Let’s say it one more time, 2024 was a memorable one for team Knollwood. 

Our show barn team was successful at shows all over the country, winning and learning along the way.  Our rough count is that the equitation riders won a total of 17 world and national titles and shone in the performance arena as well.

Our academy program grew by leaps and bounds as we introduced 14 new riders to the joys of academy showing. Our summer camps were sold out, and our introductory programs kept the momentum coming as we welcomed new riders to the horse world.

How do we continue success like this?

We have some ideas.

 

Be Welcoming.

When you see a new rider waiting to start a lesson, welcome them to Knollwood.

If you see someone taking an introductory tour, welcome them to the horse world.

If you’re in the lounge and see a new rider in the arena, talk to their parents about Knollwood.

 

 

Be Encouraging.

Tell a beginner rider that they are doing well.

Tell a new helper that they’re doing a good job.

Tell someone who’s struggling that you went through the same phase. We all do.

Tell someone that you also had a tough time ‘getting’ a particular horse.

 

Congratulate.

Congratulate a rider on their performance at a Knollwood show.

Meet a friend at the out gate to congratulate them on a strong ride.

Congratulate a Knollwood Kid on riding a new horse.

Congratulate a helper on a job well done with a new rider.

Do Everything to the best of your ability

We all know that horses are not glamorous, and tasks that go with them are also not.

So, do each task the best your can so you can be proud of the job you’ve done.

Roll the hose up perfectly with no twists.

Empty muck buckets with no spillage.

Sweep the lounge so it’s spotless.

Clean tack until it shines.

Brush horses so well that they’re show ring ready.

Pick up the small arena so it’s ready for camp the next day.

Don’t stop your task until you’re proud.

 

Put Everything Back

Put your saddle away with its cover on.

Put your bridle away to it’s ready for the next lesson.

Make sure your brushing bag is away.

Use a ladder? Put it back where you found it.

Coolers and bareback pads should be back in their cubbies.

 

Ask Questions

Ask an instructor.

Ask the barn manager.

Ask a camp counselor.

Show barn? Ask Lin or Carol or Scott.

Ditch The Phone

Alternatives to watching your phone?

Brush a retiree horse. They’ll love you for it.

Listen to lessons. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn.

Watch show horse work sessions. You'll see masters at work.

Ask Scott a question. Few people on this earth know as much about Saddlebreds as he does.

Sweep.

Ask an Admin or Barn manager what you can do to help.

Breaking News:

 

Welcome Bridget!

We're thrilled to welcome Bridget Ward to our academy faculty.

A graduate of William Woods University, Bridget is well known in the saddlebred industry for turning out accomplished riders, most recently at Equitate LLC in Oconomowoc.

 We welcome her skills and enthusiasm as we continue to grow our academy showing program. She'll be teaching academy riders on Monday afternoons.

 

Meet Oscar, Our New Academy Horse!

Please welcome our new academy horse, Oscar. Officially known in the saddlebred registry as Oscar Nominee, he came to us from Iowa, where he's been a successful show horse in the western division.

He's beautiful on the inside and the outside, and will really help us with all of our academy stars!!

What’s Coming Up?

Consignment Items Due for Academy Sale

January 15

Please bring your items to the school barn lounge where we have tags ready for each donation.

 

Parent Meeting

January 18

2:00 PM

Show Barn Lounge

Would you like to help a great group of horse kids? The Knockouts are looking for enthusiastic parents to help them with their horse shows and other events.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge and join us on the 18^th to learn more. You’ll really enjoy your time with these fun horse kids.

 

Knollwood Banquet

January 25

6:30 PM Social Time

7:15 PM Dinner

The Legend at Merrill Hills

The event of the season is coming up soon!

It’s time for awards, Scott’s ‘State of the Farm’ roundup, a slide show reviewing 2024, and the announcement of the 2024 lesson horse of the year!

Please remember that country club dress code is in effect. This means no denim of any kind, and that men must wear collared shirts, and that shirts must be tucked in.

Please help us celebrate in style.

 

Academy Clothing Sale

February 1

10:00AM– 2:00PM

Show Barn Lounge

Showing this season? Please join us to shop our selection of used show clothes.

Jodi will be here with her ties and accessories, and we’ll have experienced academy moms and instructors here to help you put together an outfit that makes you feel like a rockstar.

 

Camp Sign Up for Enrolled Students

February 1 – 28

All currently enrolled students can purchase camp dates during the month of January.

Dates will be offered to the public starting on March 1.

 

Academy Measuring Appointments

February 8

8:30 AM – Noon

Showing in the spring or early summer, and need alterations or new clothing?

Please talk to Ann to secure an appointment if you haven’t already.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, Illinois

Our first academy show of 2025!

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 16-18

Our first in-barn show of the year!

 

 

See you soon at the barn!