Hello everyone, Dexter here.

I recently earned my gold watch, and have fully retired from the lesson program, Since I’m no longer giving lessons, I enjoy spening time with fellow retirees Panic and Tink. I have also become the spokesperson for the 2025 Knollwood Summer Show.

 

I have participated in more Knollwood academy shows than I care to admit, and trust me, I know the ins and outs of show weekend. I’ve seen it all.

 

A Very Special Show

We’re dedicating our summer show to the memory of Hanna Agathen, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this summer.

Hanna grew up a Knollwood Kid, and started as a rider, helper, and academy star. She moved on to become an accomplished equitation rider, and even won some finals. She became a camp counselor and instructor in addition to starting a saddle cleaning business, and a photography one as well. Most of all, she was a cherished friend and kind soul, an she is missed terribly by her mom Abbie and brother Will.  She was an important part of team Knollwood, and left a hole that will never be filled.

Saddlebred Rescue was near and dear to her heart, and we’re accepting donations through show weekend. We’re collecting cash, or checks made out to Saddlebred Rescue. You can also donate here in her memory.

 

The Show Schedule

We have a 3 day show schedule.

Friday’s night performance starts at 6:00 PM, and features pattern classes for our riders who have started learning the art of patterns. We also hold qualifying classes for our Knollwood Challenge Final in October.

The challenge is based on equitation finals in the horse show world. Riders compete on the rail, and them complete a pre-set figure 8 pattern in their qualifiers, The top 2 riders in each qualifier will compete in the October final and are eliminated from further qualifying classes.

The winners of the final receive a beautiful traveling trophy, and a custom show shirt from deRegnaucourt, who makes many of the suits worn by our show ring stars.

The Saturday performance starts at 10:00 AM in our big outdoor arena. We showcase our walk, trot, and canter riders as well as our walk and trot riders who are 11 years of age and over.

Each rider will compete in a horsemanship class, and equitation qualifier, and an equitation championship.

Our Sunday show starts at 10:00 AM in our little outdoor ring. Our newest show stars are the focus of the day, with classes for our 10 and under walk and trot riders, our first time riders known as maiden riders, and our leadline stars.

 

What’s the Difference?

How is a horsemanship class different from an equitation class?

Horsemanship classes are judged on a rider’s ability to control their horse and show him to his best advantage. The rider should walk and trot when requested, should ride at a good speed for their horse, and should maintain good spacing through the class.

Equitation classes are judged on all of the above, as well as the position of the rider, and their ability to make riding look smooth and effortless.  Correct diagonals are important, as well the overall impression of ease.

Equitation championships require additional testing after railwork is complete. The work is chosen from a list of possibilities known to all the riders and instructors, and it’s based on the level of the riders in the class. The judge will determine which test or tests they'd like to see, ranging from a 2 point at the halt to trotting and cantering at certain spots on the rail.

 

Horse Assignments

Horse assignments for show weekends are an art. I know that many riders request the same horses, and not everyone can ride Fred or Bee.

The instructors review choices on the entry blanks, and we try to stay with the selections there. Keep in mind that each horse’s schedule must be appropriate for their age and physical condition, and that horses cannot compete in 3 sets of classes in a row. I’ve heard Ann talk about ‘fuzzy logic,’ and that horse usage must ‘add across and down.’

Riders who only enter 2 horses on their entry form may not fare well. We ask that you fill out the form completely.

All of my co-workers are talented teachers, so they’re all great for showing.

Sportsmanship

The instructors really don’t care about ribbons, and neither do we, the best lesson horses in the world. (Although I have to admit that victory passes are really a rush!)

Team Knollwood values the goal setting and lessons learned in the show ring more than ribbons.

More than anything, we prize sportsmanship. Riders in our program are taught early that learning is the most important part of showing horses. We focus on the process of learning to ride being the reward. It’s a long process, and it’s really hard at times.

Horses can be unpredictable, our attention spans can be unpredictable, and situations can be unpredictable. We can, however, learn to control our horse through unrelenting attention to the simple stuff, learning how horses think and react, and learning to control our own emotions, It’s hard.

