Can you believe that our offseason is almost over?

As we head into show season 2023, let’s review what all Knollwood Kids have in common!

 

 

Knollwood Kids Love Animals.

Obviously.

Not only do they love their lesson horses and their show horses if they’re luck enough to enjoy one, they also spend time with our retirees Panic and Tink.

Then there are the cats and dogs who share the Knollwood life with us. Would a day at the barn be complete without scratching Hazel’s butt or hearing about Richmond’s day, or catching up with kittens Emma and Margit?

 

 

 

Knollwood Kids are Resilient.

Anyone who has spent any time with horses knows that they keep us humble. Just when you think you have something down, a horse will come along to tell you certainly don’t.

Fall off? Get back on.

Have a less than stellar ride, or class? Learn, and move on.

Stumble down the stairs leading to the show tackroom? Have a good laugh and keep going.

Every day is full of some unplanned adventures, and Knollwood Kids take it all in stride.

 

 

Knollwood Kids Have Great Parents.

Scott is fond of saying that horses need good parents to be successful, and the same is true of riders.

We’re fortunate to be surrounded by parents who cheer for all the Knollwood Kids, and often serve as ‘show parents’ for riders other than their own.  

Our parents also help with Knockout activities, including the car wash, Olympics, and they take control of the Knollwood Show fundraising.

They’re just amazing.

 

Knollwood Kids Don't Take Themselves Too Seriously.

Let's face it, there's always time for fun.

Whether it's goofing off at camp,  putting costumes on Hazel, 'breaking into' the restrooms, or playing games on horseback, you'll always find a Knollwood Kid involved. More often than not, Payton's in the middle of it.

 

 

Knollwood Kids are Responsible.

After understanding #1 above, Knollwood Kids take care of their horses before and after riding. They understand that it’s a big responsibility to care for our marvelous lesson horses, as horses can’t do it themselves.

One of the Knollwood Kids’ mantra is ‘Horses first, the rest later.’

 

 

Knollwood Kids Have Grit.

Knollwood Kid mantra #2 is ‘Horses are so glamorous.’ (Insert sarcastic tone here.)

Knollwood kids can be found hauling garbage, throwing hay, dumping muckbuckets, and all manner of fun tasks in all sorts of weather.

During Knollwood Summers, you’ll find them running with camp beginners, and bathing countless horses.

 

 

Knollwood Kids are Kind.

Mean girls have no home here.

Knollwood Kids support each other through thick and thin.  Barn friends support each other through personal triumphs and  struggles, riding challenges and victories, and competition successes and disappointments.

Knollwood Kids know that everyone was a beginner at one point. They’re patient with new riders, answer many questions, and demonstrate many things with patience. Many Knollwood Kids can tell you who was their first helper, and how much they learned.

Knollwood Kids are kind on the road, too. They understand that their behavior reflects on all members of Team Knollwood, so kind behavior is required. They support fellow competitors, congratulate others, and make friends from all over the country.

 

 

Knollwood Kids are Humble.

Many new riders have no idea the level of rider who’s helping them learn the first horse lessons.

Many of our helpers don’t even know the accomplishments of their barn managers. They’re all just Knollwood Kids.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

This Sunday from 3-5

Join the Knockouts for an afternoon of curling at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club.

Members over 10 are welcome to curl, and our younger members will do crafts while the older riders are on the ice.

The Knockouts are paying for the outing. Please be sure to sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

April 1

Knollwood Spring Show Entries Close

 

 

 

April 2

Photo Shoots with Jelly the Easter Bunny

We’ve added a few spots for this popular event. Hanna will be shooting family or friend shots with photogenic Jelly. You can sign up here.

 

 

April 8

Parents’ Night Out

Join the Knockout officers and board members for a few hours of barn fun. It’s only $25, and includes snacks and games. You can sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

 

April 9

Happy Easter!

