We've been wonderfully busy this summer. 

Let's catch up on all the happenings so far.

Knollwood Olympics, 2024 Edition

Knollwood Kids of all ages gathered on a beautiful evening to celebrate another successful food drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. We’ve been running this event since 2012, and really enjoy helping our neighbors in need.

We were proud to donate over 150 food kits and financial donations to the pantry at a time of the year when food stock runs low.

Did we have fun celebrating?

We sure did.

Thank you to everyone who donated, supported, and attended the event.

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

What a show! The 79^th annual Midwest did not disappoint with the numbers or quality of the entries. Competition was fierce, and Knollwood was in the thick of it.

All of our riders were strong competitors, and here are a few of our biggest stories

 

Tancy and Mickey

Lifelong saddlebred exhibitor Tancy recently purchased The Mouse King for the show pleasure division.

Tancy and ‘Mickey’  won their first class together, and at Midwest no less!

It looks like a great team to watch!

 

Brooklyn and Gamora

Brooklyn and Gamora are a match made in heaven. Gamora is a big, strong willed mare, and Brooklyn was a horse in a former life.

These two made quite an impression at Midwest, winning the 13 and under Pleasure Equitation qualifier, and then went on to win the championship as well.

Teams don’t get much stronger than this one.

 

 

Leighton and Prince

Leighton and Pure Royalty showed in equitation for the first time at Madison Classic over Memorial Day.

These two entered the arena at Midwest ready to show off all their hard work. Leighton and Prince used the arenas like pros, and shone throughout the class.

Leighton the rookie won the class unanimously with Prince loving every minute. Then they rode into their second class and won that one unanimously as well.

Prince and Leighton are on a mission, and it’s going to be a treat to watch them.

 

 

Richie and Payton

Richie and Payton were superstars in the tough Midwest equitation division this week. Their experience and hard work showed in the beautiful arena.

Payton even showed an inexperienced horse in some of her classes, and made it look easy.

Richie won the Medal qualifier, and finished second in his age group and in his championship.

Payton was second in the Medal qualifier and third in her age group and championship.

What a duo they are.

 

 

 

 

Richie and Tyler

Richie is a true student of the sport.

He watches, listens, cleans stalls, and rides anything he can.

All of his studies and hard work paid off at Midwest this week.

Richie and Showdown were a vision in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Division, winning the qualifier unanimously in a field of grand horses, and finished reserve grand champion.

They were a sight.

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Knockouts Car Wash

Join us this Sunday at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly for the Knockout Car Wash.

The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, and the club will also be selling brats and other goodies at the brat shack.

All proceeds will go to the banquet fund, to help keep tickets as reasonable as we can.

 

Oshkosh Charity Horse Show

June 26-29

Join us at this perfect summer show. Held at the Sunnyview Expo center, it features wonderful hospitality and plenty of beautiful horses and skilled riders.

Team Knollwood will be there with show horses and 14 academy riders showing at noon on Saturday.

 

July 4^th

We’re not holding lessons on Thursday, July 4.

Your instructor will schedule a make-up lesson.

 

Lexington Junior League Horse Show

July 8-13

The best of the best meet at Lexington each summer, so Team Knollwood will be there.

It’s held at the beautiful arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and is quite a spectacle.

 

Parents Night Out

July 13

6-8 PM

Knollwood Kids are invited to the farm for a fun night with the Knockout officers.

They’ll decorate ribbon bags for the Knollwood summer show, enjoy dinner, and hold a water fight in the big outdoor arena if the weather permits.

The event is only $25, and must be paid at time of sign up.

 

 

IASPHA Summer Show

July 26-28

Beyond Stable Farm

We can’t wait for one of our favorite shows of the year!

Knollwood will be there with show horses and many, many academy riders.

Come join us in the beautiful, shady, covered outdoor arena!

 

Knollwood Summer Show

August 16-18

Thanks to everyone for getting entries in so promptly.

It’s going to be a big show again, and we’ve given the weekend a beach party theme.

 

 

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

Photo by Andrea Sitzman photography

 

Every so often, a horse show day really stands out.

Not because everything was perfect, or even that everything went as planned.

Things never go as planned.