So, we congratulate each other, cheer for each other and offer a pick-me-up when required.

We don’t complain about judges’ decisions or ribbons. We asked for the judge’s decisions, and we got it. Please move on.

Anyone who shows a horse is brave just for participating, and we applaud the riders you’re going to see this weekend. We couldn’t be more proud.

The Details

Riders should have picked up their show bag with their back number, show shirt, and personalized schedule. If you have not picked up yours, it’s ready in the school barn lounge,

Gift basket donations should be at the farm. Due date was yesterday.

Our concession stand is still looking for some volunteers. Please sign up here if you’d like to support the show and meet some really fun parents and kids.

We have two judges presiding this weekend.

Mia will be judging Friday night and Saturday. She’s been a Knollwood Kid since she was four years old, and was a star in our academy program as a kid. She’s currently a show barn employee, and shows all sorts of different horses for Scott and Carol. She’s a wealth of information.

Whitney will judge our smallest riders on Sunday. A former instructor with us, Whitney also grew up a Knollwood, and is looking forward to returning to the little outdoor arena to watch the youngest riders.

Wendy will be our announcer for both days.

Collective Grace will be our official show photographer. Known for their beautiful candids and artistry, we’re excited to welcome them to the world of horse show.  Galleries for proofs are already set up here.

 

I hope you have an enjoyable summer horse show weekend. I'll be watching out my window on Sunday.

Cheer your riders, love my co-workers, thank your helpers, compliment someone, and be kind.

Let’s make some Knollwood memories!

Last week was a busy one at Knollwood.

 Louisville prep was in full swing for the show horse team. 11 show horses plus the legendary lesson horse Nacho are making the trip to Kentucky today.

Scott and Carol taught many, many lessons to get riders ready for the World’s Championship Horse Show.

 

While our most experienced teams were preparing to enter Freedom Hall, our newest academy riders prepared to make their debuts closer to home.

We took 6 first time show riders, and 2 riders showing for only the second time to the ASAW Summer Showcase at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds.

Our newest riders prepped for their first show with their own camp at home two weeks ago, and they met again at the showgrounds before their Sunday show.

Record rainfall and closed roads couldn’t keep these Knollwood Kids from the arena on Sunday. They competed against other new riders, and did a terrific job. Their rides showed all that they had learned at prep camp, and they used the indoor show arena like pros. It was a pleasure watching their confidence grow after each class, too.

They all showed like experienced show riders, and we couldn’t be more proud of their rides and sportsmanship.

 

Louisville 2025 is looking to be fabulous!

Team Knollwood is sending seven equitation riders ranging is age from 10-17. We can’t wait to watch Maddie, Leighton, Brooklyn, Shaye, Maiya, Natalie and Richie compete at the highest level of the sport.

Our performance team is just as strong. Addison is showing Robert in Show Pleasure, Tess is showing Eli in Country Pleasure, Tori is showing Stella, and Richie and Tyler are returning to the green shavings.

If you can’t make the trip, you can purchase the livestream here. We’ll post our schedule, and post updates as quickly as we can.

The Knollwood Summer Show is coming!

The summer celebration of our lesson program is coming up August 22-24, while Louisville is finishing up.

We are dedicating the weekend to the memory of Knollwood Kid and friend Hanna Agathen. She loved taking photos of riders and horses at Knollwood shows, and we miss her dearly.

We’re accepting donations to Saddlebred Rescue in the horse show office. Please make checks out to ‘Saddlebred Rescue.’ Cash will be accepted as well. Saddlebred Rescue was close to Hanna’s heart, and we’re honoring her by helping them in their important mission.

The Piraino Family has sponsored the concession stand in Hanna’s memory.

Show Updates

We’re optimistic that the flooding in the big outdoor ring will subside, and we can show in our favorite place. If Mother Nature chooses not to cooperate, we’ll move the show inside.

Show packets are ready for pick-up.

Gift baskets are due at the farm by Tuesday, August 18.

With many of our families in Kentucky, we are in need of help at the concession stand, especially on Sunday. Please consider volunteering for a shift or two. You can sign up here.

