Everyone is safely home at Knollwood after a week full of adventures in two states.

At the home office, we hosted two big camps. Six Tiny Tot riders and 13 academy riders arrived at the school barn for their favorite time of the year.

The tiny tots learned the basics under the watchful eyes of Adrienne and her helpers. By the end of their three day session, even the most timid riders were comfortable showing their new riding skills to their parents in a fun demo. 

The academy stars rode a full 5-day session heading into the ASAW Summerfun horse show. These riders spent hours honing their skills in the ring, both inside and outside.

They practiced patterns, played games, rode in mock classes, practiced entering and exiting the show ring, and enjoyed endless games of ‘coverup.’

“Coverup’ is a Knollwood tradition to create show ring awareness. Last week, the 13 campers entered the big outdoor ring for mock classes. We added two counselors on Bee and Bilbo to act as ‘interrupters’ in the class. These two tried to disrupt classes by covering riders up, cutting them off, picking up incorrect leads, and generally making navigation difficult.

We credit the riders’ strong performances at Summerfun with the immersion of camp week. Riders were comfortable and forward looking in the show ring, and turned in polished railwork and precise patterns.

Of course, in addition to riding, the academy kids worked on mental prep, problem solving, and the importance of a positive outlook.

They also spent hours caring for lesson horses, including spa treatments for some of our older faculty members. Sparky never looked happier than when the campers gave him the spa treatment of a lifetime.

The ASAW Summerfun Horse Show was a success for Team Knollwood. Payton headed up the show horse operation with Natalie as her assistant.

These two had horses and riders looking great, and earned some lovely ribbons along the way.

Allison’s beautiful pleasure horse Arthur, officially known as Spoken Legacy, won his qualifier, and is officially no longer a ‘limit’ horse. He entered the big championship and won that on Saturday night.

Payton’s mom Nicole came in from Colorado to show her beautiful Mr. Handsome, and won the Open Western Pleasure championship.

Jane and Eli and Kim and Jaydee had beautiful rides, too!

We’re proud of our academy riders who rode with confidence and skill.

Great thanks to the crew who came to support our horses and riders on Saturday. The tech crew included instructors, Knollwood kids home from college, Knollwood Kids helping with horses on their day off from their adult jobs, and one of the counselors from pattern camp week.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

Lexington was amazing

Meanwhile, in Kentucky, another group of show horses was competing at the 89^th annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show. Held in the beautiful Rolex Arena in the Kentucky Horse Park, the show is a summer tradition that showcases the best horses and riders in the country.

Summer in Kentucky always brings weather challenges of heat and storms, but that’s part of the Lexington tradition. We’re guessing most hotel rooms had a riding suit hanging to dry in the shower.

Knollwood had a grand show, and has some adventures to share.

Tracy is showing like she’s been doing it her whole life.

Mom to two talented equestrians, Tracy decided it’s time to shine on her own. She started Lexington by showing her busy daughter’s beautiful country pleasure horse Stella’s Stillettos to a 4^th place finish. Amazing.

Tracy purchased The Mouse King in the off season. This grand campaigner has become a teammate to Tracy in just a short period of time. The team entered Rolex stadium, and came out with the blue ribbon.

Son Richie, now an adult amateur, is enjoying showing his former equitation horse Doc, known to all as CH-EQ Reedann’s Dark Mystery in the three gaited division, and his newest teammate, Alvin, officially known as Powerful Kisses, in the 5 gaited amateur division.

Fresh off her silver medal winning performance at World Cup, Addison went to Lexington for a successful show with Lexi, officially known as Daring Heiress.

Addison has really gotten to know Lexi this season, and they were stars in Lexington, finishing with top ribbons in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure classes.

Knollwood’s equitation riders have been working extra hard at home, and their effort is paying off.

Scott and Carol brought a crew of eight equitation riders who all rode to the best of their current experience.

Senior pleasure eq riders Sophie and Molly are showing great progress in a deep division.

Junior pleasure eq riders Leighton and Hailey’s strong performances put them at the top of the division, trading placings in the qualifier and championship.

Maddie represented Knollwood in the junior trimmed equitation division and turned in a strong pattern to earn a 4^th place ribbon in her championship.

Knollwood’s trimmed senior eq riders outdid themselves.

Maiya started her show by winning the USEF Medal qualifier on beautiful Riddle, and Shaye won a huge UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier to start her week in Lexington.

The championship was stacked with the best eq riders around. After beautiful railwork and patterns, Brooklyn and Gigi were announced as winners, with Maiya and Riddle reserve champs.

Shaye and still learning Lady finished an amazing fourth place. Lady is still learning the ways of the equitation horse, and Shaye gave her the confidence she needed to hang out with the more experienced horses in the class.

After a successful show week, it’s great to have everyone home for a bit.

What’s Coming Up?

Knockouts Car Wash

Sunday, July 19

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Knockouts are hosting their annual car wash and brat sale at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly.

If you have't already signed up to help, you can do so here.

Please spread the word about the event. It's a major fundraiser for the club, and helps us defray the riding costs of our banquet, as well as assist us in our charitable donations.

IASPHA Summer Show

July 25-26

We're heading back to Beyond Stable Farm for the Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association show.

Team Knollwood will be represented by show horses and academy riders at one of our favorite shows.

Plus, there are lots of youth activities over the weekend to benefit the UPHA Ribbons of Service initiative.

ASAW Summer Showcase

August 8-9

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

Come join us at the local academy showcase. It's a joint venture between ASAW and the Knollwood Knockouts and it features future stars of the academy division.

Knollwood Kids Sloane and Addy will be making their show ring debuts at the show.

World’s Championship Horse Show

Freedom Hall, Louisville KY

August 22-29

Team Knollwood is returning to Kentucky for the world's championships.

It's a real experience, and we'll update with webcast info when it's available.

Knollwood Summer Show

August 21-23

Our favorite summer weekend is coming up!

We'll start Friday night patterns an hour earlier, at 5:00 PM.

The show takes a huge amount of labor to pull off. Please consider helping at the concession stand or in another way. Here's the link to help make the weekend a great one.

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