Team Knollwood capped off a tremendous 2019 show season last week at the UPHA National Championship American Royal.  Competing for national championships against the best in the country, our horses and riders were in the thick of the deepest of competition.  We’re so thrilled with all of Knollwood's performances.

Horse shows create stories, and we have some great ones to share.

The always enthusiastic pair of Gabby and Charlie lit up the ring in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure division.  These two enjoy every step, and always look like they don’t want the class to end.  The dynamic duo finished third in their qualifier, and a fabulous 5^th in the championship.

Another charismatic pair, Bella and Garfield, turned in impressive rides in the deep Country Pleasure division. These two have been working hard all season, and it showed in KC, finishing 5^th in their qualifier, and 4^th in the highly competitive national  championship.

Carol and Allison both had a chance to show Eva at the Royal, and the mare has made great progress.  Eva finished 8^th in the Ladies Three gaited under 15.2 class with Carol, and Allison showed back in the championship and finished 6^th in the Ladies 3 Gaited National Stake.  Look for great things next season from Allison and Eva!

Payton had the chance to show Eli in the 13 and under Three Gaited division, and they rocked the their classes, finishing 4^th in both their qualifier and in their National Championship.  These two have a special bond, and it shows in every step they take.

Richie and Tink had a ball in the Country Pleasure division for riders 13 and under.  After a little too much enthusiasm and an 8^th place ribbon in the qualifier, the one and only TInk and her young man rode to a reserve title in their national championship.

The Royal showcases equitation like no other show, as it hosts the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, the USEF Medal Final, and National Championships in Saddle Seat equitation. Team Knollwood brought serious contenders in each division they showed in.

In her first year in the senior division, Heather made an impact showing Tucker.  14 Year old Heather made the cut to Phase II in both the Senior Challenge Cup and the Medal finals.  It was quite an impressive finish to her first senior year.

In her first year showing saddlebreds, Laney also finished strong.  After showing Robert in the Senior Challenge Cup and Medal Finals, Laney debuted her new horse Aaron in the national championship.  The new team made the cut to do the pattern, and finished 8^th in the senior national championship.  Keep your eyes on this new combination next year!

Richie and Payton were stars in the junior equitation division.  Both made Top 10 in the Junior Challenge Cup Final, and showed well in the Junior Equitation National Championship.  Richie turned up his performance and finished third in the final, and Payton and Dos rode to a good 7^th as well.

Finn and Leila finished the year in fine style.  Leila is beautiful, powerful, and has a high opinion of herself.  She and tall, calm Finn make a beautiful combination of power and grace, and caught the eyes of the judges. These two made the cut in both finals, and finished 4^th in the prestigious Medal final.

Some of the best horse show memories happen outside the actual show ring, Besides the show arena, Team Knollwood enjoyed the sights and dining in KC, shopped for new horses, (we hope to have some announcements soon!) and celebrated Scott and Carol’s anniversary.

The farm is a little quiet this week, with Scott and Carol enjoying some down time, and everyone is working on organizing and cleaning after the 2019 campaign. Huge thanks to the show horses' personal assistants who take such terrific care of the stars, and to Lin and Parker for holding down everything at world headquarters while the show string is on the road.

It's been a marvelous season of learning lessons, meeting goals, and enjoying the process of progression.  Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way.

Just imagine what we can do next year!!

What's coming up next?

Our Annual Sale!

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, you can purchase lessons at 10% off through December 31.  That's right, group lessons, private lessons, summer riding school, even horse shows! It's the one time of the year that 'the good stuff' goes on sale, and you can ask your instructor for details.

Voting is Starting for School Horse of the Year

Starting on December 1, you can vote for school horse of the year when you renew your Knockout membership for 2020. The winner will be announced at the Knockout banquet on February 14, 2020 possibly introduced by last year's winner, Willy.

Ornament Making with Soul Fire

Our friends from Soul Fire Art Studio will be in the show barn lounge on Saturday, December 7 from 11 AM through 3 PM.  They'll help you create your own unique holiday design.  No reservations needed, just drop in!

Parents' Night Out

Leave your Knollwood Kid with us on Saturday, December 7 from 5-8. While you go out for dinner or do some shopping, your rider will be entertained by the Knockout officers and board members making posters for the school horse of the year contest, eating dinner, and playing in the arena.  And it's only $10!  You can make your reservation in the school barn lounge.

Knockout Holiday Party

Join us at 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 14 to celebrate the season with the Knockouts. Enjoy the scavenger hunt, dinner, an optional gift exchange, and help us elect Knockout officers for 2020.

Members can sign up in the school barn.  Not yet a member?  Talk to your instructor to join, and you'll get a ballot to vote for school horse of the year!

Knockout Award Banquet

High points have been totaled, and preparations are underway for the Knockouts annual award banquet on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Legends at Bristlecone.  You won't want to miss it!

See you at the barn!