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.

 

 

Louisville 2024 was one for the ages.

Competition was fierce and deep, but there was a sense of camaraderie. The show was overseen by a different governing body this year, and the vibe was fresh, friendly, and super responsive.

Knollwood had a heck of a show, and has great stories to share.  (In no particular order!)

 

 

Brooklyn and Gamora

These two have been soulmates from the outset. Both intense, Brooklyn gets along with her sometimes opinionated horse partner in a grand way.

These two were in fierce equitation competition, and earned a 4^th place ribbon in their qualifier, and 4^th in the Junior championship with a 1^st place vote.

 

 

 

Leighton and Prince

In her first year of showing, Leighton went for it and traveled to the World’s Championship Horse Show. She and Prince were up against riders with much more show ring experience, but they rode as if they owned Freedom Hall.

Team Leighton rode to a great 4^th in the qualifier with a second place vote, and 6^th in the world championship for riders aged 9 and 10.

What an incredible set of accomplishments while riding at Louisville for the first time!

 

 

Maiya and Rescue Riddle

In case you don’t know the story of Riddle…

He was rescued from a kill pen by the Duerr family. After getting him healthy and started in his education, they sent him to Knollwood to see what Riddle could do.

 

Riddle continued his education, and showed for the first time with Payton. He acted like a rock star, so his training continued.

He became an educated equitation horse, and has been leased for the last few seasons by Maiya.

This year, they were named 15-year-old World Champions after winning their equitation qualifier.

The rescue horse is now a World Champion!

Great thanks to the Duerr family for rescuing this grand horse, and for giving him a chance to be who he was born to be.

 

 

 

 

Margit and Her Boys

Margit flies under the radar.

You don’t often find her in the spotlight, but this Knollwood Kid can ride.

At Louisville, she piloted her beloved Charlie to a 3^rd place ribbon in their gaited pleasure qualifier, and a 6^th in their championship. Keep in mind, Charlie has a lot of experience being a horse. These two understand each other, and work so well for each other. They’re just a joy to watch.

Margit and Robert, the charismatic 3 gaited show pleasure horse she leases from Knollwood, worked their way around the arena to earn a 5^th place ribbon.

What a great way to close out her Junior Exhibitor Louisville career!

 

Richie Had a Week

Richie is a horseman.

He showed four horses at Louisville, and qualified and ribboned in all four championships.

His sister Tori asked Richie to show her beautiful country pleasure horse Stella at the show this year.  Richie and Stella were a sight, riding to 4^th place in their qualifier, and 5^th in the championship.

 

Richie showed a gaited pony for Kentucky trainer Clark Clouse, finishing 4^th in the qualifier, and 4^th in the championship.

Richie showed Showdown, the gaited horse he’s leasing from the Kingsbury family in the Junior Exhibitor Gaited division.

Tyler is a grand horse, and Richie and Scott have been working super hard at home getting everything just right.

It worked.

Richie and Tyler worked the arena, finding spots and making passes like pros. The dynamic team finished Reserve World Champions in their qualifier, and a grand third in the World Grand Championship.

The crowd favorite, Richie exited the ring to a round of rousing applause.

Richie is one of the best equitation riders out there.

He and Doc finished a great third in his qualifier for 16-year-old equitation riders, and was third in the World’s Grand Championship of senior equitation.

 

 

Payton Was a Horse in a Former Life

Payton thinks like a horse, and it shows.

Payton helps her mom in Colorado with the rescue horses who live at their home. She’s comfortable on any horse at any time

One of the best equitation riders out there, Payton has the tremendous skills to ride a fiery, talented mare, and to make her think things are her idea. Great thanks to Scott, the 'mare whisperer'!

Payton makes riding Gigi look simple, which it certainly is not.

Payton and Gigi were reserve World Champions in the 17-year-old equitation division, and finished 2^nd in the World Grand Championship in the Senior Equitation division.

What a fantastic finish to an accomplished Louisville career!

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Labor Day Closure

We’re not holding lessons on Monday, September 2.

Instructors have arranged make-up lessons.

 

 

Monarch Series National Championship

September 3-8

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Team Knollwood will be showing at one of the most enjoyable shows of the season, and the most beautiful arena around.

Monarch showcases the pleasure equitation division with both the Olympics and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup national finals.

New for Knollwood this year, academy horses are joining the show horses in Springfield.

 

 

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

September 12-15

New Holland Pavilion, Madison

The show horses are heading to Madison for one of our ‘almost local’ shows.

 

 

Academy Photo Shoot

September 14, rail date September 21

6:00 PM

Academy riders, be sure to RSVP to Ann by September 7 so we know how many will be participating in our group shot.  We can hardly wait!

 

 

Mini Camp

September 22

Noon – 3:00 PM

Molly is running a mini camp from noon – 3:00 PM for new riders aged 7 and up. For only $99, your horse lover can learn all about safety, horse care, and enjoy a lesson from 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM.

 

 

St. Louis National Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

National Equestrian Center, St. Louis, MO

Another favorite show, this one features the ASHBA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals for both the senior and junior divisions.

 

 

Parents Night Out

September 28

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Knockouts are invited to join their fellow club members to decorate their ribbon bags for the Fall show.

For only $25, Knollwood Kids will enjoy dinner, time with the Knockout officers and board members, and decorate their show bags.

 

 

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

 

Our academy team is heading to Woodstock for a fun academy show. Many of our riders who showed for the first time at Cedarburg will be making their second show ring appearances.

We can hardly wait.

 

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

It’s coming up fast!

Former instructor Abby is returning to judge all three days of the show, including the finals of the Knollwood Challenge Finals.

It’s a big show, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend of all things Knollwood.

 

 

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