We’re closed for the day. Your instructor will be in tough to arrange a makeup lesson.

 

 

 

 

April 14-16

IASPHA Spring Show

Our first show of the season!

We’re looking to starting 2023 with 12 academy riders and 2 ‘B’ show riders as well.

Please come to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock to cheer us on!

 

 

April 29

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Bring a Friend Day

Do you have a friend or family member who has always wanted to ride? Here’s their chance!

You’ll groom and tack a lesson horse with them before you bring them to the arena for a beginner group lesson.

It’s only $45, and spots are limited to Knollwood Kids who are comfortable grooming, tacking, and running for the lesson.

You can pay and sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

May 6-7

Academy Palooza Show

We’re heading back to Woodstock for the UPHA Chapter 10 academy show. Come join us!

 

 

 

May 11 – 14

FASH Horse Show

The first show of the season for Knollwood’s show horses! It’s a wonderful show in a beautiful facility.

 

 

May 12-14

Knollwood Spring Show

Join us for three days of friendly competition featuring our lesson riders and the best lesson horses in the world.

Be sure to save some time to help out with the concession stand or show prep.

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

So now that you’ve signed up for the Knollwood Spring Show, it’s time to check some items off your list to be prepared for the big weekend.

Please be sure you’ve returned your back number from the Fall show. We try hard to keep costs down, and reusing back numbers is one way we accomplish this.

Please make sure you’re a current Knockout member. We’ll keep track of your points earned at our in-barn shows, and you may win a high point award at the awards banquet next February. Plus, you get invited to participate in plenty of really fun Knockout events.

Make sure you have the proper clothing for the show ring. For all riders competing above the leadline division, this means:

Your fun show shirt in neon green.

Paddock boots.

Dark jods.

Remember, the jods should be long enough to cover the heels of your boots, and must have tie downs. Boot cut jods are fine for in-barn shows, as long as you have tie downs.

Black gloves.

Your helmet. Helmets are required for everyone 10 and under, and those without a signed helmet waiver.

Riders with long hair should have it pulled back and off your back number. Braids work well.

 

Talk with your instructor about your goals for the show. Maybe it’s getting all of your diagonals, maybe it is maintaining good ring position, or maybe it’s doing more than is required. Your instructor will be happy to talk goals and how to achieve them so riders keep progressing.

Patterns will be available soon! Your instructor will help you learn the one for your class so you’re really comfortable with it.  Riders showing in the Knollwood Challenge qualifiers, be sure to practice your required pattern, too!

 

Save some time on show weekend to help at the concession stand or with set up or tear down. It takes many, many people to pull off an event of this size, and your help is so appreciated.

Have questions? As always, your instructor is your best source of information, and they’re happy to help.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

March 24

Sport's Birthday

 

March 26

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Curling with the Knockouts

Knockout members, join us across the street at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club for an introduction to curling. The Knockouts are footing the bill for 20 members, so sign up soon!

Curlers must be 10 or older, and we welcome younger members to join us for crafts while the older Knockouts are on the ice.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

March 26

Mini Camp for Riders 7 and Up

We have a few spots open, so please invite any of your friends who might be interested in riding.

 

 

March 29

Alex’ Birthday

 

March 30

Leon’s Birthday

 

 

 

April 1

Last day to enter the Knollwood show!

 

 

April 8

Parents Night Out

Please sign up in the school barn lounge to join the fun with the Knockout officers and board members.

 

 

April 9

Easter Sunday

No lessons, your instructor will schedule makeup lessons.

 

 

 

 

April 15-16

IASPHA Spring Show

 

 

 

April 15

Beau’s Birthday

 

 

April 25

Hugo’s Birthday

 

 

April 29

Bring a Friend Day

5:30 - 6:15

Do you have a friend that's interested in horses? For only $45, they can enjoy a introductory riding lesson with you as their helper. Spaces are limited, please pay and sign up in the school barn with your instructor or office admin!

