Hello Everyone,

Bilbo here.

As recently elected spokesperson for the Knollwood lesson horses, (I currently have control of the iPad) it’s my turn to blog.

Many of our riders are off on summer vacation, so I started thinking...

I asked several of my coworkers where they’d like to go for a getaway and got some pretty unexpected replies.

To no one’s surprise, Bee and Fiona would like to go on a girls retreat. They’re off to a rest and relaxation yoga experience where Bee will work on just stopping and enjoying peace. Fiona will relax and stay present in the moment while reading and enjoying veggie juices.

Fred’s ideal getaway is to ride in a hot air balloon. I think a balloon big enough to carry him might be called a blimp, but that’s neither here nor there.

He just wants to enjoy the big picture of life.

Sherman would like to travel to Europe, possibly in Fred’s blimp, to see some World War II sites. He’s named after the famous Sherman tanks that helped the Allies win the war and would like to see his namesakes in person.

Sparky’s dreams are small. He’d enjoy going to a local children’s library for story time. He’s even willing to take next door neighbor Hugo along if he promises not to fall asleep and snore.

Oscar? The ultimate frat boy? He’s like to go to Martha’s Vineyard and coach the incoming Harvard freshmen on how to make it into the best private clubs and frats on campus. He’d also like to assign catchy nicknames to all. His favorites? Biff and Cheeseburger.

Baxter would like box seats in Freedom Hall to see some of his young relatives compete at the World’s Championship Horse Show. We’re sure they’d like to meet great uncle Baxter, too!

Pumpkin would travel to Ireland to meet his Connemara cousins on his mom’s side. He’d enjoy pub crawling in the west of Ireland with his older relatives, and meeting some of the younger ones as well. Just picture Pumpkin Irish dancing…

Finally , my dream?

I toyed with the idea of cliff diving in Mexico, but that sounded a little too dangerous for a number of reasons.

I’ve decided to build on my strengths and visit an escape room. If I can exit the arena so easily, surely I can break out of any puzzle humans set up for me.

If you have any future travel ideas for the best lesson horses in the world, please send them my way, or comment on the post. I’m now happy to consider myself the travel agent for my colleagues. It’s just another skill I posess.

I hope you all enjoy your summer getaways, and come back ready to ride!

Please send pics, too!

What’s Coming Up?

ASAW Summer Showcase

August 8-9

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

Our academy team is heading to a local show that benefits the Knockouts and the ASAW Scholarship Fund.

If you’re looking for an old timey feeling horse show in a beautiful setting, come and enjoy the show and atmosphere.

World’s Championship Horse Show

August 22-29

Freedom Hall

Louisville Kentucky

Team Knollwood is heading to Louisville to compete for World Championships. The best horses and riders in the country gather at the Kentucky State Fair for a spectacle. We’ll post schedules and webcast info.

Knollwood Summer Show

August 23-25

Meanwhile, at the home office, we’ll be celebrating our in-barn summer party.

We’ll show for three days with classes including patterns, horsemanship, and equitation.

We’re thrilled to welcome Terri Anne Ullman as judge for the Friday and Saturday performances and Shelby Hader for Sunday.

Our friends from Collective Grace photography will be capturing show memories on Saturday and Sunday. Their staff has an eye for capturing moments in their photos in a very special way. We love their work, and we're sure you will, too.

Our concession stand is being sponsored by Much To Doo event childcare, owned by Knollwood Kid Vienna’s family.

We're looking for volunteers to help create a memorable weekend for all of our riders and families. Please consider joining our community by donating item(s) to gift baskets, or helping with the concession stand that we all enjoy.

Here's the link to help contribute to the Knockouts and their mission.

Lesson Horse Day Off.

Monday, August 24

We will not be holding lessons after camp is finished.

Lessons will be credited as we let the horses enjoy a short day after their busy weekend.

Labor Day

Monday, September 7

We will not be holding lessons. Your instructor will be in touch to schedule a makeup time.

Monarch Series National Championship Show

September 9-13

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Show horses and some academy stars will be heading to Springfield for a fabulous horse show.

The most welcoming show of the sesason showcases Saddlebreds in every division as well as top notch academy riders.

In addition, the show is home to the first 2 equitation finals of the season, the Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup.

Riders come from near and far to compete in these finals, and Team Knollwood will be in the thick of it.

Fall Street Cleanup

Saturday, September 12

1:00 PM

The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for their fall service project. 

We'll start sign ups in mid August, so be sure to save the date.

Bring a Friend Day

Saturday, September 19

6:00

Here's your chance to bring a friend or relative to show them why you love riding so much. For only $50, you can be the helper for your friend's first riding lesson.

We'll start sign ups in mid August.

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Horse Show

October 3-4

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is off to Woodstock for a fun Fall show at our favorite facility. The show will feature a lot of riders finishing their first academy season, and we'd love an audience. It's worth the trip!

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