Concession stand work is a fun way to earn your Knockout service hours needed to be eligible for year end awards, too.

 

 

 

You can sign up for the Knollwood Fall show at the summer show! We're accepting entries from August 22 through September 1.

 

 

 

Collective Grace Photography Is joining us  to capture memories of the show. You can view proofs and purchase photos here.

We’re looking forward to a sunny weekend of making memories.

 

 

Services have been set for Scotts’s mom, Nancy Matton on Tuesday, August 26.

Becker Ritter Funeral Service is serving the family.

Visitation will be from 10-11 AM with a service at 11:00 AM. Becker Ritter is at 14075 West North Ave in Brookfield.

Internment follows at Wisconsin Memorial Park at 13235 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield.

Luncheon follows at Alioto’s at 3041 N Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa.

Peace to Nancy, and to everyone whose lives she touched.

 

What’s Coming Up?

We are not holding any lessons on show weekend. Your instructor will arrange makeup lessons.

The horses are enjoying a day off on Monday, August 25. Lessons will be credited for their vacation day.

We will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. Your instructor will arrange a makeup.

The Knockouts are hosting their fall street clean up on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00. Be sure to save the date. It’s your last chance to get your 2025 service hours in!

The Knollwood Fall Show is coming up on October 17 – 19. We’ll start entries on August 22, and will close entries on September 1.

Think you might be interested in academy showing in 2026?

Our first informational meeting about academy showing will take place on Saturday, November 8 at 6:00.

 

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

Knollwood Summer 2025 is going by quickly.

Let’s catch up on some memories we made on these beautiful sunny  days.

IASPHA Summer Show

We made the most of this exhibitor friendly show so close to home.  Show horse riders and academy stars make their way to Woodstock for a warm weekend of honing skills and gathering experience for the fall shows.

Some highlights?

Avery and Prince continue to gain confidence and experience in the 10 and under walk trot equitation division. This personality-plus duo shone bright in the beautiful outdoor arena at Beyond Stable Farm, winning both their qualifier and their championship.

Not to be outdone, older sister Shaye showed newly trimmed Garden of Roses in the equitation division and they are a sight. This beautiful pair won both their qualifier and championship. It’s on to Louisville for these two.

Did someone say sisters?

ASAW Summerfun’s 10 and under champ Reagan got to watch her older sister Dilly have a successful show at IASPHA. Dilly won 4 classes riding Mariah in three of them and switching to Oscar for the championship. Dilly isn’t just an accomplished rider, she’s also the Tuesday barn manager, and a camp counselor.

Did someone say ‘Mother-Daughter Show?’

Yup, Tori showed her beautiful Stella in the Country Pleasure division, and mom Tracy showed charismatic Trust Fund Blues, known to all as Nacho, in the single bit division. Is there a better way to spend a mother-daughter weekend than at a horse show?

Our academy riders were spot on.

First time show rider Jacqui won the Green rider equitation qualifier and championship while second time show rider Mya was reserve.

Hard workers Samara and Zoe both won their Novice rider equitation championships with smooth, precise workouts.

Congrats to everyone who showed, and great thanks to IASPHA for putting on shows that are so welcoming and well run.

 

 

 

Summer Riding School

We’re having a ball this summer!

During July, we held 2 Tiny Tot camps led by Adrienne and her team of special helpers. New riders between the ages of 4 and 6 fell in love with riding and the best lesson horses in the world.

Our first week of Knollwood show prep camp was a big success. These experienced Knollwood Kids learned all about showing at home, and practiced strategies, workouts, and learned show prep as well.

We held 2 weeks of academy show camp. Our first week prepped riders for the ASAW Summerfun show, and the hard work paid off. Did we mention that we had tons of fun?

The second week of pattern camp prepped riders for the upcoming ASAW Summer Showcase.  We welcomed 6 new riders showing for the first time, and two riders showing for the second time at the show.

We spent lots of time with our horses, learned the ways of the show ring, practiced patterns, and drank a lot of water. Some of it may have been poured over our heads…

Campers learned about tack cleaning, leq wrapping, tie tying, and sportsmanship.