 

May 5-6

Academy Palooza

 

 

May 11-14

FASH Show

St. Paul, MN

First 2023 road trip for the show horses!

 

May 12-14

Knollwood Spring Show

 

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!!

Forget about snow and cold, Knollwood Spring Show entries start this Monday, March 13!

Please note that we’re taking entries through April 1.

The show is being held May 12-14, and we can hardly wait! All our riders will be wearing lime green if the supply chain holds up!

 

The Friday night performance is for Knollwood Challenge qualifiers, and patterns, and will be held inside starting at 6:00 PM.

New for 2023, we’ll start the performance with our walk and trot riders so they can get home early to rest for the weekend.

The walk, trot, and canter pattern riders will show after the completion of the 10 and under pattern classes, probably around 7:00 PM. (Of course, don’t quote us on that!)

Pattern class entries are included on both the Saturday and Sunday entry blanks.

 

The Saturday performance will be held in the big outdoor ring, and will begin at 10:00 AM.

Saturday’s show starts with our walk, trot, and canter riders from the 10 and under rock stars to the ‘grownup’ riders.

Our 11 and over walk trot competitors will show after the completion of the walk trot and canter classes, and we’ll finish the day with our Premiere walk trot riders. This division is for our walk trot riders who have competed away from home.

 

The Sunday show will start at 9:00 AM in the little outdoor ring.

We’ll start with  the leadliners, possibly the best classes of the show.

The show will move on to our maiden riders, who are showing for the very first time. They’ll be followed by the 8 and under veteran show riders, and we’ll finish with the 9-10 year old walk and trot competitors.

 

 

A Few Notes About the Entry Process:

There are two types of entry forms, one for Saturday riders, and one for the Sunday competitors.

Your instructor is happy to help with horse selections. Remember to select horses that you’ve already ridden and are comfortable with riding.

If you haven’t included the show in your enrollment, we’ll bill your IClass Pro for the entry fees.

Be sure to try on the sample shirts so you get the perfect size. We don’t order extras.

There Are Five Entry Packages:

Leadline includes a qualifier and a championship.

Bronze includes a pleasure class, an equitation qualifier, and a championship.

 It’s for riders just starting out who aren’t ready for a pattern class.

Silver adds a Friday night to the rider’s schedule. Patterns are the best!

Gold adds a Knollwood Challenge qualifier to the Friday night events. You’re an accomplished Knollwood Kid when you reach this level!

 

As always, your instructor and the office admins are always happy to help with the forms. Your instructor is a big help with determining which package is right for you, and which horses will help you be successful for your current riding level.

We can hardly wait to start the in-barn show season!

 

What’s coming up?

March 13

Thomas’ Birthday

 

 

March 24

Sport’s Birthday

 

 

March 26

Curling with the Knockouts

 

March 29

Alex’s Birthday

 

March 30

Leon’s Birthday

 

April 1

Entries close for the Knollwood Spring Show

 

 

April 2

Photo Shoots with the Easter Bunny, AKA Jelly

 

 

April 9

No lessons, Happy Easter.

Your instructor will be in touch to reschedule.

 

 

April 15-16

IASPHA Spring Show

 

April 15

Beau’s Birthday

 

 

 

 

 See you soon at the barn!!

 

After new riders have finished their beginner groups or mini camps, many students start to ask how they can best progress their skills. Whether your goal is to ride at the Knollwood shows, to show in the academy division, or perhaps to make it to the show horse world, many of the principles are the same:

 

Ride!

Ride as often as you can.  The more saddle time you get, the faster you’ll solidify your skills. Consider adding a group lesson to your package, or adding another private lesson. Summer riding school is a great way to immerse yourself in the barn for a week with lots of riding every day.

Ride any horse you can. Don’t get hung up on riding ‘fancy’ horses. Often, the ‘less fancy’ horses offer unique challenges. Have you ever tried to get an incorrect lead with Picasso? Enough said.

