News
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Adventures from Mane Event
Team Knollwood enjoyed a wonderful Mane Event horse show last week. Held in arguably the most beautiful horse show arena in the country, Mid America’s fall show featured wonderful show horses AND equitation riders.
College girl Finn who has been busy at the University of Michigan since August showed athletic Jade, officially known as Riverdream’s Masquerade, in the tough amateur 5 gaited division. After not having ridden since August in Louisville, this dynamic team won their qualifier, and finished reserve grand champions. They were a sight!
It’s always a little chilly in the brick coliseum, so Hazel Belle Boxer Matton went shopping and picked out a new coat after she arrived. She proudly wore her personal selection all week, and really stood out on the rail while watching Carol ear up winners on victory passes.
Oh, and she kept Team Knollwood spectators warm while napping on their laps during the show!
The Dallens are really a great team.
Tori couldn’t get to the show before the weekend due to school commitments, so little brother Richie agreed to qualify Stella for the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure championship on Saturday.
Following in Tori’s winning footsteps, Richie won the qualifier, setting up Tori to compete later in the show. Tori and Stella won their grand championship.
1 horse, 2 Dallens, 2 Wins!
Carlos was recognized for all his hard work and expertise when he won the Mid America Horse Show Association’s Caretaker of the Year award. Carlos takes great care of his horses, and acts as a mentor to the less experienced caretakers. Congratulations, Carlos, for all you do!
No one is more quiet about her successes than Margit, but we’re going to recognize her fantastic week at the show.
Humble horsewoman extraordinaire Margit showed fun loving Shane, officially known as Admiral Able, in the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited division, and dominated winning both the qualifier and the championship.
Margit then quietly showed Robert, officially known as Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance, in the deep Show Pleasure division for riders 14-17. After finishing second in a great class, Margit and Robert came out on top in the championship, besting some wonderful horses.
Margit rode her way to the top. Again.
Payton and Richie wowed everyone in the Good Hands national final.
It started with 17 wonderful riders from all around the country, and these two showed through two phases to make their way to the top 10.
Keeping their cool through the excitement, both Knollwood Kids performed precise workouts which were terrific displays of horsemanship with their ‘all show horse’ mares.
After a spinetingling final with the best riders in the country, Richie finished 5th, and Payton finished 3rd.
They were amazing.
What’s Coming Up?
IASPHA Fall Show
October 21-23
Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock, IL
We’re off to Woodstock for the last IASPHA show of the season. The academy division is crazy big, and we can hardly wait to see some of our newest stars for the second time, and to watch our more experienced riders compete as well.
Carol will be there with a few horses, and our ‘B’ horses will show as well.
Please come cheer us on!
Street Clean Up
October 29
1:00 PM
Knollwood Kids, join your fellow Knockout members as we clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the Fall. We’ll go out in teams to beautify the neighborhood, and meet back at the barn at 2:00 PM for a club meeting.
This is the last chance to earn your club service hours. If you haven’t already worked for the Knockouts, be sure to join us for the clean up.
Holiday Photo Shoots with Hanna
Sunday, October 30
It's time for family pics for holiday cards and memories. Hanna will be all set up to capture the holiday feeling with props and great backgrounds.
They run from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and part of the $125 fee goes right to the Knollwood Knockouts!
You can sign up here.
American Royal National Championship Horse Show
November 7-12
Kansas City, MO
The last competition of the show horse season, the Royal festures national championships, and the last 2 big equitation finals that make up the triple crown of saddle seat equitation.
Our horses and riders will be there competing with the best for titles, including the UPHA Challenge Cup finals, and the biggie, the USEF Medal Final.
The show is webcast on Richfield Video for a fee, and we'll update with details when available.
Holiday Party and 2023 Elections
December 10
6:00 PM
All Knockout members are invited to their annual holiday party and election.
It all starts with a team scavenger hunt around the farm, and includes pizza, an optional gift exchange, AND an election to select new club officers for 2023.
If you’re not a member, we’d love to have you join. Please talk to your instructor, or an office admin to join the adventures of the Knockouts.
