Well, that was fun.

Louisville 2022 was a great one, and we’re happy to say that all of Team Knollwood is home safely. After a few days of rest the show barn will be on the road again to Indianapolis for the All American Horse Classic and the first of the Pleasure Equitation Finals. (We DO have to say that Scott was at it right away, shoeing horses that needed his attention.)

So many  great memories were made in Kentucky that we can’t possibly share them all. Here are a few of our favorites!

 

Richie Makes His Mark. Again.

Last year’s World’s Grand Champion of Junior Equitation made his first Louisville appearance in the senior division this year. He and Princess Leila were ready for the challenge, and were just electric in their qualifier. The dream team finished reserve world champions in the 14-year-old qualifier with a first place vote.

Never one to rest on his accomplishments, Richie returned to Freedom Hall on Thursday night for the World’s Grand Championship of Senior Equitation. After working on the rail, the judges trimmed the class of 22 to a final group of 10 that they wanted to see perform the pattern.

Knollwood was represented in the Top 10 by Payton and Richie.

The pattern was a challenging one, worthy of a world’s championship. Richie guided Leila through the complicated pattern with patience and brilliant horsemanship. He kept the princess lined up for all the tricky starts, and showed true halts when required. Not a step was out of place.

His solid no-stirrup work? You can find Richie riding lesson horses without stirrups every chance he gets.

In his first year in the senior division, Richie finished 4^th in the championship, quite an amazing accomplishment for a 14-year-old. Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in Richie’s performance.

 

 

 

A Force to Be Reckoned With - Payton and Gigi

Payton and her dynamic mare Gigi sure left their mark in Louisville. These two beauiful wild women won a deep 15-year-old equitation qualifier, and they were stunning.

Now they're off to Indy for the first of the Pleasure Equitation finals. Look for them in the senior division!

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn. Just Brooklyn.

Believe it or not, just a year ago, Brooklyn was showing with our academy show team.

She was a star in the 10 and under walk and trot division on the tough Midwestern academy circuit. Brooklyn has always been known for being a student of the sport and of horses in general.  She is intense, mature, and kind to all. Brooklyn will ride any horse at any time, whether it’s a Hackney Pony, a huge quarter horse, or a beautiful Saddlebred mare named Gamora.

Carol likes to say that Brooklyn is actually 40 years old.

At the beginning of this season, Brooklyn’s family purchased the beautiful mare Gamora for her to show in the equitation divisions. This is a new path for Gamora, who has been a wonderful performance horse.  She’s a smart girl like Brooklyn, and is learning her patterns well.

So, the team has shown several times, and made the decision to head to Louisville for the 11 and under equitation division. The rest is history.

In their first trip into Freedom Hall, Brooklyn and Gamora were named the unanimous world champions of the 11 and under equitation qualifier.

The dynamic duo showed back in the 13 and under World's Grand Championship, and did a bang up job on the rail before performing their pattern like pros. It was Gamora’s second pattern ever at a horse show, and you would never have guessed.

In a strong class of older and much more experienced riders, Brooklyn and Gamora finished a wonderful 6^th. These two have a bright future together!

 

 

 

Scott Has A Blast

Thanks to the generosity of the Kingsbury family, Scott was able to show a wonderful horse in the 5 Gaited World’s Grand Championship on Saturday night.

Scott showed Showdown, known to all at Knollwood as Tyler, with the best gaited horses in the country, and what a class it was. The best trainers around on the best gaited horses around – it was an adventure to watch.

From the look on Scott’s face, he enjoyed every minute of it.

 

What’s Coming Up?

Knollwood Show Entries Due September 7

Be sure to have your entries in by Wednesday for our show on October 7-9.

The shirt order is going in, so be sure you don’t miss out.

 

All American Horse Classic

September 6-10

The show horses are off to Indianapolis for the first of the pleasure equitation finals.

Our riders will be competing in the Pleasure Olympics and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals.

We’ll keep you posted with webcast info as it becomes available.

 

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

September 14-17

Madison, WI

Show and academy horses will be headed to the New Holland Pavillion for one of our favorite shows that features everything from weanlings to the state academy championships. It’s a short trip, so please come and cheer us on!