Ride bareback. Ride in a saddle without your stirrups. Practice patterns. Ride in a game day. Any saddle time is wonderful for building your skills.

Ride makeup lessons with different instructors. Knollwood is fortunate to have many different instructors, and while they all teach the same skills, their methods, personalities, and delivery are quite different. Like horses, you can learn something from every instructor, and it’s fun to mix things up.

Be sure to come to your lesson 30 minutes early if you get your own horse ready, and 15 minutes early if you’re too young to do that.  Come in correct riding apparel with hair pulled back, and tie downs on your jods.

Be sure to mentally prepare to ride, and don’t let distractions of the day cloud your mind. Your horse will notice if you’re not paying attention.

Ask questions! If you’re not sure of a concept, or what you’re being asked to do, always feel free to ask your instructor to explain in a different way.

And, of course, leave enough time after your lesson to take care of your horse. Bathing, walking, grooming, and dressing your horse after a ride are all part of horsemanship. You can never spend too much time with your lesson partner.

 

Spend Time With Horses

Riding is only part of becoming a horseperson.

Spend time with the horses you ride. You’ll learn so much about them while grooming, tacking, and taking great care of your horse after your ride. Walking your horse out after a summer bath allows for quality time walking and talking with your horse.

We have several retirees in the school barn who love to spend time with people, and to be spoiled. Check with the barn manager, and see if you can groom one of them. Tink and Panic LOVE quality time with people.

Work on chores in the barn. Whether it’s cleaning up behind the slip stall horses, or watering the box stalls, you’ll learn all about how horses live.

 

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE

Knollwood is a magical place with some of the best trainers in the country working in the arena. Knollwood Kids have the chance to watch them work show horses and teach lessons. You’re welcome to sit on the bench in the arena and watch lessons, and even ask questions when there’s time. In particular, Scott loves to explain what he’s doing with a horse and why.

While you’re at horse shows, watch classes and see what you can learn about the different divisions. See if you can follow the judge’s decisions. Better yet, participate in the junior judging programs offered at many of the local shows. It’s free to participate, and you get to ask the judge questions to learn more.

Help the newer riders you see around the farm. Everyone was once a beginner, and your help makes the new Knollwood Kids feel comfortable. Plus, you’ll feel more confident with your knowledge after you teach it to others.

Help out at the barn in structured situations, too. We’re frequently looking for help with mini camps, birthday parties, Welcome to Knollwood lessons, and summer camp. The more time you spend around horses, the more you’ll understand their world.

 

If you have any questions about moving forward with your riding, please talk to your instructor. They’re always happy to make a plan to achieve your goals.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Camp Enrollment is Open!

March 1

All sessions of our Tiny Tot and Summer Riding School are available on our website, www.KnollwodFarmLTD.com . You can also sign up by calling the school barn at 262-367-2391.

 

 

Entries Begin for the Knollwood Spring Show!

March 13

Entries will close April 1.

 

 

Knockouts Curling Outing

March 26

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knockout members are invited to cross the street to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club for a lesson. Curlers must be age 10 or older, and the younger members can enjoy some crafting activities while the older kids are on the ice.

The event is limited to 20 curlers, so please sign up soon in the school barn.

 

Easter Bunny Photo Shoots

April 2

Jelly will be posing in costume to raise funds for the Knockouts. You can sign up here for your photo session with Hanna Agathen Photography.

 

 

Parents Night Out

April 8

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join the Knockout officers and board members for some fun in the barn.

We’ll start signup soon!

 

Happy Easter!

April 9

We will not be holding lessons on Easter Sunday, and your instructor will help you schedule a makeup lesson.

 

 

 IASPHA Spring Show

April 15-16

Come cheer us on at our first show of the season. We’ll be at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the weekend.

The facility is weatherproof, and we’re looking forward to a great show.

