Everyone enjoyed a few days at home base this week after the show horses returned from a very successful Mane Event show in Springfield, Illinois.

Our horses and riders rode well and learned a lot at this favorite fall show.  In the performance division, our 5 gaited riders rode with a purpose and were rewarded for it.  Ainsley and Millie were winners of both the qualifier and the championship in the Junior Exhibitor division.  This team keeps getting better and better as they head to one of Ainsley's favorite shows, The American Royal in a few weeks.

Fresh off an impressive championship win in St Louis, Allison and Roy were at it again at Mane Event, winning the amateur qualifier and finishing reserve in their deep championship.

Once again, Kerry showed her versatility in two divisions.  She teamed with her charismatic park mare Leila in the amateur division and earned great ribbons in strong competition.

She then slowed it down a bit to show her mother Susan's western horse Rudi in the western pleasure division.  She truly can ride anything.

Parker finished out her junior exhibitor career at Mane Event, and went out in style as she and Smyth were reserve champions in Country Pleasure for Junior Exhibitors.

Parker grew up a Knollwood Kid, and enjoyed a very successful academy career before graduating to the leasing program last season.  She's had the opportunity to show several horses under the guidance of Scott and Carol, and has enjoyed a lot of success.

Our equitation riders made their presence known at Mane Event which really showcases the discipline.

Haley and Lora made it all the way to the top 10 of the Good Hands National Final.  All the riders competing were accomplished and smooth, and the tiniest bauble knocked riders out of contention.

Team Knollwood brought contenders for the adult edition of the Good Hands Final, too.  Sarah and Fergie finished fourth while Frannie and Butters finished fifth in a strong group of 'grown up' equitation riders.

Madison and Hanna were rockstars in the Jackpot Equitation class at the show.  Open to any equitation rider, the class features many of the best in the country.  We're happy to report that Madison finished in second, and 11 year old Hanna finished third and received a first place vote from one of the judges.

Finn learned a lot about her beautiful mare Frankie in the deepest competition they've yet been in, and won the USEF Medal qualifier at the show.

Our show horses and riders have one more show this season, the UPHA National Championship American Royal in Kansas City.  The show features National Championships in many divisions, and hosts the last 2 equitation finals in the Triple Crown.  We can hardly wait!

This weekend, our academy team heads to the fall IASPHA show in Gurnee, their last out of barn show of the 2017 season.  Shows put on by this organization are always popular, and this edition is no exception.  We're traveling with 19 academy riders, 3 'B' horses, and a very special horse and rider making their show ring debut.  

By way of a preview of the weekend, our 19 academy riders include 5 adult riders, including one who will be making her show ring debut after growing up a Knollwood Kid and showing at in-barn shows.  IASPHA offers adults their own championship classes, and they really like it, showing up in great numbers.

The show is so popular for us, that we're even borrowing a horse from another program.  Maddie is lucky enough to be showing the one and only Sharky, officially known as Deker's All American.  He grew up at Knollwood, so we guess he was a Knollwood Kid.  He's now teaching lessons at Lance Hayes Stables in Neenah, and instructor Sammy was kind enough to offer his services to us. We are grateful to Sammy and Lance, and are looking forward to watching Maddie have a blast with giant Sharky.

In the spirit of the Halloween theme, we're bringing an unusual horse for the walk trot and canter academy classes on Saturday afternoon.  Lauren has always wanted to show Forest in an out of barn show, so this is her dream come true. After his academy performance, his transformation will start as we prepare him for the costume class.  Trust us, this is going to take a while, so you may want to stop by the aisle with refreshments for us.

Because of the big turnout, we're bringing in extra support staff.  We're thrilled that Good Hands Top 10 riders Haley and Lora and joining us as personal assistants to our riders and horses for the weekend. They'll also be called in to work on costume creation, though they may not know that yet... Sue, creator of the patented 'Berget Bun,' is joining us Saturday to make sure all our riders look perfect, and to save Laura from having to create 14 buns at once.

Even Carol is joining us, as she's bring a rider making a debut at the show.  Richie has been working his way up in the walk and trot academy ranks.  His parents purchased Miss Mheiry Mac last winter, and team building has been progressing quickly. They'll make their debut in the 10 and under walk and trot equitation division at the show, and we can hardly wait to see Tink show her new rider exactly how it's done.

Meanwhile, at home, the Knollwood Fall show is coming up fast, November 11 and 12.

Sign up sheets are up in the school barn lounge for hair appointments and for the helper gift baskets.  Please consider donating to the helper team of your choice, as the winning helper night will receive a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts.

You can also sign up for practice rides with your instructor.  Held on Friday, November 10, these classes are perfect for our maiden riders, or for those who'd like a little refresher.

See you at the barn!