Thanks to everyone who came out last Saturday for our academy kick off. Our demo riders were joined by their parents who added their unique insight and advice to the program, Klem, Baxter, and Thomas were at the top of their games, and Lisa prepared a wonderful spread of appetizers and wine to enjoy during the program.

 

We’re thrilled to be introducing 14 riders to the joys and adventures of academy showing this season.  These Knollwood Kids are going to learn many, many things about horses and themselves, and have stories to share with everyone. We can hardly wait until April when our first three new stars make their debuts.

 

 

Have you met Pumpkin?

Our latest addition to the best school horses in the world just arrived from Kentucky, and his name is Pumpkin. This sturdy chap is half Morgan, and half Connemara pony. He was already working as a lesson horse in a riding program.

Our advanced riders are helping Pumpkin adjust to our way of doing things and he will meet our younger riders when his orientation is complete. Be sure to say ‘Hello’ to our newest arrival!

 

 

2022 Improvements

Have you noticed that the school barn is feeling warmer on chilly days? Well, of course it does, because we have a new furnace. The heat is much more consistent, even in the oldest barn on the farm.  The horses, cats, and dogs are enjoying it almost as much as we are!

 

 

We’re always looking for ways to improve the farm and our growing lesson program. New for 2022, we’ve instituted clothing requirements for all of our riders who have been enrolled for 3 months, excluding our tiny tot riders.

Knollwood riders are required to have their own helmet, riding pants, boots, and gloves.

Why did we make this new policy?

 

Proper attire is necessary for safety.

 Boots allow for proper foot placement in the stirrup, and make it easier to get feet in and out of the stirrups. Having your own helmet ensures proper fit, a must for helmet effectiveness. Riding pants provide comfort in the saddle and minimize saddle sores and slipperiness. Gloves keep a consistent feel on the reins, keep the hands warm, and prevent rein slippage.

Proper attire is necessary for progress.

It’s hard to learn proper form and technique when riders are distracted by leggings  bunching up under knees and reins slipping through fingers. Proper attire will allow instructors to clearly see a rider’s position, will allow students to maintain good foot position in the stirrup, and will make progress easier to attain.

We’ve provided links to some of our favorite products on the home page of our website for easy shopping.  Please talk to your instructor with any questions you may have.

 

 

 

 

Did you know...

that the Knockouts, our award winning youth group, has two big charity events coming up this spring and summer?

The club will start its annual food drive on May 1 for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. 

Each Knollwood Kid who collects a minimum of five food kits will be eligible to compete in the Knollwood Olympics on Saturday, May 21.

 

A food kit consists of:

  Boxed potatoes

  Gravy

  Canned vegetables

  Canned fruit

  Box of Jello

  Boxed dessert

  Can of soup

  Box of cereal

 

 

What are the Knollwood Olympics?

 Teams of kids, organized by days of the week, compete in fun ‘games of skill,’ such as blanket races,  blind buggy races, helmet tosses, and other interesting events we dream up.

 We’ve been running this food drive for more than 10 years, and we gather more than 1200 pounds of food each year for our neighbors in need. We'd love to have your help!

 

 

 

We’re organizing a memorial walk for a Knollwood Kid who passed away this year. Libby’s family asked that donations in her memory be made to Lifestriders, a therapeutic riding program in Waukesha. Please save the morning of June 11 to walk the bridle paths around the farm in memory of Libby. We’re in the early stages of planning the event and will update soon. If you're interested in volunteering, please talk to Ann.

 

 

 

 What's Coming Up?

March 12

Patchwork Pony Road Show

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Knollwood equitation mom extraordinaire Sue will be there to help Knollwood Kids and parents create the perfect outfit.

 

 

April 1

Last day for entries for the Knollwood Spring Show

Last day for Jelly Bean Jod Orders!

 

 

 

April 9-10

IASPHA Spring Show

Our first academy show of the season! Join us at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois.

 

April 16

Parents Night Out

Knollwood Kids, join the Knockout officers and board members for a few hours of barn fun!

 

May 1

Food drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County begins!

It continues through May 21.