 

St. Louis National Charity Horse Show

September 28 – October 1

St. Louis, MO

A favorite of everyone, St. Louis features the ASHA National Championshp of Pleasure Equitation, the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals, the Hunt Seat Finals, AND the Shatner Western Finals.

 

 

Some fine print reminders:

Please remember to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early for your lesson. We want you to get as much riding time as possible, so please give yourself time to check the lesson chart and be ready to ride.

If you’re an academy rider and get your own horse ready, be sure to allow a minimum of 30 minutes to prep your horse.

After 3 months of enrollment in our program, ALL riders need to have proper attire to allow them to advance in their riding education.  We have posters around the barn, and if you have any questions, please talk to your instructor.

Academy riders and above, please allow time to take care of your horse after your ride. We build horsepeople, and you often learn the most by spending time with your horse before and after your ride.

 

 

 

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

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

At 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 21, the first class trotted into Freedom Hall in Louisville at the World’s Championship Horse show for the matinee performance, and in Hartland, the first leadline class was led into the little outdoor ring for the Sunday walk and trot performance at the Knollwood Summer Show.

These 2 events are not unrelated.

The world champion in any event was, at one time, a beginner.

It’s not lost on us that part of Team Knollwood is starting the next group of kids on their horse showing adventures while another part of Team Knollwood is putting our hard working, accomplished kids who have risen to the top of the sport into the ring at the World Championships.

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

Wherever you are in your showing career, you’ve no doubt learned some lessons. And honestly, the lessons may be on a grander scale if you are fortunate enough to continue to the show horse world, but they’re really not all that different.

And, some lessons are easier to learn early and often so here goes.

 

Showing horses isn’t easy.

Those of you just starting out may see the more advanced riders make showing look absolutely effortless. What you’re really seeing is the result of years of hard work, saddle sores on knees, frustration, and probably some tears. It may look like their horse understands everything they want, but again you’re seeing years of hard work and learning how to think and react like a horse

Trust the process of learning, and the results will come. If you’re willing to work for them.

 

 Cheer for Everyone, Especially Your Teammates.

Photo by Hanna Agathen

When you’re sitting in the lineup waiting for results, clap for riders who place ahead of you. Talk to the people next to you about their ride while you’re waiting.

 While you’re watching the show, cheer for everyone! It feels so good to be recognized.

 At a show away from home, maybe even in Louisville?

Cheer for everyone, compliment people you don’t even know on their good rides.

You’ll make some great horse friends along the way.

 

 

 Life Isn’t Fair. It’s Just Not.

 

Sometimes you don’t get the ribbon you think you deserve, sometimes you get a good ribbon that you know you didn’t deserve.

Sometimes you’ll make silly mistakes like missing diagonals, sometimes you’ll get cut off in the ring by mistake.

It’s all part of horse showing, so ask yourself if you and your instructor are pleased with your progress and performance. In the end, that’s all that really matters.

 

You’re not always going to win, nor should you. It’s a sport of mental organization and mental toughness. Showing horses requires a rider to control their thoughts and emotions in order to communicate with a big animal of flight who may be just as excited to be at a horse show as is their rider.

Learn to lose with grace so you can learn to win with grace. You can’t be a good winner until you learn to accept defeat with dignity.

 

 

 

 

Horse Showing Has Lots of Ups and Downs 

Sometimes the weather doesnt cooperate with outdoor shows, so we work out 'Plan B.'

Some shows you feel like you can do no wrong, some shows you think the judge doesn’t like anyone in your family.

Some shows your horse may be lame and you may have to change your steed for the show.

Margit got all the way to Louisville and found out that her fabulous gaited pleasure horse Charley couldn’t show because he was sore. It meant no rides on the green shavings for them this year, but of course. Margit was most concerned about her horse and his well being.

Horses will take you to the highest highs, and will bring you back to reality when they’re not feeling well, or are having soundness issues.

 

Horse showing requires lots of support staff.

At the Knollwood Summer Show, we are so fortunate to have a great mostly volunteer staff. Here are a few groups who make it fantastic:

Concession stand leaders and Knockout workers

Center ring staff who keep everyone safe

Announcers who keep the audience informed

Judges who place the riders and offer feedback where appropriate

Photographer Hanna who shot memories all weekend.

