lot to be at Knollwood and know that no matter the type of day it is you always have support from someone. There is always someone to make you laugh or smile, which has helped me through the years de-stress after a long week at school or just a bad day. Knollwood means to much to me and will always have an impact on who I am as a person.'

Taylor is attending UW-Stevens Point where she will be majoring in Wildlife and Ecology management. She hopes to work with animals in the future.

 

 

Third generation horsewoman Payton started her riding experiences at home in Colorado. She was a successful junior exhibitor out west when she and her horses made the move to Knollwood at age 12.

Payton’s bubbly personality helped her feel at home at Knollwood. She says, ‘Everyone at Knollwood was so beyond welcoming and it has been such a positive experience with the greatest of people.’

Payton and Scott both tell it just like it is, and have developed a great relationship.

Payton says that the most challenging riding skill to learn was to take the emotion out of the ride. ‘It is so easy to get frustrated and upset when something may not go the exact way you want it, but to keep your head up and finish strong will outweigh the rocky parts.’

Payton has had the good fortune to show a number of grand horses. She brought Dos Equus and Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist with her when she made the move to Knollwood. Dos is excelling for a new rider, and Eli is still at Knollwood, and is currently being leased by Tess.

Payton’s current equitation partner is Gigi, officially known as Isn’t She Something. Oh, she sure is.

Beautiful, smart, and game, Gigi is as talented as she is beautiful. Payton and firey Gigi make a perfect pair and have enjoyed great success together.

Payton has created many, many great memories at Knollwood, but she says the most special is the chance that Scott and Carol gave her to rescue Riddle. ‘Watching his whole journey under the Knollwood banner and seeing him win a World’s Championship title has been such a treat. Scott, Carol, and Lindsay really do have the biggest hearts when it comes to the love of the horse.’

 

Her words of wisdom to other Knollwood Kids?

‘Enjoy the ride. It is such an incredible experience to be able to sit on the back of the animal we all love the most. Never take anything for granted, and take is all in.’

Payton will be finishing her storied equitation career at the American Royal in November, and is hoping to return to Knollwood to learn all about horse training. She’d also like to take college classes and continue modeling on the side.

 

 

 

 

Margit became a Knollwood Kid at age 8, and rode Hugo in her first in-barn show.

Margit quickly became a part of Knollwood. After starting in group lessons on Tuesdays, she advanced to helping nights and taking private lessons.

She rode on our academy teams, and we can always attest that she always brightened up shows with her unique sense of humor.

Margit has been a terrific role model for Knollwood Kids. She helped with camps and lessons, and even taught some lessons sharing her passion for horses and riding with some of our smallest stars.

From there, Margit has become a very accomplished performance rider. She’s had the opportunity to show Robert (Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance) in 3 gaited show pleasure, and to own and show the legendary Charlie  (CH Ken Follett)  and show in 5 gaited show pleasure.

Anyone who has ever seen Margit show will appreciate the sheer joy on her face when she’s going down the rail.

She says that the most difficult riding skill she learned was the difference between concentrating and over thinking, and realizing that making mistakes was not only OK but important in growing as a rider.

Mom Kara adds, ‘Riding has added the most wonderful facets to Margit’s life. She has learned in living color about actions and consequences. She has learned patience and the absolute importance of follow through. She has learned difficult and heartbreaking lessons about loss and hope. I think she has learned to respect the horses she has been privileged to ride, and see their individual and unique contributions to her formation as a rider and as a human.’

Margit’s advice to fellow Knollwood Kids? ‘Don’t let the temptation to compare your yourself to other riders and their journey cloud your happiness. Everyone has their own path, and worrying about someone else’s will inevitably allow jealousy and discontentment to seep in, and displace what should be a beautiful, wonderful, and fabulous time of your life.’

Margit will be attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison,  majoring in Animal and Vet Biosciences. She hopes to attend vet school and become an equine vet.

 

 

 

Alexa became a Knollwood Kid at the age of 11 when she had her first lesson on legendary Willy. Like Margit, she showed Hugo in her first in-barn show.

