Team Knollwood finished their in-barn show season with a celebration of the lesson program.

Ninety riders competed on the best lesson horses in the world in our beautiful outdoor arenas. Did we mention that the weather couldn’t have been any more perfect?

We had a ball, and have stories to share.

Abby comes home

Knollwood Kid Abby returned to Knollwood to judge all the events this weekend.

Abby grew up at Knollwood, rising through the academy program before she moved up to the world of show horses.

Abby was an incredible performance rider and showed two wonderful 5 gaited horses in the junior exhibitor division. She finished her show career with the one and only CH Freaky Links, and they were a top team known for their exciting rides.

Judge Abby was looking for riders with spunk. After judging on the basics, she was looking for riders who looked ahead and planned their next move. She was also looking for energy and riders who were enjoying themselves.

Abby remarked many, many times this weekend that her job this weekend was incredibly difficult. She loved all the riders and horses and had a hard time placing many of the classes.

We loved having her back.

 

Shooting the Weekend

Knollwood Kid and professional photographer Hanna Agathen was in the ring on Saturday and Sunday capturing the memories of the weekend.

You can check out proofs and order here.

 

 

Sportsmanship on Display

We value sportsmanship.

The Knollwood Kids have learned this lesson well, and showed it this weekend. Riders cheered each other on, helped with tack changes, and congratulated fellow competitors.

It’s not the ribbon, it’s the ride.

 

 

We Have the Best Parents Around

Our parents raised over $2000 for the Knockouts this weekend.

They ran a killer concession stand, ran a raffle of gift baskets, and offered encouragement to riders and parents new to horse showing.

Joe O’Brien and his company Four Leaf sponsored the concession stand this weekend. Daughter Finleigh is a Knollwood Kid and showed on Sunday.

We can’t thank these hard working supportive parents enough. We couldn’t do it without them.

 

We Have Happy Horses

If you think our riders looked happy this weekend, did you check out the lesson horses?  They love showing, especially outside.

Thomas loves his wee walk and trot riders, Baxter loves audiences anywhere, Earl likes meeting new friends along the rail, and Fred just likes being a horse anywhere, anytime.

Our newest equine additions, Sherman and Leona were great in their test runs this weekend, and will be showing at our spring show.

These horses are priceless teachers.

 

 

Our Personal Assistants Make Sunday Happen

Sunday is a special day at our shows, because it’s the day that our youngest riders shine. Each horse is assigned his or her own personal assistant. The assistant is responsible for the horse’s grooming, tacking, and care throughout the day. Assistants get riders on and off, head horses in the lineup, and offer encouragement to riders.

These experienced helpers must be experienced riders to be able to tack and adjust stirrups and reins for an assortment of riders on Sunday.

Most importantly, they must be patient and kind. New show riders are usually nervous, and assistants must rise to the occasion to stay positive, calm, and kind in the face of sometimes a million and a half questions.

Personal assistants are amazing, and do a terrific job of representing the spirit of Knollwood.

 

Our 6 and Under Division is Growing

We have a special group of riders showing in our new 6 and under division. They ride a certain group of horses due to their size, but these are mighty riders. At this show, they even rode in their own pattern class.

We offer great thanks to Bilbo, Fred, Hooper, Hugo, Leon, Pumpkin, and Thomas for being such patient teachers to our youngest stars.

 

 

Our 12 finalists

 

 

Knollwood’s 2024 Equitation Final

Knollwood offers its own equitation final for our academy riders.

Based on the national finals in the show horse world, riders qualify for the final by placing first or second in a qualifying class.

Held on Friday night at each of our shows, riders perform railwork before each rider performs the qualifying workout.

In the walk trot division, each rider trots an exverted figure eight, while in the walk, trot, and canter division the rider trots an inverted figure eight.

Riders who finish first or second in a qualifier advance to the final in October, and are eliminated from further qualifiers.

In the final, riders receive a pattern on Friday night after the final riders have qualified. All riders get to walk the pattern on foot before they ride it on Saturday, but no one has the opportunity to ride it.

The Knollwood Challenge is a wonderful test of horsemanship, and has been won by many Knollwood riders who have gone on to accomplished equitation careers, including triple crown winner Hailey Berget.