 

 

 

 

May 13, 14, 15

Knollwood Spring Show

Judge for all three days is Knollwood Kid, National Champion, and Colorado State student Laney Lonchar!

Here's an overview of the weekend:

Friday Night 6:30 PM

WTC Pattern Classes and both Knollwood Challenge qualifiers

 

Saturday, start time TBD

WTC classes, all adult classes, Walk and trot riders 11 and over, and our premier walk trot division

 

Sunday, 10:00 AM

Leadline, 10 and under walk and trot, and maiden classes

 

 

 

May 21

Knollwood Olympics and Knockout meeting at 5:30 PM

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

Whether at home or in the arena, we hope you had a great time with the Knollwood Knockouts virtual banquet.  We enjoyed celebrating our academy champions, our fabulous lesson horses, the accomplishments of the Knockouts in 2021, and reviewed the year in the slideshow created by Abby.  Scott reviewed the year in the show barn as we snacked from our swag bags and blew bubbles.

One of the best things about the virtual banquet was that Hazel and RIchmond were able to take part in the festivities.  Of course, they made themselves right at home at the party.

 

 

In case you missed it, Baxter won the school horse of the year with Nigel in reserve.

 

Here’s a listing of all the champions we honored on Saturday night. We’re proud of all of our riders, and these Knollwood Kids worked really hard to earn these awards.

 

Sisters Morgan and Thea each won in-barn championships. These two are part of our world famous Saturday helper crew who frequently prep horses for as many as 70 lessons each Saturday.

Cecilia won a reserve championship in-barn. She’s a new Knockout board member, and the new lead helper on Tuesday night.

Lifelong Knollwood Kid and small animal vet Amanda won championships in the adult divisions both for in and out of barn divisions.

Bella won her first championship for in-barn WT pleasure.

Amelia, who is moving up into the ‘A’ circuit on Ava this season, won two championships and a reserve in the tough out of barn WT divisions. Amelia won the final of the walk and trot Knollwood Challenge, and  was also the high point out of barn rider!

Saturday helper Lydia won a reserve in-barn championship in her first season showing in walk trot and canter.

Emilie won her first out of barn championship in the WTC division.

Alexa, who is moving into the ‘A’ pleasure equitation division with Aaron this season won both a championship and reserve   in out-of-barn equitation and pleasure.

Sofia won a reserve equitation award in WTC equitation.

 

Charlie won her first reserve high point, coming in second in the leadline division.

Sophia was reserve in barn for both WT equitation for riders 9-10, and WT pattern.

The Saturday helpers rocked it, with Taylor winning a reserve championship for in-barn WTC pleasure.

Ziva earned a tough reserve championship in 11-17 in-barn walk and trot equitation.

Audrey, who just turned 7 on Monday, won the leadline championship.

Tess was a rock star in the out-of-barn 13 and under WTC division with reserve championships in both pattern and horsemanship.

Jilly, another Saturday helper, won the coveted championship in 9-10 year old walk and trot equitation.

Malea was reserve for in-barn 8 and under walk and trot equitation and horsemanship.

 

Monday and Friday helper Mia was out of barn champion for 13 and under WTC equitation as well as in-barn 13 and under horsemanship and reserve 13 and under equitation. She was also the reserve in-barn high point award winner.

Monday helper Hannah was in-barn champion for WTC pleasure, and reserve for equitation and pattern.

 

Maddie had quite a season. She’s the in-barn champion for 10 and under WTC equitation and horsemanship as well as the out-of-barn champion of WT horsemanship and reserve champion of 9-10 year old walk and trot equitation.  Maddie was also the high point winner for in-barn showing as well as the reserve high point winner for out-of-barn shows.

Dilly was our out of barn champion for 8 and under walk and trot equitation as well as our in-barn reserve champion for 10 and under WTC equitation.

Brooklyn was a rockstar this year. She’s the out-of-barn champion of WT horsemanship, and the reserve champ of WT pattern. In barn, she’s the champion of 10 and under WTC pattern, and reserve champ of equitation and horsemanship. She also won the final of the Knollwood Challenge WTC division!

Stella won the in-barn championship of WT pattern.

