Team Knollwood is currently doing laundry and unpacking from a week’s worth of adventures at the 78^th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show.  Held at the beautiful and historic Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield the show features deep competition and wonderful hospitality. 

What could be better than a competitive horse show with parties every evening?  Let us know if you think of anything!

Here are some of our favorite memories of the weekend:

Kerry and Susan enjoyed a mother, daughter weekend at the show, with Kerry showing both Rudi in the Western division and Hershey in the Show Pleasure classes.  Kerry had a strong showing, and  finished reserve with Rudi in the Western Pleasure Championship, and won the Shatner qualifier. 

St Louis, here they come!

Our second mother, daughter duo also enjoyed quite a weekend in Springfield.  Kim gained more show ring experience with Maddie in the Show Pleasure division.  After watching daughter Allison’s storied junior exhibitor career, Kim knows that the more you show, the better you get.  She and Maddie are  making great strides as they show in different situations this season.

Allison made her debut on Ava, her new 3 gaited horse. She and Scott have only been working with this charismatic mare for a short time, and are already turning in clean rides.  We can’t wait to see how this exciting new team grows together!

Payton and her Mom Nicole made a trip from Colorado to enjoy Midwest.  Payton turned in some fun rides on Eli in the Show Pleasure division.  Payton and Dos are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the 13 and under pleasure equitation division, winning their qualifier and finishing reserve grand champs.  This strong team also won the 13 and under UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier!

Richie and his ‘two girls’ continue to enjoy the process of learning all about horse showing. Last year’s walk and trot equitation horse Tink has become an enthusiastic competitor in the Country Pleasure division. Richie really made a mark in the Equitation division at Midwest aboard the beautiful Sophie, officially known as Royal Tryst.  ‘Team Sophie’ won the 13 and under Saddle Seat Equitation qualifier as well as their championship. 11 year old Richie even finished third in a deep Good Hands qualifier for riders 17 and under.

Heather is making  a splash in her first season in the Senior Equitation division. 

This lucky girl had the opportunity to show two very different equitation horses at Midwest, and learned many lessons along the way. 

Heather was reunited with Tucker, her 13 and under mount, and won the Pleasure Equitation Championship for riders 14-17, as well as the Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier.  She also had the chance to show the one and only Fergie who is always up for teachable moments.  

Haley may be retired from the equitation world, but she continues to be a force of nature at horse shows. 

She helped out Team Knollwood by continuing Roger’s education in the Show Pleasure division.  She also enjoyed showing Smyth in the Country Pleasure division, and even earned two second place finishes with the energetic mare.

Haley stepped into a new role at the show as she started work as a commentator for Richfield Productions. 

She interviewed winners at the out gate, and filled air time with RH as well.  Haley looks as comfortable on camera as she is on a horse, and we’re looking forward to seeing her on more webcasts.

Gabby and Charlie just keep getting better and better. 

This dream team won their 5 gaited Show Pleasure qualifier, and then worked even harder in the championship to win it unanimously. They are so much fun to watch,  showing such teamwork every step of the way.

What’s Next?

Team Knollwood is traveling to the Oshkosh Charity Horse Show June 26-29.  Please join us for this show held in a park like setting. 

The Saturday morning academy performance is going to be a biggie with 10 Knollwood horses and 14 riders competing.  You won’t want to miss this.

The Knockouts are looking for some volunteers. 

If you haven’t performed your two hours of club service yet, here are a few really fun ways to help. And for those of you who pitch in every chance you get, THANK YOU! 

We could use your help again!

The Knockouts are hosting a club fundraiser at Piggly Wiggly in Hartland on Sunday, August 4.  We’re running the brat stand as well as a car wash, and need everyone to pitch in. 

Want to get wet? Help with the car wash.

Don’t want to get wet? Help in the brat shack!

You can sign up here or at the barn.

The Knockouts are also manning the concession stand at the ASAW Summer Showcase Horse Show in Cedarburg on August 10-11. The stand is air conditioned, and is a great way to meet other members and watch the show before or after your shift. 

Please sign up here to help with the Cedarburg concession stand.

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

And we'd love to see you at Piggly Wiggly and at the Showcase Show, too!