The finals winner in each division each gets their name engraved on a traveling trophy that they keep for a year, and they also win a custom show shirt from our show barn tailor, DeRegnaucourt.

 

The competition was fierce again this year, with Charlotte winning the walk trot and canter final on Leon, and Maddie was the reserve champion on Hugo.

In the walk and trot division, Rags was the winner on Baxter, and Kali was reserve on Thomas.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

One more Spooky Weekend!

Friend of Knollwood Sarah is battling breast cans=cer, and her husband has designed a spooky fundraiser to assist with medical bills.

Please  visit Highland Ridge Stables this weekend to enjoy a very scary haunted walk through the woods, and support Sarah's journey.

We may be at IASPHA this weekend, but Knollwood Kids will enjoy the spooky season at HIghland Ridge for a great cause.

 

IASPHA Fall Show

Join us this weekend for our last academy show of the season.

We’re heading to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock Illinois, and would love to see you there.

 

 

Knockout Mini Photo Shoots

Sunday, November 3

Hanna will be at the farm for mini photo sessions to benefit the Knockouts. They’re perfect for family pics, holiday pics, or just for fun.

You can sign up here.

 

 

 

Parents Academy Meeting

Saturday, November 9

6:00 PM

Parents, please sign up in the lounge if you’d like to learn more about our academy showing program. We’ll discuss schedules, commitment, and finances.

Our second meeting on November 23 is kid friendly, and will primarily involve demos.

 

 

UPHA American Royal National Championship Show

Kansas City, MO

November 12-16

Team Knollwood is traveling to KC to compete in national championships, and to compete in the last two equitation finals of 2024.

 

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

Sunday, November 17

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Molly is running a mini camp for our youngest new riders.

 

 

 

 

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 23

6:00 PM

We’ll be in the arena with academy riders dressed to show. You’ll learn all about what the judge is looking for, what proper attire and turn out looks like, and what’s required.

We’ll have a lot of fun talking to current academy riders and their parents as well.

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 28

We will not be holding lessons. Your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 30

Join the Knockout officers and board members as everyone wraps gifts for our adopted families. Of course, dinner and barn fun is included in the evening!

 

The month of December:

School Horse of the Year Election

You guessed it, the lesson horses are currently holding their primary elections in the pasture at night. (Maybe that’s why Hugo is so tired?)

They’ll announce the primary winners soon!

You can cast your vote in the month of December when you pay your Knockout dues for 2025.

 

Academy Enrollment Meetings

Instructors will be meeting with parents during the month of December to plan 2025.

Did you know that everyone can include camp and Knollwood shows in their enrollment packages in the monthly enrollment? Your instructor would be happy to work out an enrollment perfect for you.

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 7

Yup, It’s election and celebration time!

All Knockouts are invited to our holiday party and election for 2025 club officers.

Interested, but not yet a member? You can join in the school barn lounge. We’d love to have you!

 

 

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 31

All lessons will be credited

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Our academy team is back from an action-packed UPHA Chapter 10 show at Beyond Stable Farm. With several of our fellow instructors preparing riders for the Academy National Show, the competition was high level across all the classes. We had a wonderful show full of learning, meeting goals, and celebrating our successes.

The highlight of the weekend was the progress made by our six green riders who were participating in their second show. Several of our riders started out looking a little like first time show riders. After the first classes, and strategizing changes to be made, confidence improved, and riders improved their performances.

Here lies one of the best things about academy showing:  Riders have the chance to show several times a day, and to build on their performances as the day goes on. We saw riders make huge improvements over the course of their day at the show, and we saw confidence go through the roof.

Of course, we had some missed diagonals, and some errors in the ring. Learning to ride and show is a long process which involves mental organization, ‘listening’ to your horse, and paying attention to your environment.

Our 18 riders at the UPHA show were wonderful teammates, too. They congratulated each other, helped each other prepare to show, and even shared trophies when a rider earned more than one.

There’s no better way to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, or communication than showing a horse. We’ve seen terrific progress in these riders throughout the season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

We have one more academy show coming up October 26-27, also at Beyond Stable Farm. If you think you might be interested in joining the team next season, please try to come and watch the show.

 

Would you like to learn more about academy showing for 2025?