Alexa had been a fixture at Knollwood. Starting as a helper, Alexa moved up to being a Friday barn manager, and teaching lessons to our youngest riders. She even ran fantastic tiny tot camps this summer.

After a successful academy career, Alexa’s family purchased Joe (Sirtainly Stylish) for the 3 gaited show pleasure division. Alexa and Joe quickly became a team, and enjoyed great success in the deep division at some of the most competitive shows around.

Alexa says that some of her best Knollwood Kid memories were at pattern camps. ‘I remember inviting my whole camp group to my house that week for a sleepover and it was the best time. I also loved doing all things helping at the barn. That is where I met so many friends and was able to get super involved in the ‘Knollwood Kid’ life.

Mom Shari adds ‘Horses and riding have helped Alexa gain confidence, increase focus and enjoy the moment, build connections with animals, adults, and peers; improve resilience, and overcome challenges.’

Alexa’s advice to Knollwood Kids is ‘Take the time to get involved and meet new people at the barn. Spread kindness and share your love of horses. Focus on your own riding journey, and understand that it’s OK to have ups and downs. It’s not always going to be easy, but try to enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast.’

Alexa is attending Miami University in Ohio where she’s majoring in nursing. She’s planning on getting some experience and then returning to school to earn her Nurse Practitioner degree and hopes to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry.

 

 

 

We wish these riders great success in their future plans, and we look forward to keeping up with them.

Knollwood Kids always come back, and we can’t wait to see you in the arena at Thanksgiving.

Team Knollwood is rooting for you!

 

What's Coming Up?

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

National Equestrian Center

 

Parent’s Night Out

Saturday, September 28

6:00

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show

October 11-12

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 16-19

Illinois State Fairgrounds

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 26-27

Beyond Stable Farm

 

Academy Parent Meeting

November 9

6:00 PM

 

Academy Demo Meeting

November 23

6:00 PM

 

Parent’s Night Out

November 30

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 7

 

Knockout Award Banquet

January 25

The Legend at Merrill Hills

 

 

 

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

 

 

Team Knollwood just returned from the Monarch Series Championship Show. Show and academy riders alike traveled to Springfield, Illinois where they competed in the most beautiful horse show arena in the country.

Monarch offers a wide ranging show that includes show horses galore, Pleasure Equitation National Finals, and gigantic academy classes.

Did we mention fun? The show and it’s fabulous staff are famous for fun.

Parties, nightly social hour, and pony noodle races are just the start.

We have stories to share!

 

Knollwood Olympians

The Pleasure Equitation Olympic Final was the first national equitation final at Monarch, and Team Knollwood shone in the cometition.

In the Junior division for riders 13 and under, charismatic Brooklyn and Gamora rode to the gold medal with grace and grit. These two are a match with their determination, while Brooklyn’s calm balances out Gamora’s enthusiasm.

Amelia and Connor rode to the silver medal in the event with grace on the rail  and precision in their pattern work.

 

In the Senior division for rider aged 14-17, Shaye and Teddy were cool, calm and collected to claim the gold medal. These two present a picture of teamwork and energy every time they enter a ring.

Silver medalist in a tough division was Maiya showing her teammate Riddle. These two are a factor in every class they enter, and were incredibly accurate in their pattern work.

 

While Mia didn’t compete in the finals, she showed a ‘work in progress’ horse in the equitation division. She and Lin and Dylan have been working  together, and showed at IASPHA summer for the first time.

They showed at Monarch, winning their qualifier, and finishing reserve to Maiya and Riddle in the championship. It’s quite an accomplishment for the rookie equitation horse to get through a pattern smoothly and confidently.

Mia was most definitely a horse in a former life.

 

Speaking of Lin, she showed two of her projects at the show, and they were both stars.

She and Shooter won their Park class, and she was third with Bolt in the 5 gaited class.

 

Jane and Fergie continued their successful partnership at Monarch. Fergie is happiest in the show ring, and won both the qualifier and championship in the adult Show Pleasure division.

Congrats to both of these ‘go for it’ ladies!

 

UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals

 

The Knollwood ladies shone in the second national final at Monarch as well.