Lifelong Knollwood Kid Katie was the in-barn reserve champ of both adult WTC equitation and horsemanship.

Samara won the out-of-barn championship in both WTC pattern and 13 and under WTC horsemanship while winning reserve in 13 and under equitation. She’s also the in-barn champion of 11-13 equitation and reserve in 13 and under pattern.

 

 

In addition to the Knockout high point awards, our riders also received 18 academy awards from the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and we honored 10 show barn stars for their assistance in the academy program.

 

We offer great thanks to everyone who helped pull off the virtual banquet. Our fast thinking tech crew of Abby, Lin, Wendy, and Maria solved multiple tech issues and made it appear seamless. Thanks to Lisa for the gift bags, décor, and overall festive atmosphere. The Knockout officers, board members, and Shelby were wonderful on camera, as were Susan and Scott.

We’re planning to meet IN PERSON next February at Bristlecone!

 

What’s coming up?

Academy Kick Off Meeting

Saturday, February 26 at 7:00 PM

All riders starting their academy showing adventure in 2022 should attend our evening with current academy stars and their parents. It’s a fun follow-up meeting which will include clothing requirements, what to expect at the first show, what associations to join, how we assign horses for shows, and so much more. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask lots of questions of instructors, parents, and academy riders.

Please be sure to RSVP in the school barn lounge so we know how much food to provide. Please come hungry!

 

Patchwork Pony Road Show

Saturday, March 12 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn Oconomowoc

The Patchwork Pony is bringing their expansive inventory to the neighborhood to outfit our academy stars.  Knollwood’s super equitation mom Sue Berget will be hand at 8:30 AM to help our riders put together the perfect look for the show ring.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 9-10

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first academy show of the year!

Join us as we kick off the 2022 show season.

 

 

Parents Night Out

April 16

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Come enjoy some barn fun with the Knockout officers and board members. Parents can catch some dinner while Knollwood Kids enjoy time in the barn. Best of all, it’s only $25 for Knockout members!

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 13-15

New for 2022, our in-barn shows will start on Friday night with our pattern classes for walk trot and canter riders as well as our Knollwood Challenge qualifiers. The rest of the schedule remains the same.

We’ll start taking entries for the show on March 1, and the shirt color is a fabulous coral color!

 

 

See you at the barn!

We can hardly wait!

The Knollwood Knockout virtual banquet is coming up this Saturday night.  We’ve gathered all the information you’ll want to know about the fun filled evening, whether you’ve purchased a seat, or are watching from the comfort of your home.

The banquet starts at 7:00 PM this Saturday evening, and is happening in the indoor arena. Home viewers can see the whole affair on Facebook Live. We may be doing sound checks a little early to make sure our sound system is at a good level for everyone at home.

 

 

Since the gala is taking place in the arena, you can leave your party clothes at home. (Unless you REALLY want to dust off that ball gown or tails.)

Attire for the evening is comfy and warm. Of course we’ll be cranking the arena heat, but it IS still an arena.

 

We’re not serving food in the arena outside of the party bags that come complete with snacks, beverages, bubbles, and a school horse of the year magnet. (Please try to contain your enthusiasm and don’t open your envelope until the horse is announced!) Adults are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Preordered party bags for home viewers can be picked up at the barn starting on Friday.  Lisa has been working hard putting these cool bags together, and wants to make sure all the ingredients are fresh for Saturday night.

Everyone who purchased a seat will receive their bag upon their arrival in the arena.

 

 

Home viewers, get comfy in your banquet watching attire, and  tune into the Knollwood Facebook page to see the live broadcast.

Team Knollwood members watching from home are welcome to dress up for the affair. Please send pics of your party attire to us on FB!

 

Your party bag will include a bottle of bubbles.  Please feel free to blow bubbles with us when you see bubbles on the broadcast.

To view the fantastic slide show created by Abby, we’ll provide a link during the broadcast, and you can watch along with us. We’ll come back together on FB live after the slide show!

We’d love to hear from our home audience, so please keep comments and pics coming, especially during the long awaited ‘State of the Farm’ address by Scott.