 

This was a glorious day because of our the sportsmanship and teamwork shown by our academy team.

 

At Prairie State last weekend, we were set for four riders to ride in their very first horse show. They’s worked at home for months to get ready. They worked on using the ring, on their pattern for the pattern class, and bonded with their horse for the show.

When we got to the show, Leon came out of his stall lame, and clearly wasn’t going to show. Being our unicorn, he was scheduled to show Olivia the ropes of the academy division.

Plan ‘B’ was started …

We asked Madison, another new show rider if she’d move up and show  Sport, who she’d ridden at home a few times. She immediately said ‘yes’ to the challenge.

Olivia visiting Leon

Part 2 of plan ‘B’ was to ask Olivia if she’d like up accept the challenge of showing perfect Baxter, who she’d never ridden before. Her first words were, ‘ I feel so bad for Leon.’

Challenge accepted, and she rode Baxter before the show for 10 minutes, and practiced the pattern.

Meanwhile, all of our more experienced walk and trot academy riders were encouraging these riders, and show techs Adrienne, Jilly, and Thea assisted with updated tack schedules and confidence building.

All the riders cheered, hugged, and egged each other on.

Our rookies on horses new to them? They rocked.

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman Photography

 

Olivia and Baxter rode like pros, using the ring in ways well beyond their experience. They even placed 4th in a highly competitive pattern class.

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman Photography

 

Madison and Sport looked like they’d prepped for this day, and were even reserve the Novice Rider Championship.

We couldn’t be more proud of how all of our walk trot riders came together, and supported each other in their first of many days when things don’t work as originally planned.

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman Photography

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

 

 Knollwood Show Entries

Entries for the Knollwood Summer Show continue through June 15.

 

Knollwood Olympics

This Saturday!

4:45 Pizza Party

6:00 Opening Ceremonies

We’re still accepting donations by check made out to The Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 11-16

The show horses are off to Springfield for the first huge show of 2024.

We’ll update with webcast info and schedules soon!

 

 

Knollwood Knockout Car Wash

June 23

Hartland Piggly Wiggly

It’s the most entertaining fundraiser of the year!

All Knockouts are asked to take a shift at this fun event. Proceeds go to the Knockouts to defray members’ cost of the awards banquet.

Not signed up yet? You can join the fun here.

 

Mid America Signature Show

 

Walk Trot Day

August 4

Unfortunately, we won’t be attending the ASAW Summerfun show this year, and we’re heading to Woodstock for the Signature show as a replacement. We have some openings in the walk and trot division. Please talk to Ann if you’d like to join the fun in the big outdoor ring at Beyond Stable Farm!

 

Knollwood Summer Show

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

 

August 16-18

This summer’s show features neon pink show shirts,and a beach theme.

Get your beach gear ready!

 

 

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman photography

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

 

The 14^th annual Knollwood Olympics are coming up this Saturday at 6:00!

New this year is a pre-games meal at 5:00 for the competitors and supporters!

Food and donations have been gathered, and we’re pleased to announce that we have 25 Olympians competing this weekend!

The teams are below:

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman Photography

 

Blue

Captain – Kylie

Addie

Isla

Niamh

Maddy S

 

 

Orange

Captain – Kali

Leighton

Hadley

Zoe

Olivia

 

 

Photo by Andrea Sitzman Photography

 

Red

Captain- Sophie

Kelsey

Marin

Joan

Eleni

 

 

Green

Captain – Jilly

Maddie R

Hailey

Molly

Rebecca

 

 

Purple

Captain – Charlotte

Eleanor

Eliana

Teagan

Zaya

 

Here are some insider tips to fully enjoy the event:

Pizza and snacks will be served at 5:00 so all the competitors are fueled for the competition.

Parents and friends are encouraged to attend to cheer. (and laugh)  We’ll be in the big outdoor ring, and the weather looks perfect. Please feel free to bring chairs.

The team with the most donations over their goal is the winner. Goal is number of team members times five.

 

The Events:

 

 Blind Buggy Race

3 team members are competing

2 members are blindfolded and the third can see.

Sighted team member must tell the blindfolded members where to pull the cart as they navigate though an obstacle course.

Timed event.