This final is sponsored by the United Professional Horseman’s Association, the horse trainers’ organization. As a result, it’s based on a riders’ ability to show a horse well.

The results are weighted a little differently, with showmanship accounting for 60% of the score and pattern for 40%.

In the junior division, Knollwood Kids finished first, second, and third.

Brooklyn and Gamora returned to the ring and really shone. The brassy mare and her calm rider rode with grace and confidence to win the National Final.

In addition to winning the event, Brooklyn also won the sportsmanship award, voted on by her fellow competitors.

Maddie and Eva finished second with a strong showing,  while Amelia and Connor finished in third.

The future is bright as these strong riders go forward.

 

In the senior division of 14 riders, the competition was fierce.

Showmanship was paramount, and we all know who can rise to that occasion.

She showed us when winning the 17 entry Horsemanship Challenge at Summerfun, and actually, every time she gets on a horse.

Yup, Natalie and Garfield let out the stops again and finished reserve in the Pleasure Challenge Cup National final.

 

Academy Riders Made the Trip

A group of our most experienced academy riders made the trip to Springfield to join the brilliantly deep academy division. What a great experience for these riders to compete in that iconic arena.

Addison and Thea represented Knollwood in the 14-17 division, while Dilly, Jilly, and Sophia showed in the 13 and under classes.

They all shone brightly in deep classes and did us proud.

Some highlights?

Knollwood Kids love patterns, and it showed at Monarch.

In the first split of the pattern qualifier, Knollwood finished 1-2-3 with Addison, Thea, and Jilly.

In the second qualifier split, Sophia finished second with Dilly in third.

To finish out the division, Addison and Dilly won their pattern championships, earning crowns for their accomplishments.

 

Jilly was a star in the 13 and under division, winning both of her championships, as well as the equitation qualifier.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show

September 12-15

New Holland Pavillion

Madison

The show horses will be in Madison for the show that features young horses in addition to show divisions.

 

 

Street Clean Up

This Saturday

1:00

Come join us to earn your service hours, and beautify our neighborhood.

The Knockouts will hold a club meeting following the clean up at 2:30.

 

Academy Photo Shoot

This Saturday at 6:00

Academy riders, if you’re rejoining the shoot for National Horseman, please arrive at 5:30 in your show clothes.

If you need your hair done, please arrive at 4:30. We have 2 volunteers coming in to create buns.

 

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

National Equestrian Center

Team Knollwood will be in St Louis in force for a wonderful horse show. Home of 2 pleasure equitation national finals, and big performance equitation and performance classes, it’s one of our favorites.

Watch the pleasure equitation riders compete in the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation National Medallion Finals, and the ASHBA Pleasure Equitation National Championships.

The trimmed equitation division is pretty great, too.

 

Parents Night Out

September 28

6:00

Please sign up and pay your $25 to join a night of fun with the Knockout board members and officers.

We’ll be decorating ribbon bags for the Knollwood show, and enjoy pizza.

Come join the fun!

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

Eighteen of our academy riders are traveling to Woodstock to compete in a fun 2 day show. Some of our future stars who competed for the first time at Showcase will enter the show ring for the second time.

Please make the trip to support these new Knollwood academy riders.

 

 

Knockout Awards Banquet

January 25

Merrill Hills

Save the date so you don't miss our annual celebration of all things Knollwood.

 

 

 

 

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

Well, that went quickly.

Knollwood Kids are back in school, and the school barn is quiet during the day.

Hazel is sleeping a little later in the morning now that she doesn’t need to greet the campers.

The rhythm of the school barn is a little different this week, and even the horses are confused with their fall schedule. (Even though they experienced it last year, and the year before that …)

Let’s take a look back at the highlights of Knollwood Summer 2024.

 

3 Sessions of Tiny Tot Camp

Too much fun.

We enjoyed three half day sessions with horse crazy 4-6 year olds.

They enjoyed time with our unbelievable beginner horses, learning how to ride and to take care of these grand souls. Lots of games, refreshment times, and painting sessions filled out the camp experience. Of course, the newest riders finished their sessions with demos for their families and friends to show off their new skills.