We’re holding meetings in November to provide information about our program and all that it has to offer.

November 9 at 6:00 PM

Parents only meeting

We’ll discuss time commitment, schedules, types of shows, and finances.

 

November 23 at 6:00 PM

Parents and riders are invited.

We’ll continue our discussion, and include demonstrations by some of our academy riders. You’ll see academy attire, learn what the judge is looking for, and have the chance to ask riders and their parents all about the program.

 

We’d love to have you hear about why we love academy showing so much. We think it offers riders the opportunity to grow their riding skills and so much more.

Please talk to your instructor, and sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many information packets to prepare.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Haunted Hike

This weekend and next.

Highland Ridge Stables

Please head out to support Sarah in her battle against breast cancer. For a $10 donation, you can get into the spooky spirit as you make your way through the haunted woods!

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 16-19

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Team Knollwood is all set up in Springfield for a favorite show.

It’s home to deep, deep, show horse classes and equitation classes, and hosts the first of the jewels in the Triple Crown, the Good Hands National Final.

Won by Knollwood Kid Richie in 2023, the best equitation riders in the country will be competing for the title. Knollwood Kids Maiya, Payton, and Shaye are qualified, and ready to compete in the final.

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

It’s the grand finale of our in-barn season!

Friday night patterns start inside at 6:00 PM.

Saturday starts at 10:00 AM in the big outdoor arena.

Sunday starts at 10:00 AM in the little outdoor.

 

 

PARKING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE CURLING CLUB LOT!

Please park on the street. If needed, we’ll open the lower pastures for parking on Sunday!

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

October 20

Be sure to get your orders in for apparel and gear by the end of the show on Sunday.

Academy riders and parents, please consider purchasing the backpack which we designed to match your Knollwood team jackets. Your rider will look super sharp!

 

 

Horses' Day Off

October 21

No lessons. Lessons will be credited to your account.

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 26-27

Beyond Stable Farm

22 of our academy riders will be attending our last show of the season. Several show horses will be joining the fun, as well.

Please consider taking a trip to Woodstock to cheer us on!

 

 

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 12-16

Kansas City, MO

The show barn is off to KC to compete at the national championships, and for the last of the national equitation finals of 2024.

The UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, and the USEF Medal Final are up for the taking, and Knollwood will be in the middle of it.

We’ll provide webcasting info when it becomes available.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving

No Lessons

Your instructor will arrange a makeup.

 

 

Parents’ Night Out

November 30

Join the Knockouts’ officers and board members to wrap gifts for our adopted families. Of course, the evening will also include dinner and lots of fun with friends!

 

 

Month of  December

School Horse of the Year Election

Who will win the coveted title of School Horse of the Year for 2024?

Pay your 2025 Knockout dues in December, and you’ll receive a ballot to vote!

 

 

Academy Meetings

Academy riders will meet with their instructor to discuss enrollments and horse shows for 2025.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 7

6:00 PM

Join the Knockouts for an evening of holiday fun and election of new officers and board members for 2025.

 

Holiday Breaks

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

No lessons will be held, and will be credited.

 

Knockout Award Banquet

January 25

The Legend at Merrill Hills

We can’t wait!

 

 

 

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

Hi everyone!

 Pumpkin here, Knollwood’s 2023 School Horse of the Year to explain everything you’d like to know about the grand finale of the 2024 show season, the Knollwood Fall Horse Show.

You may think I’ve been sleeping when my eyes are closed, but I’ve actually been listening to everything around me. It's a skill I learned from Scott.

I’d love to answer your questions!

 

What’s the difference between horsemanship classes and equitation classes?

Horsemanship classes are judged on a rider’s ability to communicate with their trusty steed, and to use the arena while making their horse the best that they can be. This means that they should steer their horse to maintain safe distances from other competitors, look ahead to avoid interesting situations, and they should make it look pleasant and easy.

I, myself, excel in this division.

 

Equitation classes are judged on a rider's ability and position. I’ve heard Scott say that the proper equitation position is the most efficient way to ride a horse, and that’s why it’s the goal to be achieved.  ( I TOLD you I was listening!)

Riders should be sitting down in the back of the saddle, should be keeping their knees tight with weight traveling down to their stirrups, and be sitting up straight with shoulders and elbows down.