 

Helmet Toss

1 Team member competes

Competitor will throw a helmet as far as they can.

Farthest toss wins.

Audience, please be on the lookout for shanked tosses!

 

 

Blanket Race

3 team members compete

1 member will be in the front of the sheet, and the other two are under the sheet and cannot see.

Teams will ‘race’ the length of the big outdoor, trying to stay in the sheet.

Timed event.

 

Dance

Teams choose the number of competitors.

Teams choose a song and create a dance, and must use buckets as props.

Knollwood Kid for life Shelby will judge the competitors, based on originality, use of buckets, and all around silliness.

Her bribe of choice is cold, hard, fake money.

 

 

 

Relay

All teammates will compete.

Our course designers are hard at work designing a relay worthy of the Olympics.

It will surely include wheelbarrows, running, and who knows what else.

Timed event.

 

We’re looking forward to an entertaining evening in support of the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

Great thanks to everyone who donated food kits and money to the pantry at a time of year when they need it most.

 

If you'd like to join a team, check donations are still welcome until Friday.  Heck, they’re welcome even if you don’t want to join the fun! Every little bit helps.

 

See you at the pizza party!

 

 

Dance Judge Shelby, and May Knollwood Show judge Ainsley in their Olympic days.

 

Team Knollwood is home after a memorable weekend at the Madison Classic Horse Show. The show welcomed talented horses and riders from all over the country, offered terrific hospitality, and even hosted a fundraiser for the young trainers association which featured a dunk tank. And yes, Scott was dunked. Repeatedly.

With 31 horses at the show, we have some great stories to share!

 

Knollwood Kid Leighton and adorable Prince made their debut in 10 and under walk and trot equitation. Leighton rode like a seasoned pro, and Prince, officially known as Pure Royalty, loved every minute of the walk and trot division. The new team won both their classes, and are headed next to Midwest.

New academy team graduate Adrienne made  her show horse debut with Frito at the show. Officially known as Go Fund Me, Frito showed Adrienne the ways of a show horse, and they both had a blast in their debut.

 

 

The newest addition to Team Knollwood, Alivia, continued her success with hew beautiful 3 gaited horse Harley.  Registered as  Newlines Captain Marvel, Harley and Alivia lit up the ring and finished reserve in both of their classes.

 

Natalie and Garfield showed together for the first time, and had great rides in their Challenge Cup qualifier and finished a great third in a stacked Pleasure Equitation championship. The future is bright for this charismatic team.

 

Mia showed a 5 gaited horse for the first time, and she got to show with Margit, which hasn't happened since their academy days.

Mia showed Shane while Margit showed the always enthusiastic Charlie in the junior exhibitor gaited pleasure division, and the 2 Knollwood Kids put on quite a show.

 

Maiya and Riddle picked up right where they left off last fall, winning the pleasure equitation championship with Shaye in reserve.

 

Payton and Richie were fighting it out in the trimmed equitation division. The championship was won by Payton with Richie a close second, It’s going to be quite a season watching these two battle.

 

It takes a village to pull off a big show like this one, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped with horses, refreshments, hair, and the million of other things that made the show run smoothly.

 

What’s coming up?

 

Food kits, and monetary donations are due May 31 to join an Olympic team. Remember, cash equivalent for a food kit is $15 per kit, and checks should be made out to The Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

 

 

 

Prairie State Classic Horse Show

June 1-3

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

The academy team is off the Beyond Stable for another sold out show.

We’re thrilled to be bringing 4 first time riders to the show. Please come down and cheer on Allison, Ava, Madison, and Olivia as well as the other Knollwood stars!

 

 

Knollwood Entry Time

June 1-15

It’s time to sign up for the Summer Show being held August 16-18.

Entry blanks and shirt size samples will be available in the school barn lounge.

It’s going to be a fun show with a beach party theme. You won’t want to miss it!

 

Knollwood Olympics

June 8

6:00 PM

Big Outdoor Ring (Hopefully)

Olympians will gather in the big outdoor arena for ‘games of skill.’ If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move to the indoor arena.

Thank you in advance for your generosity to our neighbors in need.

 

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 11-16

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, IL

The show horses are headed to the  prettiest horse show arena in the country to compete against some of the best horses and riders in the country.