We’re heading to the Ozaukee County fairgrounds where we’ll spend the day on Friday before showing on Sunday.

 

Louisville is Coming

The farm is quiet on the camp front this week, as Scott and Carol concentrate on Louisville prep.

Riders heading to the World’s Championship Horse Show are riding extra lessons and absorbing all they can before they head to Kentucky.

12 horses will be making the trip to the green shavings of Freedom Hall, and they’re ready to compete against the best.

While the academy show schedule calms down for a bit, the show horse schedule intensifies as equitation final season is starting, Here’s the fall schedule for the show horse team. Scott and Carol, you may want to look away and skip to coming events.

Monarch Show Series National Championship

Illinois State Fairgrounds

September 3-7

Home to the best hospitality in the land, the show hosts Monarch National Championships for horses who compete at smaller shows.

It’s also home to the Pleasure Equitation Olympics National Championships.

New this year, the Junior Division is named in memory of Knollwood’s own Hanna Agathen who won the trophy in 2017.

Monarch also hosts the UPHA Pleasure Equitation Challenge Cup National Final in 2 age divisions.

It’s also home to many Monarch national championships including the single bit division.

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

 New Holland Pavillion

September 11-14

The show features classes for young horses in addition to a full slate of show classes.

St Louis Charity Horse Show

National Equestrian Center

September 24-27

St Louis is home to the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion finals for 2 age divisions and also hosts the ASHBA Pleasure Equitation National Championship.

It’s a terrific, deep horse show on the way to the UPHA National Championship American Royal in November.

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

Illinois State Fairgrounds

October 15-18

Mane Event is home to the first of the ‘Big Three’ finals, the jewels in the triple crown. The Good Hands final is the oldest and is not split into age divisions. It’s a 17 and under finals, so expect the most experienced equitation stars to show up.

Show horses will finish at the UPHA National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City on November 10-15.

What’s Coming Up at Home?

ASAW Summer Showcase

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

This weekend!

Come cheer us on in Cedarburg. Academy classes start at 12:30 both days, and we’d love a home crowd supporting our riders.

Knollwood Summer Show

August 22-24

While the show team is in Louisville, our academy riders will showcase their skills at our summer celebration.

With pattern classes on Friday night, walk trot canter and 11 and over walk trot riders on Saturday, and 10 and under and maiden riders on Sunday with the leadliners, it’s an action-packed, exciting weekend. Please plan on joining the up-and-coming stars.

If you haven’t yet signed up to help at the concession stand, you can do so here. With many of our members showing at Louisville that weekend, we find ourselves a little short staffed. We really appreciate your help.

We will not be holding lessons on show weekend, and your instructor will arrange a makeup lesson.

Helper Appreciation Day

Monday, August 25

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

All helpers are invited to join us for a special ‘thank you’ event. We’ll play games on horseback, enjoy a Kona Ice truck, and enjoy time with helper friends.

Please sign up in the school barn if you can attend.

Lesson Off Day

We will not be teaching lessons on Monday, August 25. If you ride on Mondays, your lesson will be credited.

Labor Day Closure

Monday, September 1.

We will not be holding lessons on Monday, September 1. Your instructor will arrange a make-up lesson.

Knockout Street Clean Up

Saturday, September 13

1:00 PM

Please join the Knockouts for their fall community service project. We’ll clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads before we return to Knollwood for a club meeting.

Bring a Friend Day

Saturday, September 20

5:00 PM

Current helpers, you’re invited to join the fun. Your friend will enjoy an introductory group lesson with you as their helper. Cost is only $50, and signups will start at the beginning of September.

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 4-5

Beyond Stable Farm

 

KF Fall Show

October 17-19

The grand finale of our in-barn season!

IASPHA Fall Show

October 25-26

Beyond Stable Farm

Our final academy show of the season!

Halloween on Horseback

Friday, October 31

Details coming. Stay tuned!

 

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

Once you’re a Knollwood Kid, you’re always a Knollwood Kid.

We lost one of our own last week when Hanna Agathen passed away unexpectedly at the age of 20.

