0 comments / Posted by Ann Wilt

Team Knollwood’s show horses are enjoying a relaxing week after returning from the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show. The event is steeped in tradition, having started in 1905 with the help of prominent horse trainer Tom Bass.

Today, the show is home to National Championships in many divisions, the UPHA Classic Championships for three-year-olds, and the last of the two equitation finals that comprise the triple crown of equitation.

Team Knollwood was in the thick of competition, and we sure have stories to tell!

 

Tori Loves Stella, and Stella Loves Tori

This mutual admiration society continued their dream season at the Royal. After watching them in the ring, you’d never imagine that it was their first year showing together.

The beautiful bay mare and calm, cool, collected Tori used the ring like they owned the place, and came away with good ribbons in a ring full of champions like themselves.

 

 

 

Margit And ‘Her Boys’

Few people ride horses with as much obvious joy as Margit, and she was a pleasure to watch in Kansas City.

Margit and Robert, who is officially known as Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance, pulled off a great ribbon in the national championship in a ring of titled competitors.

Robert is part of our lease program, and he and Margit have become an amazing team.

Margit also showed her heart horse, Charlie, who is officially known as CH Ken Follett. They racked and trotted their way to great ribbons in both their qualifier and the national championship class in junior exhibitor 5 gaited show pleasure.

 

 

Our Rookie Equitation Riders

Brooklyn and Maiya were showing in the academy division at this time last year. This November they were at the American Royal, competing for national titles.

Maiya, who leases Riddle, officially known as Who’s on First, showed like a seasoned pro and finished 5th in the junior national championship after making the top 10 in the UPHA junior challenge cup national final. That’s a long way away from the academy ring!

Brooklyn, who has become quite a team with her horse Gamora, just couldn’t be stopped last week. She made top 10 in the UPHA junior challenge cup, won her 13 and under equitation qualifier, and finished reserve in the junior equitation national championship.

We’re so proud of these horse girls!

 

Our Senior Equitation Stars

Barn mates Payton and Richie made us proud in senior equitation, while showing on the young end of the age group.  Payton is competing as a 15-year-old while Richie is enjoying his first year in seniors.

Payton and her dynamite mare Gigi are a team that just belong together. They’re exciting, a little on the edge, and you just can’t take your eyes off them.

In only their first year together, they made top ten in ALL of the triple crown finals, and won the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure equitation.

It’s hard to believe that they’ll be better after an off season of training, but we know they will be.

 

 

Richie was pretty much the king of KC last week.

He started the show catch riding a gaited pony for Clark Clouse, a trainer from Kentucky. Richie went to the show early (and missed an extra day of school) so he could ride the pony before he showed him.

Richie looked like he had known Crossing the Rubicon forever, and won his class.

 

Richie and Queen Leila, officially known as Brookhill’s Passion Punch, finished in the top 10 of the USEF Medal Final, and finished third in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Final.

He also debuted on his new equitation horse, Doc, in the equitation qualifier for riders 14 and 15 years old. He and Reedann’s Dark Mystery had a confident first class, and even won it.

 

Finn and Jade Top it Off

Team Knollwood enjoyed a wonderful week at the Royal, and Finn topped it off at the final performance. She and Jade, officially known as Riverdream’s Masquerade, finished as reserve national champions in the amateur 5 gaited stake. The amateur 5 gaited division is one of he toughest ones out there, and this is quite a feat for the former equitation star and her charismatic mare. What a thrill!

 

After a week to relax and reflect on the 2022 show season, we’ll be back preparing for 2023.

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Turkey Trot Academy Show

November 18-19

Beyond Stable Farm

The academy team is traveling to our last show of the season. Six horses and 11 riders will make the trip to Woodstock, including two riders showing for the very first time.

Please come join us, and cheer on Bella and Kelsey at their debuts!

 

 

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 24

We will not be holding lessons so everyone can enjoy some holiday cheer with friends and family. Your instructor will arrange a makeup lesson.

 

 

Knockouts Holiday Service

The Knockouts have adopted two families for the holidays, and wish lists are posted on the school barn tackroom door. Please sign up to donate a gift or two off the lists, and help the Knockouts help kids in need of a cheery holiday season. Gifts are due at the barn on November 25.

 

 

Parents’ Night Out Wrapping Party

Saturday, November 26 at 6:00 PM

Join the Knockouts for a few hours of fun with the Knockout officers and board members. You’ll wrap gifts for our adopted families, and enjoy snacks and games as well.

Please sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

 

 

Stirrup Order Deadline

December 1

Be sure to order your irons and leathers with Ann by December 1 to ensure holiday delivery. Remember, all academy riders need their own stirrups for the 2023 season.

 

 

 

 

 

Horse of the Year Election Begins

December 1

Join, or renew your Knockout dues for 2023 and receive a ballot for 2022 School horse of the year election! The winner will be announced at the banquet in February.

 

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 10 at 6:00 PM

Join us for the return of the Knockout party! After a two year Covid absence,  all Knockouts will enjoy their annual team scavenger hunt, pizza, and the long awaited campaign speeches and election for 2023 officers. It’s free to all Knockout members and their families, please sign up in the school barn lounge so we have enough dinner for everyone.

Parents are welcome to BYOB.

 

 

 

 

Mini Camp

December 11 from Noon to 3:00 PM

Do you have friends who have always wanted to ride? We have a few spots open for our introductory camp on December 11. It’s learning all about horses, including a riding lesson. It’s open to horse kids aged 7 and up, and it’s only $99.

 

 

 

 

Academy Information and Demo Meeting

Saturday, February 11

6:00 PM

Looking forward to showing academy next season? Join us at our follow-up meeting which is for riders and parents alike.

You’ll see some of our academy stars in their show attire riding some of our fantastic horses. We’ll answer lots of questions, and those in attendance can ask us anything.

We can hardly wait!

 

 

 

Knockout Banquet

Saturday, February 18

Legends at Merrill Hills

It’s back!

After a Covid break, our famous celebration is back at a new venue. We’ll celebrate all things Knollwood, looking back to 2022 and looking forward to 2023.

Dinner, awards, famed addresses by Scott and Susan, a slide show and dancing. Who could want any more?

Invitations will go out to all Knockout members after the holidays.

Not yet a member? Please talk to your instructor or an office admin to join the fun!

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the ingate!

 

 

 

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