 

 

Academy Palooza 

May 5-6

We’re returning to Beyond Stable Farm for an academy show for some of our newer riders. Please join us!

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

We’ll be celebrating the first in-barn show and Mother's Day over the weekend.

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

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Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

Last Saturday, Team Knollwood enjoyed it’s first in-person banquet in three years. While we were a little out of practice, the evening flowed beautifully. We can safely say that everyone was happy to be together in person to celebrate all things Knollwood.

We’ve done some thinking after the big event, and several big things came to mind.

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

 

The Knockouts Build Leaders.

The 2022 officers presented the year in review to more than 150 guests before handing the mic over to the 2023 management team. They presented their remarks with humor and composure.

In addition to their speeches, the teams met guests as they entered the ballroom and helped them find seats with friends, or introduced them to new friends, so everyone felt welcome.

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts build life-long friendships.

The Knockouts mission statement is ‘To support and promote equitation, horsemanship, and friendship through service to others.’

The banquet showcased riders of all ages for their accomplishments. The evening also showed how the older riders mentor the younger ones, and make everyone feel welcome, especially on the wild dance floor.

Several of our instructors were Knollwood Kids and remain friends with the riders they grew up with at the barn. Wedding parties are full of Knollwood friends, and many riders come back to the barn as friends when they’re finished with their college careers.

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts are Fierce Competitors

The Knockouts compete in the arena, but cheer for each other’s successes, and support each other in their struggles.

Competitors who rode hard against each other all season were cheering for everyone, and those who aren’t yet competing away from home were there screaming for the winners.

Everyone, from our in-barn leadline champs to our world champion equitation riders, was cheering for everyone else in attendance.

 

 

The Knockouts Are A Family Affair.

The banquet was a celebration of Knollwood families. We have the greatest parents around helping the club. Whether they’re grilling at the brat bash, running the concession stand at Knollwood shows, or cheering for all the Knollwood Kids at shows, they all contribute to the great opportunities for all the kids.

We’re glad we were able to offer them an evening of food, drink, and dancing for all their help.

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts Know How To Have Fun

Shocking, isn't it? Not!

After the awards presentations, the dance floor came to life with Knollwood Kids of all ages. If dancing wasn't your thing, or you wanted a little quieter amosphere for conversation, the bar area was full of parents mingling.

The DJ had to shut down the still full dance floor at the 11:00 PM closing time. 

 

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

Here’s a Brief Rundown of the Banquet by the Numbers:

158 people attended the banquet

 23 In-Barn High Point Championships were awarded

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

 20 Academy Awards were presented from the American Saddlebred Breeders Association

 14 Out of Barn High Point Championships were awarded

 11 Knollwood Challenge Finalists were recognized

 

 

  3 Overall High Point award winners were presented with embroidered vests.

  1 Horse of the Year Award was presented to Klem in absentia.

 

 

 

What's Coming Up?

We’re currently looking for indoor homes for some lovely cats whose owner has passed away. They’re from one of our instructor’s families, and we can vouch for the cats. Please talk to Ann if you can offer one of these pets a soft landing for an indoor life.

 

Knollwood Spring Show Entries Begin

March 13

We begin taking entries for the Knollwood Spring Show. We’ll take entries through April 1. If you don’t have the shows included in your enrollment, we’ll bill your account in April or May.

 

The Knockouts Go Curling

March 26

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

All Knockouts age 10 and older are welcome to come to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club for a curling lesson. The club is right across the street from Knollwood.

Knockouts under 10 are welcome to come over and work on crafts while the older riders are on the ice.

The event is limited to 20 spots, so please sign up soon in the school barn lounge.

The Knockouts are paying for the event, so if you sign up, please be sure to come. We’ll have to bill any no shows, as we’ll be paying for 20 spots.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 15-16

Our first show of the season!

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

 

The Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

 

 

Spring Street Clean Up AND Knollwood Olympics

 June 10

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!