Photo by Collective Grace

We did it.

Team Knollwood pulled off an academy show for 90 talented riders while the show barn prepped 30+ horses for the Madison Classic show May 21-24.

Here are some of our favorite tales of the weekend.

Photo by Collective Grace

Sportsmanship

Day in and day out, we remind our riders that riding and showing horses isn’t easy. It’s important to recognize achievements, both our own and those of others. We saw lots of riders clapping for others in the line up. In fact, one of our leadline riders even dropped her reins in the lineup so she could clap a little more enthusiastically for her friend who won.

We applaud the rider who offered to change her horse at the last minute because her horse was working hard in the unexpected heat of Saturday.

“Horses teach us many things, and most of them aren’t about horses.’

Photo by Collective Grace

Goal Achievement

Horse showing is about much more than ribbons. It’s about meeting goals.

We had riders who got all of their diagonals correct.

We had riders who controlled their thoughts to manage one element of a pattern at a time.

We had riders who kept their horse cantering without quitting.

We had riders who kept their stirrups in the correct position consistently.

We had riders who switched their crops and ended up holding their reins correctly.

Each rider has their own goals they're working on, and goals aren't always visible to everyone watching. We applaud all our riders who worked towards their personal bests.

We started working on new goals on Tuesday, and we’ll stretch to meet them at the August show.

Leadership

Our in-barn competitions showcase the leadership skills of Knollwood Kids.

Under the watchful eyes of instructors, Knockout and former Knockout officers Aubrey, Jilly, and Kylie kept the barn running, motivated the personal assistants, and kept horses happy.

Our personal assistants were stars on Sunday.

Each Knollwood Kid was in charge of a horse and their riders for the day. This meant having the correct saddles, adjusting stirrups, encouraging riders, assisting them in the line up, and keeping the day bright.

Horses raise great kids.

Photo by Collective Grace

Giving Back

We held a charity fun class for the last event on Saturday.

14 riders entered the ring to compete in an action packed game of musical towels to benefit Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation.

A real asset to our community, Rogers provides life saving care to our neighbors.

Through entry fees, towel purchases, and song purchases, we raised more than $1100 for out friends at the foundation.

Great thanks to everyone who donated and/or participated.

And congratulations to Olivia and Fred, winners of the event!

Gratitude.

We are grateful for the time and talents of many Knollwood peeps who made the weekend a great one for so many.

Photo by Collective Grace

Parents

Knollwood parents are just the best.

They set up the show, dodged possible weather on Sunday, and grilled in the unexpected heat of the weekend.

They created gift baskets with donations from generous customers, sold lots of food, AND cheered their kids on this weekend.

Photo by Collective Grace 

Thanks to their efforts and with the help of Knollwood Kids, they raised over $1800. Those funds will go towards the cost of the awards banquet, and to charitable donations.

Thank you.

Photo by Collective Grace

 

Thank you to Margit for sharing her expertise and kindness for the weekend.

Thank you to Wendy and Karina for announcing the show.

Photo by Collective Grace

Thank you to our ringmasters Jules, Olivia, Amanda and Olivia for keeping the arenas safe and organized.

Thank you to Jane, our Sunday concierge.

Photo by Collective Grace

Thank you to Collective Grace Photography for capturing action both in and out of the ring.  Here’s the link to view and purchase photos of the weekend.

We’re already planning our summer show on August 21-23. Entries will be taken from June 5 - 19.

We hope you’ll join us to create more memories.

What’s Coming Up?

The Madison Classic Horse Show

This exciting show starts tomorrow at the New Holland Pavillions in Madison, and it’s going to be a killer show.

 Our show barn is almost empty, and there are barns coming from all over to compete at the well-run show.

Here’s the link to the webcast. 

Academy will NOT be webcast.

Academy classes start at 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Please come watch the show!

 

 

Food Drive

Our annual food drive starts on Sunday, May 24, and runs through June 4.

We collect food for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County to help our neighbors in need. The pantry has 8 items that they need this year to provide nutrition and support for out community.

We’re asking Knollwood Kids to collect ‘food kits’ that include 6 of the 8 listed items. Riders who collect a minimum of 5 kits are welcome to join us for the Knollwood Olympics on June 6 at 6:00 PM.

Please bag your donations, and mark the bags with your name so we can credit them correctly.

We’ll form Olympic teams and play ‘games of skill’ like blanket races, relays, and other assorted ridiculous events to celebrate a successful drive.

Please reach out to your admin or instructor for more info.

You don’t want to miss this!

 

Memorial Day

Monday, May 25

No lessons on Memorial Day so we can honor those who gave their lives.

 

Monarch May Classic Show

May 30-31

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is heading to Woodstock for the first ever Monarch May Classic. We’re looking forward to all this show offers, AND we get to show in the beautiful covered outdoor arena

Come join us!

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 9-13

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, Illinois

The best of the Midwest meet in the most beautiful horse show arena in the country.

Knollwood will be there in force, and we’ll update with webcast info when it’s available.

 

Dad’s Day Ride

Saturday June 20 at 6:00

Knollwood Kids, here’s a chance to tell your Dad what to do!

For only $50, Dad’s can enjoy an intro lesson with their rider as their helper.

Space is very limited, and you can pay your $50 and sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Oshkosh Summer Classic

June 24-27

Sunnyview Expo

Our show horses and academy team is heading to Oshkosh for the horse show that feels like a vacation in a park.

Academy classes are Saturday morning at 10:00.

 

 

Independence Day

Saturday, July 4

We won’t be holding lessons on July 4. Your instructor will contact you to schedule a makeup.

Photo by Collective Grace

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