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

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

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

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

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

The club hopes to have these available for holiday giving!

Saturday night featured the return of Halloween on Horseback.

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

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

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

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

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

Costume planning has already begun for 2024!

Coming Up?

IASPHA Fall Show

October 28-29

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

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

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

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

The UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 6-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woodwear Orders Due

November 12

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

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

Academy Parent Meeting

November 18

6:00 PM

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

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

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23

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

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

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 25

5:00 PM

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

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

School Horse of the Year Election

December 1 – 31

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

Stirrup Orders Due

December 1

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

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

Academy Demo Night

December 2

6:00 PM

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

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

Knockout Holiday Party

December 9

6:00 PM

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

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

Sign ups will begin soon.

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

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