 

Annual Food Drive and Knollwood Olympics

For more than 10 years, the Knollwood community has supported the Food Pantry of Waukesha County with an early summer food drive. Our partnership assists the pantry at a time of year when foodstocks run low as kids get out of school.

After the food drive, Knollwood Kids who participated in the drive gather and compete in horse themed  ‘games of skill.’

The weather cooperated, and we had a grand time laughing in the big outdoor ring.

 

The Car Wash!

Knockouts banded together on June 23 for a busy fundraising day at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly.

While some kids washed cars, others sold brats and burgers in the brat shack.

We had fun and made a big dent in banquet costs with the funds raised.

Great thanks to the parents who pitched in to make the event such a success!

 

Summer Riding School

July meant heavy duty camp schedules.

We offered sessions for riders currently enrolled in our program, and a session for kids new to Knollwood as well.

Is there anything better than a week with the best lesson horses in the world, exceptional instruction, and lots of sun?

If there is, we’d love to hear about it.

 

 

Academy Camps

We ran four weeks of camps designed just for the riders on our academy team.

These riders were immersed in the horse world while riding twice a day, caring for their horses with great care, and learning show ring skills.

They learned patterns, rode bareback, played games on their horses, and learned daily that riding can be frustrating as well as rewarding.

These Knollwood Kids learned teamwork with their horses and their friends, and learned that they could be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The progress was amazing.

 

 

Lake Knollwood

Well, Lake Knollwood made an appearance after some monsoon-like rains.

Making the best of an interesting situation, we launched two of our lightest pattern campers into the lake to try fishing.

Eventually, Rudy came over to pull them around the 'lake.'

Miraculously, no one fell in.

 

Academy Shows

Summer is also show season, and we enjoyed the best of it.

Being a competition based lesson program, we believe there’s no better way to further your skills than by using them in the show ring.

Highlights were bringing a big group to the IASPHA summer show, and introducing 13 riders to the show ring at the ASAW Summer Showcase.

 

Show Prep Camps

We even offered two weeks of summer riding school geared to riders competing at the Knollwood Summer show in August.

Riders rode the horse they were showing, rode bareback, learned show skills and etiquette, and made great friends along the way.

They looked great at the show, too.

 

 

 

We couldn’t do these amazing things without an incredible group of horsewomen.

Our counselors work with the helpers and the campers to keep things running smoothly while the instructor is teaching a group.

They make sure campers drink enough water, answer questions, and keep the fun going.

 

Our helpers are our front line assistants with the campers. Often referred to as ‘personal assistants,’ they’re always present to assist with grooming and tacking, and are there to run and encourage our newest riders.

They also make sure barn chores are completed, and work with the counselors and instructors to make sure horses and campers are comfortable.

It takes a village, and we have a grand one.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Monarch Series Championship

Illinois State Fairgrounds

September 3-8

It’s Finals Time!

Our pleasure equitation riders will be competing for medals at the Pleasure Olympics and for the national championship in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals.

In addition to pleasure equitation finals, it’s a fantastic, well run show with so many great hospitality events.

You can cheer on the riders on the free livestream here.

 

 

 

Knockout Street Clean Up

September 14

1:00 PM

Knollwood Kids, join the fun and beautify the neighborhood for fall! The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Academy Photo Shoot

Saturday, September 14

6:00 PM

All academy riders should have responded to their invite for the photo shoot for the magazine ad.

We look forward to seeing everyone in their show clothes at 6:00 PM.

Our rain date is the same time on Saturday, September 21.

 

 

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

The National Equestrian Center

Team Knollwood will travel to St. Louis in numbers.

Home to a great show that features deep, deep competition and more national pleasure equitation finals, it’s a popular show at a wonderful facility.

The pleasure equitation riders are featured in the ASHBA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final.

All divisions are exciting, and we’ll post livestream info when available.

 

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

Please join us to cheer on our academy team at Beyond Stable Farm!

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

Horse assignments will be up soon!

 

 

Knockouts Award Banquet

Saturday, January 25

Merrill Hills

Save the date!
You won’t want to miss the annual celebration of all things Knollwood.

 

 

 

 

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