Team Knollwood is just finishing laundry from May Classic, and what a time we had!

First of all, great thanks to show manager Vicky and her staff for relocating the Madison Classic show to State Fair Park, as the usual venue was not available due to becoming a Covid vaccination center.  It took an incredible amount of work, and the process was seamless to exhibitors.

The weekend showed us the hilarious side of Wisconsin weather with cold, rainy nights and really warm sunny days on the weekend. Packing for this show was the ultimate challenge for horses, riders, and spectators.

Here are some of our favorite stories of the weekend:

Emma and Fergie

Knollwood Kid Emma grew up in our lesson program. Emma has been involved with the Knockouts, has been a Tuesday night helper forever, and has been a helper and counselor at summer riding school since she could be.

Emma enjoyed a very successful academy career, and finished it out last season showing Alex under the direction of Scott and Carol.

Her parents, Rick and Pam, leased Fergie for Emma to show on the ‘A’ circuit this season, and they made their debut at the May Classic.

If you don’t know Fergie, officially known as Impressive Asset, she’s got a personality and she really loves Emma.

Emma and Fergie showed in both the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup, and in their pleasure equitation age group. They earned fantastic second place ribbons in both outings.

Congratulations to this new team on a wonderful debut.

Margit and The Boys

Margit certainly isn’t a kid who seeks the limelight. You’re likely to find her hanging out with her fellow Knollwood Kids, or helping in the barn.

Like Emma, Margit has grown up a Knollwood Kid, and has been a Tuesday helper since we can remember. Always a friendly face at summer riding school and at academy shows, Margit makes even the most timid new rider feel at home at Knollwood. She also has a vocabulary and sense of humor to die for.

This girl can ride.

At May Classic, she put on exhibitions with Charlie, officially known as CH Ken Follett, showing what a 5 gaited show pleasure horse should be. She also showed the horse she’s leasing, Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance to second place in both their qualifier and championship.

Oh, and then she changed out of her show clothes and helped with the academy performance....because she’s Margit.

The Equitation Dream Teams

Knollwood has assembled a dream team of equitation riders for the 2021 season, and their hard work in the off-season was on display at May Classic.

While there may not have been a lot of competitors in the Saddle Seat Equitation division at the show, the Knollwood riders looked fabulous.  The ‘high tail’ team of Finn, Heather and Richie performed their rail work and patterns with composure.

Were the rides perfect? Absolutely not.

Did the riders make adjustments and learn from the circumstances? Absolutely.

The Pleasure Equitation riders had some more competition at the show, and shone in their classes.  Emma, Laney, and Payton all earned great ribbons in their age groups and final qualifiers.

This season is going to be SO exciting to watch!

Academy Team Success

Our academy riders and their horses were rock stars on Saturday afternoon.

Sport has been traveling to horse shows with Carol and the equitation riders, and all their hard work showed on Saturday as he was confident as could be under Maya’s guidance. This dynamic duo won every class they entered.

Our 10 and under riders were on fire later in the performance.  Maddie and Baxter owned the division, winning their three classes. Brooklyn and Heist were a close second in the championship, and presented quite a picture.

Our future is bright.

Teamwork

As always, successes like this only happen with the help of many, many people.

Great thanks to our show barn riders who pitched in to help with the academy performance, providing help with horse prep, rider support, and warm up assistance.

Great thanks to Sue for making sure all our academy riders were sporting ‘the Berget bun’! And thanks to all the parents who support these great kids, and to our unbelievable lesson horses. They truly are the best academy horses in the world.

What’s Coming Up?

Summer Riding School Helper Sign-Ups!

We're starting with a Tiny Tot Camp on June 14, and classic Summer Riding School starts on June 21.

We're asking all current helpers to sign up for the days they'd like to help at Knollwood Summer 2021.

You must currently be a helper, and have the approval of your instructor. Exceptions go through helper scheduler Brenda.

 Knollwood Show Entries are Due June 15!

Entry blanks are available in the school barn now,  and you don’t want to miss this one! The show is outside on July 17 and 18, features earlier start times (weather permitting), and is sure to be a wonderful time.

Plus, who doesn't want to wear a neon pink show shirt??

Your instructor is happy to provide more info.

Parents’ Night Out

June 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM

For only $25, your Knollwood Kid can enjoy an evening of barn fun with the Knockout officers. We aren’t riding, but there are plenty of games, time with barn friends, and dinner.

Sign ups will start on Thursday, and the event is only $25.

Prairie State Classic

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

10 Academy riders are headed to the Prairie State Classic this weekend.  We’d love a cheering section for the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances!

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 15 - 19, 2021

Coliseum of Champions

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The best in the country are meeting in Springfield, and Knollwood will be there in numbers.

You can watch all the action on Richfield Video

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