 

 

 

Schedule of Banquet Events

2021 Knockout President Heather will review the year that was, and introduce her staff that made it a wonderful year for the Knockouts.

Incoming 2022 Co-Presidents Emma and Hanna will introduce themselves and their fellow officers and board members. They’ll also offer a preview of plans for the upcoming year.

 

Treasurer Susan will give the financial report for 2021. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Awards!

We’ll present high point awards for in-barn and out-of-barn shows for the 2021 season, recognize our show riders who have helped in our academy program, and announce all of our academy riders who earned medals from the American Saddlebred Horse Association. We’ll finish the awards presentation with the announcement and awards for our overall high point award winners for both in-barn and out-of-barn academy show season.

 

Horse of the Year Award!

Our Knockout officers and board members will present the reserve and champion school horse of the year for 2021! The winner even has his own video!!

Slideshow

Created by Abby,  our in-house graphic artist and technology expert, we'll watch the show that captures the spirit of the year and of Knollwood. We'll provide a link so our home audience can watch along with us.

 

Scott’s State of the Farm Speech

Always a highlight of the year, Scott will review the year that was.  He will deliver ‘words of wisdom’ about the show barn teams, look forward to new combinations for 2022, and basically riff on all things Knollwood. Comments are greatly appreciated, especially from the junior exhibitors who are at home or sitting in the front rows at the banquet. It’s a thing of beauty.

Outro and Bubbles

The 2022 Knockout officers and staff will end the banquet with bubbles, so be sure to save some for the finale.

 

We sincerely hope that we'll meet again in person next year to celebrate all of the accomplishments of Team Knollwood.

 

 

 

 What's Coming Up?

Academy  Demo Evening

7:00 PM Saturday Night, February 26

All academy riders making their debut this season are required to attend this evening of demos and discussions with current academy stars and their parents. Refreshments will be served, of course.

 

 

Jelly Bean Jods have arrived!

Our size samples have arrived, and we’re just waiting to get the embroidered sample back. We’ll start ordering these custom beauties as soon as we can.

 

Knollwood Entries starting March 1.

Entries for the Spring show are starting on March 1.  The show is Friday-Sunday May 13-15.  New this year, we’ll hold the WTC pattern classes and the Knollwood Challenge qualifiers on Friday night.

The shirt color for May is Hot Coral, and it’s beautifully bright.  Entries will close on April 1.

 

 

Summer Camp Sell Out!

Our summer camps are totally, 100% sold out. We can’t wait for Knollwood Summer 2022!!

 

 

See you at the farm, or at the banquet!

 

 

 

Knollwood Kids have pretty much filled up their bulletin board with their school horse Valentines, so now it's the horses' turn.

 Jelly took  the school horse iPad, and  interviewed all the horses about who they'd send their Valentine cards to. We think there are a few surprises here.

 

 

Bee’s Valentines are Mia, Brooklyn, and all the other Knollwood Kids who are teaching her to slow down and enjoy life at the home of the best lesson horses in the world.

 

 

Big Frank answered with a question, ‘What’s a Valentine? Is it scary like a blow dryer?’ ‘Nuf said.

 

 

 

Duke would send a Valentine to Shelby for the Tuesday night spa treatments, especially on his hairy legs.

 

 

 

Fred’s Valentine would be sent to Knollwood’s home office. He just loved his stall and a half. It’s perfect for his daily naps.

 

 

 

Happy’s Valentine would go to Honey Bee. He pretends to not like her by chasing her all over the paddock, but we all know how boys are …

 

 

Hugo would like to send hugs and kisses to his neighbor Picasso. You all know why.

 

 

 

Jelly sends Valentines to ALL of his hairstylists. It takes a village to keep Mr. Jelly looking his fashion forward best.

 

 

Leon sends his Valentine greeting to Mac, his pasture friend.

 

 

Lil Frank gives his heart to all the helpers who are helping him get over his fear of the arena heater. He’s just realizing that it’s much more comfortable with the heat on.

 

 

Mac reciprocates and sends his Valentine wishes to his  pasture friend Leon.

 

 

 

Nigel’s Valentines are all the patient kids who take their time with his girth.