We’ll post schedules and webcast info when they’re available.

 

 

Camp Season Starts!

June 10

The kids take over the farm from June through August.

We have a couple of openings left, but we’re almost totally sold out.

If you haven’t yet signed up, or have a friend who’s interested, ask your instructor or admin.

 

 

Knockout Car Wash and Brat Bash

June 23

Hartland Piggly Wiggly

It’s one of the Knockout’s biggest fundraisers, and proceeds will help defray the cost of the banquet. We’re asking all Knockouts to take a shift to help support the club.

You can sign up here.

 

 

Oshkosh Charity Horse Show

June 26-29

Sunnyview Expo, Oshkosh

Is it a horse show, or a trip to the park?

It’s a horse show in a beautiful setting, and Knollwood will be there with show horses and academy riders. Drive up and enjoy a day or two at the show!

 

 

 

Mini Camp For Riders 7 And Up

June 30

Noon – 3:00

Have a friend who’s interested in horses? They can enjoy 3 hours in the barn learning all about horses and riding. Molly and her helpers will teach safety, grooming, and tacking before a riding lesson at 2:30. This intro camp is only $99, and can be purchased online or in person.

 

 

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

Team Knollwood is set up at Madison’s New Holland Pavillion prepping to start the Madison Classic Horse show tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

There are 31 Knollwood horses on the grounds, and it’s going to be quite a show. Horses from as far away as Kentucky and Ohio have made the trip to enjoy this spectacular horse show.

The facility is new and airy, the competition is fierce, and the vibe is super friendly. Plus, the show is using a three judge panel, which all exhibitors love.

We’ll post schedules shortly, and it’s definitely worth a trip to Madison to see the show.

Some highlights to watch?

Knollwood Kid for life Kerry will make her debut with her new 5 gaited partner, Jade who's leased from the Cooper family!

Knollwood Kid Mia will be showing a gaited horse for the first time!

Knollwood Kid Adrienne will show in a suit for the first time when she shows Frito, her lease horse!

Knollwood Kid Natalie will make her debut on Garfield in the hot 14-17 Pleasure equitation division!

Knollwood Kid Tess will ride her first classes on Eli in Country Pleasure.

Knollwood Kid Leighton will make her equitation debut with Prince in the 10 and Under division.

Newest Knollwood Kid Alivia will show beautiful Harley in Junior Exhibitor 3 Gaited.

 

 

Did someone say academy?

Knollwood will have 7 academy riders at the show, and 5 of them are showing in the 14-17 equitation division.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

We’re closing on Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day.

Your instructor has scheduled a make up.

 

 

Food Kits are due May 31.

Be sure to have your food kits or cash equivalent donation ($15 for each kit) in by the 31^st.  You really don’t want to miss the Olympics!

Tank orders are also due May 31.

 

 

May 31-June 2

Prairie State Classic Horse Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is off to Woodstock for a big show.  Classes look big, and we’re looking forward to showing in the spacious covered outdoor arena!

 

 

June 1 - 15

Knollwood Summer entry time!

Join us for the summer show coming up on August 16-18.

We’re having a beach party themed show, and riders will be wearing HOT pink.

 

 

June 8

6:00 PM

Knollwood Olympics

All Olympians will gather in the big outdoor ring to compete in silly games of skill.

Should the weather not cooperate, we’ll move the games to the indoor arena.

 

 

 

83rd Annual Midwest Charity Horse Show

Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL

The show barn is off to an important early show where the best meets the best.

Held in arguably the most beautiful horse show arena in the country, the show hosts horses from all over. It showcases the best equiatation riders and beautiful show horses.

 

 

June 23

11:00AM – 3:00PM

Knollwood Knockout Car Wash

Hartland Piggly Wiggly

It the best fundraiser of the year! We ask all Knockout members to take a shift to wash cars and man the brat shack. This fundraiser helps us defray costs of the banquet, which we all enjoy.

 

 

Oshkosh Charity Horse Show

Sunnyview Expo Center

June 26-29

We love Oshkosh! The grounds are park-like, the arena is huge, and hospitality is the best.

We'll be there with show horses and academy riders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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