Hanna was loved by everyone who met her, including the Knollwood community of which she was a treasured member.

Hanna grew up a horse girl.

Her mom Abbie is an accomplished horsewoman, and the horse gene was passed to Hanna, She grew up with horses at home, including a testy pony that she showed at local shows, starting in leadline.

Abbie delighted in sending us videos of Hanna dealing with his pony antics. We could all tell that even at a young age, this was not a horse girl to mess with.

Hanna became a Knollwood Kid to further her education, and possibly to get away from the pony.

Hanna loved every horse she encountered. Her skills increased quickly, and she started showing at our in-barn shows. That quickly turned into wanting to do more, and Hanna joined our academy team.

Hanna made tons of friends, and shone in the arena, giving us an early glimpse of her future. She enjoyed showing horses like Hooper, Baxter, and Chepengo.

In 2017, Hanna went to the big time when her Mom leased Tucker for her. She and the charismatic bay gelding made quite an impression on judges and audiences. They even made the initial cut in the Good Hands Finals as a junior equitation rider.

The beautiful team was at the top of all the 13 and under pleasure equitation finals, beginning a new phase in her career.

Hanna went on to show a number of horses under the Knollwood banner including Callaway’s Don’t Panic and Go Fund Me.

Hanna was a mentor.

Hanna’s organizational skills and her kindness led her to becoming a show tech and a barn manager. In these positions, she excelled at teaching the younger Knollwood kids how to organize their day, and to prioritize tasks, with the horses always coming first. She taught without judgement, and had the super power of managing  her staff while being kind.

Many of our best current barn managers learned under Hanna’s watchful eye on Monday nights at Knollwood.

As a show tech, Hanna’s horses were always spotless, well cared for, and happy. She would spend as much time as was needed shedding out horses so they looked their best. This can be a task with academy horses who live outside until they go to an academy show!

Hanna was a business woman.

She started her first business at age 10 when she started cleaning saddles. Her first business helped fund her academy career and lessons. These saddles were CLEAN!

While still in high school, Hanna started her second business, Hanna Agathen Photography. She started with photo shoots, and grew her business into covering horse shows such as the ASAW Summer Showcase, and the UPHA Spring and Fall Shows. Of course, she was the official photographer of all the Knollwood Shows.

Hanna also ran a business of house and pet sitting. The Knollwood community loved having her stay with their pets during vacations, and Hanna enjoyed her time with animals of all kinds, including chickens.

Hanna was an artist.

She had a special eye for the connection between horse and rider. Her photos have always had a magical, timeless quality.

Most of all, Hanna was a friend.

Hanna was kind to all, whether they were 4 or 40. She never spoke ill of others, and didn’t tolerate those who did.

Hanna will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. We are all better for having this kind, talented soul in our lives.

Peace, Hanna.

Services will be held at Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, 207 West Main Street in Wales on Friday at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon at Thunder Bay Grill N14 W24130 Tower Place in Pewaukee, 53072.

Knollwood will be remembering Hanna with a memorial bench and some trees to provide a quiet place to honor her.

Our summer show on August 22-24 will be dedicated to all the happy hours we spent with this amazing person.

Hanna’s family has asked that memorials be sent to            Saddlebred Rescue, or to HAWS.  We’ll be taking up a collection for Saddlebred Rescue at Knollwood through the August 24th show weekend.

Team Knollwood loves the ASAW Summerfun show, which we consider our ‘home show’ of the season. We also love the Lexington Junior League show, which is an important stop on the route to Louisville and the World Championship Horse Show in August.

The solution? Go to both shows!

Scott and Carol took show horses to Rolex Stadium for Junior League while Nancy and Ann took the academy team to State Fair Park.

We had a ball at both shows and have stories to share.

Lexington

Junior League is known as a showcase for equitation riders on their way to Louisville in August. Knollwood’s riders were rockstars on their first trip to Kentucky this season.

 

Mya and Natalie represented Knollwood in senior pleasure equitation, and rode like champs. Both Knollwood Kids rode strong with Mya showing Riddle to his best advantage while horse girl Natalie kept beautiful Garfield focused on the job at hand.

