My name is Frank the Pony, and I have stage fright.

Because of my fears, I’m unable to participate in the Knollwood Fall Show.  As part of my therapy regimen, I’ve been collecting information about the show in an attempt to de-sensitize myself.  Please bear with me as I work my way through explanations that I know very little about. I hope my co-workers aren’t leading me on …

The show runs two afternoons, with walk trot and canter classes on Saturday, November 9 starting at 1:00 pm, and the walk and trot performance follows on Sunday, November 10 at noon. The riders you’ll see on Saturday are the ones who enjoy riding me bareback, love playing games with me because of my zero turning radius, and who make me behave and not act like a pony.

The Sunday riders are the ones I teach on a daily basis how to follow through to get what they want from me. They may be small, but I’ve made them mighty.

Show shirt and back number packets will be ready for pickup in the school barn lounge starting at noon on Thursday. 

New for this show? You’ll receive a program with your packet!  Great thanks to Wild Impact Marketing for the fun show shirts.

The concession stand will be up and running on both days of the show.  Be sure to stop by and enjoy some delicious food and terrific service, served up by the Knollwood Knockouts. They still have some opportunities to volunteer in the stand, and you can sign up here. (If someone could sign me up, I think I could make it there…)

The show also features the annual Helper Basket Challenge.  Judge Kelsey will pick her favorite basket, and the helpers from the winning night will receive a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts.

These are major fundraisers for the Knollwood Knockouts, our award winning youth group.

Speaking of Judge Kelsey, everyone is excited to welcome celebrated Knollwood Kid Kelsey back to judge our final show of the year.  She grew up here, and went on to become a top rider, even winning the World’s Grand Championship of Saddle Seat Equitation.

Her expertise will be needed this weekend at the grand finale with full classes, hard riding stars, and the best lesson horses in the world. (Including me, even though I won’t be showing.)

Depth?

We have depth.

Our leadline division is so full that we split it into 2 classes. Many age divisions had to be split, the pattern classes are full, and the ‘grown-ups’ are out in number.

Quality?

This show features the finals of the Knollwood Challenge.

Based on the big equitation finals, the Knollwood Challenge offers riders the experience at an academy level. Riders compete in a qualifying class at each of our three shows where they ride both on the rail and perform a predetermined pattern.  In the walk and trot division, riders all trot a non-inverted figure eight, and in the walk, trot, and canter division, all riders trot an inverted figure eight.

The top two placings in each qualifier advance to compete in the final at the November show.

The Final class features railwork, and a more difficult pattern that the riders see for the first time the morning of the show.

The winner of each final receives a bronze traveling trophy for a year, and a custom show shirt from deRegnaucourt.

Fun?

We have that in spades.

In addition to the really competitive classes, we host a gaming division on Saturday before the WTC Challenge Final.

Show and academy riders are welcome to join the games of Slowest Canter, Musical Towels, and Ride a $5.

Even the judge joined in at the summer show!

There are a couple of spots left for gamers.  Contact Ann if you'd like to join in!

This is the first division I'd like to compete in after I've completed my therapy!

The Fine Print:

Parking is limited to our lot and the street.  No parking is permitted in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot, as they have a major event this weekend as well.  Please help us be good neighbors.

Knollwood Challenge Final riders will show in their academy show outfits.  If you're riding in a qualifier, please have your show clothes ready.

Future academy star Willis made his debut at the IASPHA Fall show, and ill continue his education on Saturday. Korinne will again be riding him during the show on Saturday to help him become more comfortable in groups.  

See you at the show!!

If anyone has any ideas to help me over my stage fright, I'll be taking advice in the pasture this weekend.  You'll find me at the round bale.

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion...

And a lot of fun.