In the near future...
* We'll be posting holiday gifts for Knollwood Kids
* Instructors will be setting up December enrollment meetings for our academy riders competing out of barn in 2023.
See you at the barn, or at the in-gate!
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The School Horses Report on the Fall Show
Photo by Hanna Agathen
For many of the school horses, last weekend was their final show of 2022. Before the show, all of the best lesson horses in the world were given the assignment of choosing their favorite thing about the fall show.
We've included their most interesting and insightful responses.
Greetings, everyone. Pumpkin here.
I was elected by my fellow lesson horses to start the show recap.
Why? They call me ‘the rookie’ even though I’ve been here for a year. I’m easy going, worked both days of the show, AND the judge fell in love with me.
My favorite thing about the show was the weather, and the judge. I enjoyed working in the sun with all my friends, especially the Premier Walk Trot classes on Saturday afternoon. You haven’t lived as a lesson horse until you’ve participated in classes with nine of your co-workers in the big outdoor ring on a sunny fall afternoon.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
I also love Terri Anne who appreciated my buff physique and my easy going personality.
We even posed for a photo together.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Jelly here.
I second the rookie’s thinking about the beautiful fall weekend. For the record, the judge liked me, too.
My favorite thing about the show was the purple shirts. I thought my riders looked particularly good on me with the yellow tint to my Hafflinger coat.
I am not a Vikings fan, but I looked pretty darn good all weekend.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Baxter, School Horse of the Year for 2022 reporting!
The weather and the shirts were fine, but the Knollwood Challenge final was the best.
Did you know that I won both the walk trot AND walk trot canter finals?
Leighton and Morgan worked well with me, and guided me through the pattern that they had seen for the first time on Friday night. I was 94.6% sure of what they wanted from me, and that let my personality shine throughout the classes while minimizing my use of original thought.
I’m a little sad that more people weren’t there to watch the finals, and to appreciate my victory passes. My favorite was Morgan wearing her purple trophy hat on the victory pass!
Leighton and Morgan will look fabulous next season in their custom DeRegnaucourt show shirts, just part of the award for winning the Knollwood Challenge final.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
And, I loved watching last year’s winners judge the finals along with Terri Anne. They took their jobs seriously, and appreciated all the competitors.
Please note, our junior judges who were showing academy last fall are now competing in the national junior equitation finals.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Pony Frank here.
I really liked the Friday night pattern classes because I had the night off.
I saved all my energy for my Sunday performances!
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Klem here.
My favorite part of the show was the sportsmanship shown.
Riders were clapping for other riders while placings were being given out, and that makes my heart happy.
I especially loved Olivia cheering for those placing above her in her 8 and under classes. She’s knows what it’s all about.
I’ve been a horse for, well, several years, so I know a thing or two about horse showing.
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Horse showing is not about ribbons or placings.
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Horse showing is about meeting your personal goals, whether it’s getting the correct diagonal, or completing a pattern cleanly.
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If you and your instructor are happy with your progress, it's a win.
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Judges are human.
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Classes are brief, giving judges a brief view of each rider. Make the most of each pass.
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Learning to ride is a long process.
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We horses are living, breathing creatures with feelings and emotions.
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While you may not get the ribbon you’d hoped for, you did get to enjoy time with wonderful horses and your barn friends.
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We all need to learn how to be good losers to be gracious winners.
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Life isn’t always fair. It’s just not.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Leon here.
AKA Dear, Sweet, Leon.
My favorite part of the horse show was the personal assistants who took such great care of me and of all of my friends this weekend.
We were all comfortable and happy with comfy saddle pads, supportive leg wraps, and lots of moral support.
Life as a Knollwood lesson horse is, well, pretty grand.
We are well loved.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Fred here.
My favorite part of the weekend was the concession stand.
It smelled delicious, even if I forgot to get my pre-order in. I was a little busy.
Photo by Hanna Agathen
Beau here.
I’m kind of new around here.
The best part of the show for me was watching all the volunteers work all weekend. Did you know that the Knockouts made over $1000 from the raffle of Scott’s lesson and the pattern class offering?
Oh, and I loved the crowd standing along the rail in the little outdoor ring on Sunday. It gave me LOTS to look at.
What’s Coming Up?
Parent’s Academy Seminar
Friday, October 14 at 6:00 PM
Be sure to sign up to join the informational meeting this Friday. We’ll provide LOTS of information about why we love academy showing, and share some info about the 2023 season.
Last Chance for Woodwear!
Sunday, October 16
It's the last day for orders of the 1/4 zips and for black Jellybean jods for winter.
Size samples and order blanks are available in the school barn.
IASPHA Fall Show
October 21-23
Beyond Stable Farm
Team Knollwood is looking forward to the final IASPHA show of the season. We’ll be enjoying the sold out show that features hospitality and facilities to die for.
Come cheer us on!
Knollwood Knockout Street Clean Up
Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 PM
Join your fellow Knockouts as we clean up Nagawicka and Oakwood Road for fall. We’ll meet back up at the farm at 2:00 PM for a club meeting.
Remember, it’s your last chance to get your 2022 club service hours in to be eligible for year end high point awards.
American Royal Horse Show
November 7-12
Knollwood’s show horses and riders will be in Kansas City for the National Championship horse show. In addition to fantastic show horses vying for titles, the show is also home to the last two equitation finals that make up the triple crown of saddleseat equitation, the UPHA Challenge Cup Finals, and the USEF Medal Final.
We’ll be there in the thick of it.
Knockout Holiday Party
Saturday, December 10
6:00 PM
Save the date!
All Knockout members are invited to join the celebration and election of club officers for 2023. We’ll feature a team scavenger hunt, pizza, campaign speeches before the election, and a pizza dinner.
See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!
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It's Go TIme
It’s go time!
The show barn just returned from a successful St. Louis National show, the Knollwood in-barn show is this weekend, and the show barn will be off the Springfield, Illinois soon for the Mane Event Show running October 13-16.
Let’s catch up first.
Show horses made the trip to St. Louis for two pleasure equitation finals, and a wonderful horse show last week.
Our junior equitation riders were stars, with Amelia and Eva finishing in the top 10 of the 17 and under pleasure equitation national championship sponsored by the American Saddlebred Breeders and Horse Association. Brooklyn and Gamora finished third in the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion national final for the junior division, and Amelia finished a strong 7th.
Congratulations to our newest stars in their first year out of the academy division.
In the senior division, Payton and Gigi were a sight, winning the pleasure equitation national championship, and finishing reserve champs of the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion national final for the senior division. Emma and Fergie were also a good 7th in that final.
Alexa won the Good Hands qualifier, and was second in the Medal qualifier, too!
Other stars were Richie and Leila, reserve saddle seat equitation champs, Margit and Shane, reserve champs in junior exhibitor 5 gaited, AND Margit and Robert finished 3rd in their show pleasure championship. Allison and Joe won their Veteran horse show pleasure class, and finished 4th in the adult championship. Kerry and Henry had great rides to finish 4th. Tori and Stella continued their successful season, finishing reserve Country Pleasure champs in St. Louis.
Kerry also debuted Tatum’s new horse, Uno in the three gaited ladies division and made a great start.
Knollwood has welcomed a couple of new horses recently.
The Honkamp family has purchased RWC Roselane’s First in Line for Tatum to show. Known as Uno, he was purchased from Barb and Keith Pionk with Wes and Sena Bowling of Taylor Creek Stables acting as agents for the sellers. Kerry Honkamp showed him at St. Louis and made a wonderful debut with the new member of the family. We can’t wait to see Tatum take over the reins!
The Dallen’s welcomed Reedann’s Dark Mystery to the family for Richie to show. This beautiful bay gelding was purchased from Matt and Kelly Craver with Scottfield Stables acting as their agent. He and Richie are going to make quite a team.
Final Knollwood Show Reminders
Weather Report?
No rain! It is going to be a sunny fall day, and feel free to wear layers under your fun purple show shirt.
Where do I park?
Anywhere but the curling club lot.