Picasso’s Valentine is most definitely not neighbor Hugo. In fact, he sends greetings to all the Knollwood Kids who keep begging to play ‘steal the crop.’

 

 

 

Sparky sends his Valentine to the horse kids who spend extra time shedding out his fuzzy winter layer.

 

 

Thomas wishes Happy Valentines to Dr. Matt who keeps him comfortable with adjustments.

 

 

Vaughn sends special Valentine wishes to all the helpers who let him sleep in the afternoons.

 

 

Baxter sends Valentines to all his mint providers.

 

 

Beau loves all his hard riding Knollwood kids who have helped him get his energy back.

 

 

Cashew sends Valentines to all the kids who forget to put on his cribbing collar before they leave at night.

 

 

Dexter's Valentines are all his friends who appreciate his personality. You know, how he acts like a wild man behind his bars until his door opens when he becomes the friendliest horse in the world.

 

 

 Eddie wishes Happy Valentines to his friends who appreciate his special bridling needs.

 

 

Hooper’s Valentines are the Knollwood Kids who put on his clothes correctly, never over his head.

 

 

Klem sends Valentine wishes to everyone.

 

 

Murphy wishes Happy Valentines to his owner Jodi.

 

 

 

 

Sport’s special Valentines are his favorite show rider Dilly, and his trusted vet Dr. Matt who keeps him feeling his best.

 

 

He may not be a lesson horse, but Richmond of Knollwood sends Valentine's wishes to his primary health care provider, Dr Rachel. She grew up a Knollwood Kid, and is now a small animal vet at North Lake Veterinary Clinic. Rachel has saved several of Richmond's 9 lives, and he's only 2 years old!

 

 

What's Coming Up?

Knollwood Knockouts Virtual Banquet

February 19

The Knockout virtual award banquet is coming up fast on Saturday, February 19. Join us at 7:00 PM on Facebook Live or make a minimum donation of $35 to the Knockouts and join the fun live in the arena. All seats include a swag bag and the opportunity to watch events unfold in person. Deadline for seat reservations is Friday.

 

Academy Night

February 26

We're asking all of our academy riders making their show ring debuts this year to join us in the arena on Saturday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. We'll enjoy demos from some of our top academy stars, and we'll talk about clothing, preparation, and the keys to success. Academy parents will be there as well to answer questions.

 

 

 

Patchwork Pony Road Show

March 12

The Patchwork Pony consignment store will be in Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 12 from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM.  Super equitation mom Sue will be there in the morning to help our new show stars find the perfect outfit. You can meet her at the Hilton Garden Inn!

 

 

IASPHA Spring

April 9-10

Our first academy show of 2022! Come join us at Beyond Stable Farm to watch new combinations, new age divisions, and so much more!

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 13-15

We'll be showing in the great outdoors for the first time this season. With pattern classes on Friday night, it's going to be a three day show!

Entries will be available in early March.

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

And don't forget to kiss your horse for Valentine's Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 So, in these crazy times, we're a little behind.

Today, let's celebrate the Knollwood Kids who started their college careers this year!

 

Tessa grew up a Knollwood Kid, riding with us since she was 10. From her very first lesson, Tess exuded a calm presence around horses, and they have all loved her since her first lesson.

Tessa’s calm demeanor comes with an inner strength that drives her to succeed in everything she does. She’s been an important helper and counselor since she was old enough, and has kind words for all of our new riders, even when it can be a little challenging. She’s at her best with timid beginners who always leave with a smile on their faces after a session with Tessa.

When she wasn’t at the farm, Tessa attended a challenging high school that prepares its students for careers in the medical professions. To give herself a leg up, Tessa earned her CNA, and has been working at several health care facilities to gain important experience before college.

Tess is a true student of the sport. Her sportsmanship is constant, and she is always there to cheer on other riders and offer an encouraging word. As anyone who’s been involved with horses knows, not everything goes as you hope all the time, and Tessa has certainly had her challenging rides. True to form, she moves on and learns from each experience with a horse with grace.

Did we mention that Tessa is beautiful on a horse? Her specialty is riding and showing academy horses that have plenty of ‘gas in the tank.’ She finished her junior exhibitor academy career with top ribbons on Murphy last season.