Their championship patterns were beautiful, and the judges recognized their horsemanship skills.  Mya and Riddle were champions of the senior division while qualifier winners Natalie and Garfield were reserve champions.

Fresh out of walk and trot equitation last year, Leighton is making a name for herself in the 13 and under pleasure equitation division. She and her new partner, the amazing Teddy, showed up in Lexington ready to compete.

Leighton and Teddy showed up in their championship focused on the assignment, and executed a near perfect pattern. It was quite an accomplishment for a rider in her first year out of walk and trot where there is no pattern work.

Maddie and Zach are enjoying their first year out of the academy division.  Knollwood Kid Maddie and personality plus Zach showed up in Rolex stadium like they’d been there before.  The team won their equitation qualifier their first time there, and finished reserve in both the UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier and in their championship. They even got to hang out with Zach the boy who Zach the horse is named after!

To say that the senior equitation division at Lexington is deep is the understatement of the century.

The classes feature many world and national champion riders and horses, and it’s a thrill to watch. Knollwood’s three stars all belonged in the group, and displayed feats of horsemanship to earn top awards.

Richie and Doc are a force to be reckoned with.

Richie and his  beautiful horse Doc catch the eye of judges and audiences alike. Richie is a true athlete and a lifelong student of the sport.  This duo won their age group qualifier and finished third in a championship stacked with the best of the best.

Last season’s rockstar 13 and under rider Brooklyn is learning her way through her first  year in the tough senior division. Partnered with the beautiful and energetic Gigi, Brooklyn’s lessons paid off at Lexington and these two finished second in the USEF Medal qualifier and sixth in the championship. What an accomplishment for Brooklyn’s first year with the seniors.

Our third student of the sport Shaye exhibited horsemanship skills as she piloted newly trimmed Garden of Roses through the big time of Lexington.

Riding a different horse mid season is always a challenge, but Scott, Carol, and Shaye made it work for them at a big show. This beautiful team finished fourth in the outstanding championship, cementing their place among the top riders in the country.

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin…

The academy team made a trip to the ASAW Summerfun Horse Show to compete against the best academy riders in the Midwest.

We’ve said it before, and here it is again.

We’re beyond fortunate to be located in a part of the country where we’re surrounded by many highly successful academy programs. Great competition raises the level of skills for everyone, and we’re grateful for the wonderful programs in our area.

Judge Nancy Becker commented several times on the level of skills shown in the academy division at Summerfun, and we were happy to be a part of it.

We took some newer riders to the show so they could experience a top level academy show to compete in large classes in a big arena.

Our up and coming academy stars made great shows as they learned to navigate traffic to make themselves visible to the judge.  They got to experience the excitement of a big show, and to learn  by watching classes as well. They all did a dandy job, and learned many lessons.

Our experienced academy riders showed like stars on the rail. Those that made the cut to perform patterns in the championship did them with precision, horsemanship, and style.

Kylie won the walk trot and canter equitation championship while showing Sport for the first time. Her pattern was spot on with the 4 transitions in just the right spots, and Sport loved every minute.

Kali rode Oscar to the championship in the 13 and under walk trot and canter division. Kali may look small on a horse, but she is patient and mighty, as shown in her railwork and pattern.

Rags and Oscar finished our show by winning the championship in the 10 and under walk and trot division. She and Oscar made it look effortless on the rail as they found clear spots, and they nailed the incorrect diagonal pick up on the pattern.

Great thanks to Instructors Molly and Brenda, Dilly, and Allison for helping us at the show. Allison also provided hair styling to the stars.

We’re also grateful for Bridget, Thea, and Jilly who kept the home office running smoothly.

It truly takes a village.

What's Coming Up??

July 26-27

IASPHA Summer Show

Beyond Stable Farm

August 3

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Knockout Car Wash and Brat Sale

Hartland Piggly Wiggly

August 9-10

ASAW Summer Showcase

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

August 22-24

Knollwood Summer Show

August 25

Helper Appreciation Day

No Lessons

September 1

Labor Day

No Lessons

September 13

Knockouts Street Cleanup

 

 

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