It takes a long time to develop these skills.

Here's Knollwood Kid Richie exhibiting the fiinished form. We lesson horses are proud to say that we started him on his path. 

 

Oh, and at the trot, the rider must be on the correct diagonal, which means that they have to be rising out of the saddle as their horse’s outside shoulder is going forward.

Cantering riders need to be on the correct lead, which means that their horse’s inside shoulder must be going forward farther that the outside. It will be the last moving part of the canter stride.

Riders have sssooo many things to keep track of, all while ‘riding into the future’ for great spots in the arena so the judge can get an unobstructed view of their skills.

A shameless plug for the best lesson horses in the world.

WE ROCK.

 

What is Friday Pattern Night All About?

Knollwood Kids love patterns. We lesson horses love them, too. It gives us a chance to teach on a whole other level.

Riders learn to help us listen better, to help us balance, and to make adjustments.  Listening is harder for some of us than others, just like the students we teach. For instance, Leon has earned the ‘golden halo’ in the listening department, while Vaughn, well, he has not. He’s usually more concerned with the light coming through the screen door than helping with even serpentine loops.

Patterns give our students a chance to compete alone in the arena. It encourages mental organization, communication with the horse, and resilience.

We don’t learn patterns to make them perfectly, but to learn problem solving, poise, and the mental strength to work through the process.

It takes bravery and trust in your horse to compete in this division, and we lesson horses love it.

 

 

Fashionista Bee Chimes In

And now, our organizational genius, and fashionista Bee would like to discuss the details of the weekend:

The show starts at 6:00 on Friday night for pattern riders.

The show starts at 10:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be in the big outdoor ring, which I shall enjoy greatly.

Sunday has a new start time, and will begin at 10:00 AM, the same as Saturday. Sunday's show will take place in the small outdoor ring.

Please refer to the personalized schedule you received in your show bag for your arrival time.

 

 

Our friends at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club have events all weekend, so we CANNOT park in their lot. You CAN park in the street, just not on the curve between the ‘No Parking’ signs, unless you’d like a visit from a tall, scary Town of Delafield Police officer.

The street is busy with people, dogs and cats. Please be very careful.

 

Now for the role that I was born to play, fashion policewoman.

You want to look your best in the ring, and your ‘look’ is part of horse showing.

Please make sure your jods are long enough to cover the heels of your boots.

TIE DOWNS are a must. No one wants to see your socks. We have tie downs for sale in the school barn if you can’t find yours, so no excuses for fashion crimes!

Your show shirt should be tucked in while you ride so judge Abby can see your posture.

Your helmet should be well adjusted, with no dangly straps. Your personal assistant or instructor can help you avoid floppy helmet straps.

Your back number is your signature. Be sure it’s affixed to your back with number magnets, and that it’s straight on your back. I’ve heard that iPhones have something called a level on them to make sure you don’t look crooked going down the rail.

Your hair should be nowhere near your face. Your personal style can be creative, as long as your back number is visible for all to see.

Let's show everyone our respect for the sport, and for us, the best lessons AND PONIES in the land, horses by looking fabulous!

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up After the KF Show?

Lesson Horse Day Off

Monday, October 21

All lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 25-27

Join us for our final academy show of the season!

 

 

November 9

Academy Parent Meeting

6:00

Think you might be interested in academy showing for 2025?

All interested parents are invited to join us for an informational meeting where we’ll explain time and financial commitments, schedules, and all that’s to be gained by joining our academy teams.

 

 

November 11-16

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

Kansas City, MO

The grand finale for the show horses is here. Team Knollwood will be competing for national championships, and in the UPHA Challenge Cup finals as well as the USEF Medal Finals.

We’ll provide webcast info when available.

 

 

November 16

Academy Demo Night

6:00

Parents who have decided to go forward with academy showing in 2025 are invited to bring their rider for an evening of academy demonstrations, and discussions about clothing, shows, and the process. Current academy parents and riders will be on hand to answer questions as well.

 

 

November 30

Parents Night Out

Join the Knockouts as they wrap gifts for their adopted holiday families, enjoy dinner, and play games with the club officers and board members.