Tessa is currently studying at the University of Minnesota’s School of Nursing. She’s loving the Twin Cities, and visited us over the holidays. We know she’ll be a great nurse.

 

 

 

Knollwood Kid Bela started in 2009 at our summer riding school.

 While growing up in Philadelphia, Bella summered at her family’s home on Oconomowoc Lake. She couldn’t get enough of horses and Knollwood during those summers.

Bella started year round training with Scott and Carol with an eye on the show ring. Commuting to Knollwood from Pennsylvania meant some action packed weekends and summer days with lots of lessons.

 

 

In 2018, Bella’s grandparents purchased the beautiful Far Away Garfield for Bella to show in the Country Pleasure division. This grand gelding and red haired Bella were a perfect combination.

 

The following year, Team Bella purchased the exciting 5 gaited star Showdown for even more adventures. He’s a big powerful gaited horse, and has provided plenty of exciting rides.

Bella and her family were generous this past fall when they loaned Garfield to Laney so she could compete in more classes during her final fall season. Bella was hitting the books her first semester of college, and chose not to show in the fall.

Bella graduated from AIM Academy in Philadelphia, and is currently studying Psychology at the University of Kentucky. She hopes to become an Occupational Therapist.

Bella is a member of the UK Equestrian Team, and is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

 

Bella adds 'Knollwood always felt like a second home and it taught me so many skills that make me who I am today. I'm so grateful for that.'

 

 

Knollwood Kid Laney is a third generation horsewoman.  Her passion for horses started in the Arabian divisions, as did her show career.

She made the switch and started with Scott lessons at Knollwood in 2018.  The rest is history.

Laney started her Saddlebred show journey when she leased Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance, known around the barn as Robert. She and Robert bonded immediately, and even won their first class.

In her first year of competition, Laney even ribboned at the World’s Championship Horse Show and at the National Championship American Royal.

After her initial show season, Laney’s family purchased Aaron, officially known as Seven Oaks Heir Man, for Laney to continue her education. From the beginning, this expressive gelding and Laney formed a mutual admiration society, and they learned all about each other during the 2020 season.

2021 was Laney’s breakout season. In addition to Aaron, Laney was fortunate to also show Far Away Garfield in some of her classes. The Kingsbury family generously loaned the grand gelding while their granddaughter was studying at the University of Kentucky.

 

Laney had a grand year.  After winning her pleasure equitation championship at Midwest,  Laney finished reserve national champion in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals, and was the bronze medalist in the senior division of the Pleasure Equitation Olympic Final.

She continued to St. Louis where she won the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final in the senior division, and finished third in the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation.

 

To cap off an amazing junior exhibitor career, Laney finished in the top 10 of the prestigious USEF Medal Final.

 

Laney’s secret to success? Laney will ride ANY horse at ANY time to learn everything she can. She never stops learning. She even home schooled her final year of high school so she could devote more time to riding, and she started college second semester so she could concentrate on the fall equitation finals.

 

Laney is currently studying Equine Science at Colorado State University, and would like to continue to vet school. Laney will be a horse person forever.

 

Laney's mom Jen adds, 'We chose Knollwood initially because of their reputation of producing some of the best equitation riders in the industry. After some lessons, we realized it was a natural fit.

We love the magic between Scott and Carol. They are so different in their teaching styles but at the same time everything is complementary to the other. When you're riding with Knollwood, there is always a team of supporters in the stands to cheer for you, or hugs waiting for you when you come out of the ring.

Laney only started riding equitation when she was 15. Jen gives credit to Knollwood for giving Laney the opportunity to conquer her dreams in equitation and for making her a real horsewoman.

Jen's advice to parents? 'Enjoy the ride. TIme goes by so fast and before you know it, they'll be off to college. Winning is great, but it's the lessons our kids learn when they lose, how they deal with it, and what they learn. Those are the things that build character and will stay with them forever.' 

 

 

 

 

 

Finn may have been a horse in a former life.

She started her show ring career in 2008 in academy leadline, and finished her junior exhibitor career last November with top four finishes in the equitation finals at the Royal.