Our neighbors are hosting a BIG event all weekend, and they need their lot for their guests. Please help us be good neighbors, and don’t use their lot.
What’s the Knollwood Challenge?
Modeled after the UPHA Challenge Cup final, Knollwood kids must ride in a qualifying class at one of our in-barn shows, These classes require rail work, and the specified pattern for the class. Walk and trot riders will trot a non-inverted figure eight, while the walk, trot, and canter riders will trot an inverted figure eight. The top two places in each qualifying class will compete in the finals at the October show.
In the finals, riders work both ways on the rail before each one performs the posted pattern. Riders will not have practiced the pattern on their horse, but will have the chance to walk it on foot.
Winner of the final gets to hold onto a beautiful traveling trophy for a year, and receives a free custom shirt from deRegnaucourt, who outfits many of the show riders.
The final will be the last two classes of the day on Saturday. Please stick around to see what’s it all about!
Who are the important people to know this weekend?
Terri Anne Ullman of Winsome Farm in Oconomowoc will be judging all three days. We are grateful to her for giving her time and expertise for a whole weekend.
Hanna Agathen Photography will be capturing show memories all weekend.
Jeni is announcing on Saturday, and Wendy will call the show on Sunday.
Jane and Karina will be on concierge duty in the school barn on Sunday. Ask them anything!
Center ring will be staffed by experienced horse people to keep everyone on their best behavior.
How can I help the Knockouts this weekend?
Volunteer for a shift at the concession stand, or to set up or tear down.
Buy tickets for the gift baskets.
Eat at the concession stand.
Bid on Ann’s special pattern class.
Bid on the chance to give Scott a riding lesson. High bid is currently at $400!
Coming Up...
Jacket orders are due November 9.
Quarter Zip and Jellybean Jod orders are due October 16.
Mane Event
Springfield Illinois
October 13-16
Held in a beautiful historic coliseum, Mane Event hosts the first of the ‘Big Three’ finals of the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation. The Good Hands is the oldest of the finals, having started in 1929. Team Knollwood will be there in force. We’ll update with webcast info as soon as we can.
IASPHA Fall Show
Woodstock, IL
October 21-23
Many of our newest academy riders who competed in Cedarburg will be showing for the second time this weekend. Carol will also be there with a few show horses, and the ‘B’ horses will be there as well. Come watch!
Knockouts Street Clean Up
October 29
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Join your fellow Knockouts as we clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the fall. Meet new friends, fulfill your service hours, and stay for the Knockout meeting after the clean up.
See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!
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It's Almost Show Time!
We can hardly wait for our October in-barn show next weekend. With 102 riders competing over three days, the event is going to be most memorable.
We’re starting inside at 6:00 PM on Friday night. Judge Terri Anne Ullman will preside over two Knollwood Challenge qualifiers and eight pattern classes.
Included in the pattern line up is our blockbuster 10 and under walk and trot pattern rider group of 19 competitors. We’ve divided it three ways!
We’re moving to the big outdoor ring on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM to showcase our walk, trot, and canter riders.
After our most experienced riders compete, we’ll showcase our walk trot riders who are 11 and older, and finish up with our premier walk trot riders, who compete away from home at academy shows. The premier class will feature 10 hard riding competitors, and will be VERY competitive.
After a brief break, we’ll finish Saturday with the finals of the Knollwood Challenge. Finals riders have qualified by finishing first or second in a qualifying class at one of the in-barn shows. Riders will compete on the rail, and then will complete a pattern that will be posted after the final qualifier on Friday evening.
Finals winners get to keep a traveling trophy until next year, and get a free custom shirt from deRegnaucourt!
We’ll move to the little outdoor ring for our Sunday performance at 9 AM. We’ll start with our leadline riders, and then feature our maiden walk trot riders showing for the first time.
Our four splits of up and coming 8 and under riders will compete, followed by the 9 and 10-year-old walk trotters.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate with us, the Saturday and Sunday performances will be rescheduled to the following weekend. Friday night will remain unchanged, as we’ll be inside.
Right now the weather for show weekend looks glorious, so please keep your fingers crossed!
Here is LOTS of helpful information for show weekend:
Here’s a reminder of required clothing for all of our show riders. Of course, your Knollwood jods will look great with your purple shirt. Please talk to your instructor with any questions.
Our used clothing selection is ready for shopping in the show barn lounge. We have a great assortment of jods and boots, and we have lots of adult sizes at the moment.
Have some jods or boots that the rider in your house has outgrown? Please bring them to the barn and help support the retired school horses, the beneficiaries of all used clothing sales.
We’re pleased to have Hanna Agathen Photography covering the show. She has a great eye to capture horses and riders, and seems to always be in the right spot at the right time to catch those special moments.
It takes a lot of people to run a show for 100+ riders, and we’re fortunate to have so many families that join the adventure. If you haven’t volunteered yet, please consider signing up to help here.
You’ll meet great people, and help make the weekend a memorable one for Team Knollwood. No matter what your skill sets are, we have a job for you!
This is one of the last opportunities for Knockout members to get their 2022 service hours in. Remember that all members must have a minimum of two hours of club service in order to be eligible to earn a high point award at the banquet.
Important dates Coming Up:
10/2 Lunch pre-orders are due
10/5 Gift basket donations are due in the show barn lounge
Other News?
We’re in full ordering mode for Woodwear.
You can purchase the classic navy Knollwood jacket through October 9.
It’s our uniform for a good portion of the year, and comes with your name embroidered for only $125. It’s available in misses sizes XS-XL.
You can purchase a warm ¼ zip for kids or adults in a pretty powder blue color. It’s perfect for chilly days in the barn, and pretty much sheds hay and other barn debris.
Best of all, it will be embroidered with the Knollwood Logo, and is only $65.
We’re ordering these beauties through October 16.
We have new Jellybean Jods coming for fall and winter!
They’ll be a heavier fabric than the navy version, and will be black. The jods will have the same fantastic tan suede knee patches, and Knollwood embroidery. Best of all, they’ll come with one cell phone pocket, and you can customize these jods in a million ways. You can add more pockets, add or subtract length, or add beltloops. Please consult the order blank for charges for changes to the standard model.
We’re ordering these jods through October 16.
While you’re thinking about holiday gifts, remember that stirrups always make a perfect gift for the rider in your house. Please talk to Ann if you are interested, We’ll order them for you, and you’ll be using the same equipment that the pros use. (And they’ll last forever!)
New for 2023, all academy show riders will be required to purchase their own stirrups for showing. They're the perfect holiday gift.
Our show horses are at the St. Louis National Charity Horse show through the weekend.
Home to two pleasure equitation finals, Team Knollwood will be well represented in the junior equitation division by Brooklyn and Amelia, and in the senior division by Alexa, Emma, and Payton.
Also competing are Tori and Stella, Richie and Leila, Margit with Robert AND Shane, Allison and Joe, and Kerry with Henry AND Uno.
It’s a favorite show, and we’ll update with results as they come in.
You can watch the show free at Eventmix.com, or on the USEF Network.
See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!
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Stories From Futurity, and So Much More
Team Knollwood is all at home this week after a memorable Wisconsin Futurity last week. With everything from beautiful show horses to a busy academy performance, a good time was had by all, and we have stories to share. Here are a few of our favorites!
Lily and Fergie Make Their Mark.
In her first year out of academy, Lily is quickly becoming a team with the one and only Fergie. Officially known as Impressive Asset, this expressive mare is known for her strong opinions and her athletic ability.
Lily is figuring out how to control Fergie’s enthusiasm and athleticism. This energetic duo excelled in the single bit division, winning both their qualifier and their championship.
Lily and Fergie were a sight to be seen.
Jane and Willis Rock Adult Country Pleasure
Jane and Willis had a fabulous show at Futurity. Beautiful Willis, officially known as Garden of Roses, enjoyed the show almost as much as Jane did.
He thrives on all the extra attention that horse shows bring, and loves to hug everyone who comes into his stall.
He was feeling especially energetic and aware in his championship class, and made quite a performance.
Jane and Willis won both their qualifier and championship at the show.
Willis even worked at the academy performance on Saturday afternoon after his Country Pleasure duties were complete. More about that later.
Tori and Stella’s Mutual Admiration Society
Tori and her beautiful new mare Stella have become a real team in record time. Registered as Stella’s Stilettos, this striking bay mare loves every minute she spends with Tori, and brilliant Tori is learning many, many things about the mind of a show horse.
After just a few shows, these two have been showing together for much longer. They’re a joy to watch, and were stars at Futurity, winning both their qualifier and championship!
The Academy Team Brought Their Game
Twelve Knollwood academy riders made the trip to Madison, and made a strong show. Each of our riders showed to the top of their experience level, and learned many, many things.
All the classes were big and deep, with seasoned academy competitors working the ring for the three judges.
We’re so proud of all of our riders!
What’s Coming Up?
Photo Shoots with Hanna
Sunday, September 25
Hanna will be at the farm on Sunday the 25th for photo shoots with you and your favorite horse. She can also do family photos, or other shots.
There are a few spots left, and you can sign up here.
St. Louis National Horse Show
September 28 – October 1
St. Louis, MO
Team Knollwood will be making the trip with big numbers. The show hosts two pleasure equitation finals, the ASHBA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals.
The facility is beautiful, the management is fabulous, and the hospitality can’t be beat. Everyone wants to go to St. Louis, and Knollwood has many competitors joining the adventure.
We’ll update with webcast and schedule info soon.
Knollwood Fall Show
October 7-9
It’s coming up fast!
Horse assignments are done, and we’re just waiting for show shirts.
Here are a few reminders:
ALL pattern classes will be held Friday night, October 7. The performance starts inside at 6:00 PM.
Walk Trot and Canter classes as well as walk trot classes for riders 11 and up, and our academy walk trotters will be held on Saturday. The performance starts at 10:00 AM in the big outdoor ring.
Leadliners, maiden riders, and 10 and under walk trot riders will show in the little outdoor ring on Sunday. The performance will begin at 9:00 AM.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Saturday and Sunday classes will move to the following weekend, October 15 and 16. We can move the show indoors that weekend should the weather decide to not help us two weekends in a row.
Patterns will go on inside Friday the 7th rain or shine.
It takes a lot of volunteers to run a three-day show with more than 100 riders. We’d love your help with the concession stand, show set-up or teardown, or with donating food items to the show. We also have a few items needed for gift baskets, and you can check those out on the tackroom door in the school barn.
Remember, all Knockout members must volunteer at least two service hours to be eligible for an end of the year award at the banquet!
You can sign up to help here.
We also have two special items:
You can bid to ride in a special pattern class.
You and two friends can bid to give Scott a lesson. He’s really looking forward to being taught by Knollwood Kids, so bid soon!
Parents’ Academy Meeting
Friday, October 14
6:00 PM
Parents, join us as we host a preliminary meeting about the 2023 season. We’ll start at the beginning, talking about what academy showing entails, what it can do for the rider in your house, and why we love it so much.
We’ll host a kid-friendly meeting with demonstrations later in the fall.
Parents, please talk to your instructor with any questions you may have. You can sign up in the school barn lounge so we’ll have enough packets ready for everyone.
IASPHA Fall Show
October 22-23
The academy team is off to Beyond Stable Farm for the last IASPHA show of the season. We have many, many riders joining us, with many of our newest stars showing for the second time after making their debut at Showcase.
Street Clean-Up
Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 PM
Join your fellow Knockouts as they clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for Fall. It’s a wonderful way to meet more horse loving friends, and to fulfill your club service hours.
Ongoing
Woodwear for Gift Giving!
We’re ordering our classic jacket in misses sizes, and quarter zips in both youth and misses sizes. Order blanks and size samples are available in the school barn lounge.
Orders will close the weekend of the Knollwood show.
Jellybean Jods are Back!
They’re making the fun jods in a heavier weight black fabric for winter. They’ll feature the same tan suede knee patches and embroidery, and will come standard with one cell pocket.
Orders will close October 15.
See you at the barn, or at the in-gate!