 

 

December 7

Knockout Election and Holiday Celebration

6:00

It’s party and election time!

We’ll celebrate the season with a treasure hunt, pizza party, and election.

All Knockouts are invited to elect their officers for 2025.

If you’re not yet a member, please talk to your instructor to join the fun!

Parents are invited to attend, and are welcome to BYOB.

 

 

December

Enrollment meetings

Your instructor will meet with you about your 2025 enrollment.

Did you know you can include your Knollwood Shows, and Summer Riding School on your enrollment?

Your instructor will help you design an enrollment that’s right for your needs and goals.

 

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

 

 

 

Sometimes, hard work pays off at the perfect time.

Riders have been riding many intense lessons, Scott, Carol, and Lin have been hyper focused on the tiniest of details with horses and riders, and it all showed last week at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show.

The show is home to both the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association national championship of pleasure equitation as well as the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals. It is one of everyone's favorite shows.

Team Knollwood came ready to compete against the best horses and riders out there, and we have stories to share.

 

Grown-ups Rock!

Tancy and her beautiful show pleasure horse, The Mouse King,  have quickly become a strong team. A lifelong Saddlebred exhibitor, Tancy and Mickey enter the ring with style and pure joy.  At St. Louis, they were rewarded with a blue ribbon in their qualifier, and a strong 4^th in a stacked championship.

 

Leighton and Prince are Champs

Let’s all remember that just a year ago, Leighton was showing in the academy division.

She and Prince have worked so very hard this year, and have made tremendous progress. They’ve shown at Madison, Midwest, and Lexington so far this year, and made quite an impression at St. Louis.

This charismatic team won both their UPHA Challenge Cup class, and the 10 and Under Walk-Trot Equitation championship in St. Louis. These were good, deep classes, and Leighton was all business.  And Prince? He couldn’t be happier with his new job.

 

Determined Shaye Made Her Mark

All three of our senior pleasure equitation riders were wonderful in St. Louis. Maiya, Natalie, and Shaye have each been contenders in the finals so far this season. Their success continued last week with precise patterns and dynamic railwork.

Shaye’s determination could not be denied. She and Teddy won the ASHBA Pleasure equitation national final first, with Maiya and Riddle in 3rd, Natalie and Garfield in 4^th, and junior equitation rider Amelia and Connor in 8^th. All four of Knollwood’s riders made the top 10, which is quite an achievement on it’s own.

Shaye moved on to the Senior division of the Saddle and Bridle Medallion Final on Saturday.  After railwork and initial patterns, all three Knollwood riders were named to the Top 10. At the end of the competition, Shaye was the champion with Natalie finishing in 4^th and Maiya in 5^th.

 

Triple Crown Winner Brooklyn

Knollwood’s 13 and under pleasure equitation riders have enjoyed a busy season learning about their horses and competition.

Brooklyn and Gamora have been learning and getting better and better all season.  This team is peaking at the perfect time of year, and came into St. Louis ready to take on the competition.

You may remember that Brooklyn won the Pleasure Equitation’s Olympics Junior Division and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final’s Junior Division at the Monarch Show.

Brooklyn came to St. Louis with her sights set on the Medallion final, and her determination took her to a 1st place finish. Her barnmates were close behind, with Maddie and Eva in 4^th, and Amelia and Connor in 5^th.

Winning all three finals in a single season is a rare and difficult achievement, and we congratulate Brooklyn on all her hard work.

 

Richie Has A Week

The senior Saddleseat equitation division is always crazy deep at St. Louis, and this year was no exception. Richie and Payton were competing against some of the best in the country. The two Knollwood Kids came out at the top of judges’ cards, with Richie winning the qualifier and the championship, and Payton and Gigi riding to great 3rd place ribbons in both.

In addition to his equitation successes, Richie showed two 5 gaited horses at the show.  He has been showing Showdown all season in the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited division all season, and what a ride they’ve had. They wowed the crowd at the National Equestrian Center, winning both the qualifier and championship in St. Louis. The championship was a unanimous win, as well.

Richie rode CH Lucky You Lucky Me for another trainer in the 5 Gaited Country Pleasure division, and left the ring with a 3^rd place ribbon in the qualifier before winning the championship.

 

 

 

Congratulations to everyone on the successful week at St. Louis.

Show horses will be hitting the road for the Mane Event in Springfield, Illinois from October 16-19.

 

 

What’s Coming Up Next?

 

October 11-12

UPHA Fall Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

 

October 14

Donations for gift baskets due

 

October 18-20

Knollwood Fall Show

 

 

October 20

Last day for Woodwear orders

 

 

October 21

Rest day for horses.

Lessons will be credited.

 

October 25-27

IASPHA Fall Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

 

 

November 9

Academy Parent Meeting

6:00 PM

 

November 17

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

November 23

Academy Demos and Meeting for those who attended on November 9

6:00 PM

 

November 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lessons will be made up.

 

November 30

Parents Night Out

Gift wrapping for our adopted families

 

December

Meetings to plan 2025 enrollments

 

December 7

Knockout Holiday Party and Election of 2025 officers

 

December 24, 25, 31 and January 1

Closed, lessons will be credited

 

 

January 25

Knockout banquet at Merrill Hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Team Knollwood prides itself on helping to raise great kids.

While the horses do the heavy lifting of teaching life lessons, everyone involved at Knollwood has a hand in interpreting these instructions.

We’re happy to introduce you to our 4 high school graduates of 2024, and the thoughts they and their Knollwood moms would like to share about the experience of ‘growing up Knollwood.’

 

 

 

Taylor discovered her love of horses at age 8 while on a vacation in Colorado. After their trip, Taylor and Mom attended an open house at Knollwood, and she spent the next 10 years growing up Knollwood.

Taylor has been a  fixture on Saturdays. She started in group lessons before moving to private lessons and academy showing. Taylor grew from helping to being a leader in the barn on busy Saturdays where she says, ‘We always found ways to make work fun.’

Mom Suzanne says that horses have helped Taylor in many ways. ‘Horses and riding have helped Taylor gain confidence in herself. Horses force you to be present in the moment and concentrate on what you are doing. They bring peace to a stressful day and love unconditionally. They give riders strength physically and mentally. You really can learn new things and do hard things. Many horses have challenging personalities and that provides opportunities to grow. They are all unique.  They can’t speak English, so you have to learn their language.'

Taylor wants everyone to know what Knollwood means to her. ‘Knollwood to me is one big family where everyone supports you. No matter what happens I always know someone at Knollwood has my back. It means a lot to be at Knollwood and know that no matter the type of day it is you always have support from someone. There is always someone to make you laugh or smile, which has helped me through the years de-stress after a long week at school or just a bad day. Knollwood means to much to me and will always have an impact on who I am as a person.'

Taylor is attending UW-Stevens Point where she will be majoring in Wildlife and Ecology management. She hopes to work with animals in the future.

 

 

Third generation horsewoman Payton started her riding experiences at home in Colorado. She was a successful junior exhibitor out west when she and her horses made the move to Knollwood at age 12.

Payton’s bubbly personality helped her feel at home at Knollwood. She says, ‘Everyone at Knollwood was so beyond welcoming and it has been such a positive experience with the greatest of people.’

Payton and Scott both tell it just like it is, and have developed a great relationship.

Payton says that the most challenging riding skill to learn was to take the emotion out of the ride. ‘It is so easy to get frustrated and upset when something may not go the exact way you want it, but to keep your head up and finish strong will outweigh the rocky parts.’

Payton has had the good fortune to show a number of grand horses. She brought Dos Equus and Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist with her when she made the move to Knollwood. Dos is excelling for a new rider, and Eli is still at Knollwood, and is currently being leased by Tess.

Payton’s current equitation partner is Gigi, officially known as Isn’t She Something. Oh, she sure is.

Beautiful, smart, and game, Gigi is as talented as she is beautiful. Payton and firey Gigi make a perfect pair and have enjoyed great success together.

Payton has created many, many great memories at Knollwood, but she says the most special is the chance that Scott and Carol gave her to rescue Riddle. ‘Watching his whole journey under the Knollwood banner and seeing him win a World’s Championship title has been such a treat. Scott, Carol, and Lindsay really do have the biggest hearts when it comes to the love of the horse.’

 

Her words of wisdom to other Knollwood Kids?

‘Enjoy the ride. It is such an incredible experience to be able to sit on the back of the animal we all love the most. Never take anything for granted, and take is all in.’

Payton will be finishing her storied equitation career at the American Royal in November, and is hoping to return to Knollwood to learn all about horse training. She’d also like to take college classes and continue modeling on the side.

 

 

 

 

Margit became a Knollwood Kid at age 8, and rode Hugo in her first in-barn show.

Margit quickly became a part of Knollwood. After starting in group lessons on Tuesdays, she advanced to helping nights and taking private lessons.

She rode on our academy teams, and we can always attest that she always brightened up shows with her unique sense of humor.

Margit has been a terrific role model for Knollwood Kids. She helped with camps and lessons, and even taught some lessons sharing her passion for horses and riding with some of our smallest stars.

From there, Margit has become a very accomplished performance rider. She’s had the opportunity to show Robert (Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance) in 3 gaited show pleasure, and to own and show the legendary Charlie  (CH Ken Follett)  and show in 5 gaited show pleasure.

Anyone who has ever seen Margit show will appreciate the sheer joy on her face when she’s going down the rail.

She says that the most difficult riding skill she learned was the difference between concentrating and over thinking, and realizing that making mistakes was not only OK but important in growing as a rider.

Mom Kara adds, ‘Riding has added the most wonderful facets to Margit’s life. She has learned in living color about actions and consequences. She has learned patience and the absolute importance of follow through. She has learned difficult and heartbreaking lessons about loss and hope. I think she has learned to respect the horses she has been privileged to ride, and see their individual and unique contributions to her formation as a rider and as a human.’

Margit’s advice to fellow Knollwood Kids? ‘Don’t let the temptation to compare your yourself to other riders and their journey cloud your happiness. Everyone has their own path, and worrying about someone else’s will inevitably allow jealousy and discontentment to seep in, and displace what should be a beautiful, wonderful, and fabulous time of your life.’

Margit will be attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison,  majoring in Animal and Vet Biosciences. She hopes to attend vet school and become an equine vet.

 

 

 

Alexa became a Knollwood Kid at the age of 11 when she had her first lesson on legendary Willy. Like Margit, she showed Hugo in her first in-barn show.

Alexa had been a fixture at Knollwood. Starting as a helper, Alexa moved up to being a Friday barn manager, and teaching lessons to our youngest riders. She even ran fantastic tiny tot camps this summer.

After a successful academy career, Alexa’s family purchased Joe (Sirtainly Stylish) for the 3 gaited show pleasure division. Alexa and Joe quickly became a team, and enjoyed great success in the deep division at some of the most competitive shows around.

Alexa says that some of her best Knollwood Kid memories were at pattern camps. ‘I remember inviting my whole camp group to my house that week for a sleepover and it was the best time. I also loved doing all things helping at the barn. That is where I met so many friends and was able to get super involved in the ‘Knollwood Kid’ life.

Mom Shari adds ‘Horses and riding have helped Alexa gain confidence, increase focus and enjoy the moment, build connections with animals, adults, and peers; improve resilience, and overcome challenges.’

Alexa’s advice to Knollwood Kids is ‘Take the time to get involved and meet new people at the barn. Spread kindness and share your love of horses. Focus on your own riding journey, and understand that it’s OK to have ups and downs. It’s not always going to be easy, but try to enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast.’

Alexa is attending Miami University in Ohio where she’s majoring in nursing. She’s planning on getting some experience and then returning to school to earn her Nurse Practitioner degree and hopes to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry.

 

 

 

We wish these riders great success in their future plans, and we look forward to keeping up with them.

Knollwood Kids always come back, and we can’t wait to see you in the arena at Thanksgiving.

Team Knollwood is rooting for you!

 

What's Coming Up?

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 25-28

National Equestrian Center

 

Parent’s Night Out

Saturday, September 28

6:00

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show

October 11-12

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 18-20

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 16-19

Illinois State Fairgrounds

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 26-27

Beyond Stable Farm

 

Academy Parent Meeting

November 9

6:00 PM

 

Academy Demo Meeting

November 23

6:00 PM

 

Parent’s Night Out

November 30

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 7

 

Knockout Award Banquet

January 25

The Legend at Merrill Hills

 

 

 

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