 Finn lives in Colorado.

Her parents decided to make the switch to Knollwood to help talented Finn progress in her equitation career. So, since 2017, Finn and her parents Greg and Liesl have spent lots of time on planes, and make Knollwood their second home.

Finn started out strong in her first season with Knollwood, with wins at Midwest, Lexington, and at Indy where she won the Junior UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup and the Junior division of the Pleasure Equitation Olympics. She continued to St. Louis, where she won the 13 and under Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final.

The following season, she was paired with Royal Tryst, known to all as Sophie. These two blondes presented a picture of calm grace, most of the time. This game mare certainly made for some great learning experiences. She and Finn cracked the top 10 in a national equitation final for the first time, finishing 8^th in the USEF Medal final.

Finn continued her riding education with regular trips to Knollwood, and learned SO much from Sophie and the show barn lesson horses along the way.

For the 2020 season, Finn’s family purchased CH-EQ Brookhill’s Passion Punch, who had just won the Triple Crown of saddle seat equitation for fellow Knollwood Kid Haley Berget.

Leila, who is probably 10 times more game than Sophie, enjoyed Finn from the start. The firey mare was balanced out by calm, cool Finn through their adventures. The new dream team finished in the top 10 of all three BIG equitation finals their first year out.

In their final year together, Finn and Leila were consistently at the top of the best equitation teams in the country.  They enjoyed wins at Midwest, May Classic, and FASH before earning a Reserve World’s Grand Championship at Louisville. The dream team also finished in the Top 10 of all the Triple Crown finals.

Finn also enjoyed the opportunity to show a gaited horse this season, which she loved. Finn will be showing her very own gaited horse in 2022 after her parents purchased Riverdreams Masquerade at the American Royal.

In addition to her riding time, Finn has served as a mentor to our academy riders, helping them at shows throughout the year.

She graduated from Regis High School in Denver, and is currently studying at the University of Michigan. She’s been enjoying college life and watching Michigan football.  She’s trying out lots of options, and is currently leaning to a career in business.

 

‘The journey with Scott and Carol and the Knollwood family has forever changed me.  I have learned so much from both of you, in and out of the show ring. You’ve taught me discipline, compassion, and the meaning of hard work.

These past five years with Scott and Carol has made me a different rider, and ‘Thank You’ will never be enough.’

 

We applaud the contributions of these wonderful Knollwood Kids and horsewomen. We know they'll continue to do great things, and can't wait to have them back in center ring during Spring break.

 

 

 

What's Coming Up? 

 

Clothing Requirements

Please check out our new page on the website outlining our lesson clothing requirements. Because proper equipment and clothing are essential to riding progress, we ask all students excluding tiny tots to follow these guidelines after three months of enrollment. Please reach out to your instructor with any questions you may have.

 

 

Consignment Sale

Join us this Saturday, February 5 from 10 AM until 2 PM in the show barn lounge. We’ll have gently used apparel that Knollwood Kids have outgrown, and Jodi will be there with bling and ties. Plus, some academy moms will be there to offer personal shopping assistance.

 

 

Knockout Banquet

The virtual Knockout Banquet is coming up at 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 19. If you haven’t already purchased your swag bag, or bid on a seat, make sure you do it soon! All purchased seats include a swag bag, plus the opportunity to see the banquet unfold in person. That is entertainment in itself!

 

 

 

Academy Night

All academy riders showing for the first time this year should plan on joining us on Saturday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. We’ll offer demos, and the chance to ask lots of questions of riders, parents, and staff. Plus, we’ll have refreshments! 

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

 

 

Patchwork Pony Road Show

Patchwork Pony is coming Saturday, March 12 to the Hilton Garden Suites in Oconomowoc from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. They have a terrific selection of academy clothes, and super equitation mom Sue will be there in the morning to help our newest show stars make their selections for the 2022 season.

 

 

 

KF Spring Show

It’s coming up May 13-15.

Why three days? We’re holding pattern classes and Knollwood Challenge classes on Friday night to shorten the other two performance days.

We’ll start taking entries in March.

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn!