Photo by Collective Grace Photography

The Madison Classic horse show is always a favorite of Knollwood’s, and the management team put on another great one again this year.

The show was  well attended with almost 600 stalls sold at the New Holland Pavillions.  Trainers from Kentucky to Minnesota made the trip to Madison, and competition was deep.

Some highlights of Knollwood’s show?

Debuts of New Riders

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Maddie and Averie both made their show horse debuts in the 10 and under walk and trot equitation division. They both showed like seasoned riders, and learned lots of lessons in the show arena.

The future is bright for these two Knollwood Kids.

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Addison made her show horse debut aboard charismatic show pleasure horse Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance. Known at home as Robert, this big beautiful guy looked like he was having the time of his life with Addison. They’re going to be a pair to watch this season.

 

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Sophie teamed up with equitation pro Gamora for her first show out of academy. They really clicked in the ring, and turned in some confident performances.

New Horses!

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Brooklyn made her show ring debut aboard Isn’t She Something, known around the show horse world as Gigi.  Gigi is beautiful, ever so sure of herself, and she really likes Brooklyn. It’s Brooklyn’s first year in the senior division, and these two are going to be a team to watch.

 

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

After debuting at the Spring IASPHA show, Shaye showed her new equitation partner Far Too Fancy at Madison Classic. Lady is quickly picking up the ways of an equitation horse, and is enjoying the challenge. Shaye and Lady will take your breath away.

 

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Leighton has moved out of the walk and trot division, and has entered the 11-13 walk, trot, and canter division. She and Fox Grape’s Fort Defiance were a compelling team and performed a fantastic serpentine in their challenge cup qualifier.

Right Back At It?

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Richie, Natalie and Maiya turned in some impressive equitation rides with their teammates Doc, Garfield, and Riddle.

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

The equitation division was very strong at the show, and these three rose to the top, each winning their championship.

 

 

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

In addition to the equitation performances, we enjoyed performances by Margit and Shooter, Tancy and Mickey, Kerry and both Henry and Jade, Sarah and Zena, Tori and Stella, Tatum and both Lexi and Uno, Kim and Jaydee, Tess and Eli, Jane and Fergie, Natalie and Shane, and Allison showing Arthur for the first time. What a time we had!

Academy Rocked

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

The academy division was huge at Madison, and the Knollwood Kids shone in the heavy traffic. Their group lesson experiences made them standouts in the busy arena.

Great thanks to show manager Vicky for letting the classes get big to challenge the riders in the nice big arena.

Nineteen riders entered the ring for the walk, trot, and canter academy championship. Judge Cater worked the class both ways of the ring before releasing 11 and keeping 8 riders in the ring for additional work.

We had 5 riders in the final eight, and the Knollwood Kids rode to first through 5th place in the finale of 19.

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

The walk and trot classes were large as well. We’re proud of our walk and trot rider Allison who finished a strong third in her championship class. Her class for riders 11 and over featured 11 riders.

In addition, the show added a ‘Best in show’ award for the top academy rider, and it was awarded to Knollwood’s Jilly. Jilly turned in three strong rides on Willis, winning all three of her events.

We’re beyond proud of all of our riders.

What’s Coming Up?

Prairie State Classic Show

May 30-June 1

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is headed to Woodstock for a show in the big outdoor arena in Woodstock. Please come and cheer us on. It looks like a beautiful weekend to watch an outdoor show.

Food Drive Starts

June 1-14

Knollwood’s annual food drive starts on June 1 and runs through the 14^th. We’re big supporters of the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, who runs low on food after school is out and school lunches are not an option.

Any Knollwood Kid who collects a minimum of 5 food kits earns the right to participate in the Knollwood Olympics on June 21. Donors compete on teams in ridiculous events, such as the blanket race, a relay race, and the blind buggy race.

Knollwood Summer 2025

Summer officially starts on June 9 when we welcome the first campers of 2025. We start with a light week of Tiny Tot camp and a pattern camp.

Midwest Charity

June 10-14

Illinois State Fairground

It’s time to show in the most beautiful horse show arena in the country.

Team Knollwood will be at this favorite show, and webcast info will be posted when available.

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Dad’s Day Ride

June 14 at 6:00

We have a couple of spots available in the Dad’s Day ride. If your Knollwood Kid would like to be a helper for Dad’s first riding lesson, please sign up in the school barn lounge. It’s only $50 to boss your dad around for half an hour.

Helpers must be at least 10 years old, or be an academy show rider.

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

Oshkosh Charity Horse Show

June 22-26

Sunnyview Expo, Winnebago County Fairgrounds

Both show horses and our academy team are headed to the Fox Valley for Oshkosh Charity. The show is relaxed and loaded with great hospitality and competition.

It’s worth the drive to watch!!

Knollwood Summer Entries Accepted

July 1-13

It’s time to get your entries in for the Knollwood Summer Show on August 22-24. It’s going to be a great one.

Independence Day

July 4

We won’t be holding lessons on Friday, July 4. Your instructor will schedule a makeup lesson.

Knockout Car Wash

Sunday, August 3

It’s the most entertaining fundraiser of the year!

Save the date to join the fun of washing cars and running the brat stand with your barn friends.

Knollwood Summer Show

August 22-24

Let’s celebrate Knollwood Summer with a weekend horse show celebration. You won’t want to miss it.

 

 

Photo by Collective Grace Photography

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