Gift basket donors and volunteers who run the program

Creator of the unique prizes offered to winners

Barn volunteers who mentor riders and take care of horses

Families and audience who cheer for everyone.

 

 

In Louisville, the staff behind the scenes is exceptional as well, of course.

The grooms keep show horses in tip top shape and looking great in the ring.

Scott, Carol and Lin work horses, train riders, coach at the show, teach lessons at the show, and so much more.

 

Parents make sure riders look perfect for their show ring appearances.

Knollwood families support each other throughout the show.

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

Horse showing gives us lifelong friends, a life full of great memories, and a lifelong appreciation of these beautiful animals who makes our lives complete.

Honestly, there’s nothing we’d rather be doing, and we’re glad you’re joining us for the adventures ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

September 5

Labor Day

We will not be holding lessons on Monday, September 5 in observance of Memorial Day.

 

September 6-10

All American Horse Classic

Indianapolis, Indiana

 

The show horses will be off to Indy for a great show, and the first of the National Finals in Pleasure Equitation.

Indy is home to the Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and to the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Finals. Both of these finals have senior and junior divisions, to expect to see lots of up and coming riders competing!

 

September 14-17

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

New Holland Pavillion, Madison, Wisconsin

The show horses and 13 academy riders will be competing in Madison. The show features the state championships of academy equitation, so we expect the competition to be deep, as always.

Please join us for this almost home show!

 

Knollwood Fall Show

Photo by Hanna Agathen

October 7-9

It’s coming up fast, and we expect to be taking entries already nest week. We know it’s a quick turnaround, and it’s going to be a fantastic show, featuring the finals of the 2022 Knollwood Challenge.

Judge Terri Anne Ulmann from Winsome Farm will be judging all classes.

 

 

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

Woo Hoo!

It’s almost time for the Knollwood show, and for the World’s Championship Horse Show which starts on Saturday. Before we get into upcoming events, let’s review a little…

Last weekend, our academy team participated in the ASAW Summer Showcase at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds. Our three adult riders showed on Saturday, while Sunday was the day for our newest stars.

Ten of our riders had participated in a prep camp where they learned what to expect at their first show. They even had camp on the show grounds on Friday where they had the chance to ride in the show arena, practice their patterns, and learn a little about the hard work that goes into prepping horses to show.

They all rode like stars on Sunday, and we’re so proud of these riders as they start their horse show adventures.

And, we're most grateful to these 6 fabulous personal assistants who took such great care of our new riders, and of our horses. Klem was beyond thrilled with the care and appreciation he received.

 

 

Did someone say Louisville? Eleven horses will be heading out later tonight for their trip to Kentucky.

Knollwood will be well represented in the equitation divisions with Richie and Leila in 14 year olds,

 

Payton and Gigi in 15 year olds,

 

Heather in 17 year olds,

And Louisville first timer Brooklyn with Gamora in the 11 and Under division.

 

We’ll be in the 5 gaited divisions with

Finn and Jade,

 

 

and Bella and Tyler.

 

Bella has even offered the charismatic Tyler to Scott who will be showing him in the grand finale Saturday night, the World’s Grand Championship of 5 Gaited Horses.

 

In the Park Division,

Lin will be showing Scott and Carol’s youngster Tate in the Open Class.

 

In the pleasure divisions,

Margit will be showing Charlie in the 5 gaited Junior Exhibitor classes,

 

And will be showing Robert in the 3 gaited Show Pleasure divisions.

 

Tori will be showing her beautiful Stella in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure classes.

 

Bella will also be showing Garfield in the Country Pleasure division for Adults!

 

If you can’t make it to Louisville, you can purchase the webcast either for certain days, or for the entire week here.

 

Updates to our Summer Academy Extravaganza:

The weather is not looking cooperative for this weekend, so we’ve decided to move the festivities inside for the first time in many, many years.

That means that start times will change, as there are still show horses at home that need to be worked while the others are in Louisville.

 

Our Friday evening pattern performance remains unchanged, and will begin at 6:00 PM.

Saturday’s show will begin inside at 12:30.

Sunday’s show will start at 11:00 AM with our leadline stars.

Please bring your own chairs, as this all happened so quickly we weren’t able to rent any.

Overflow parking will be available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot.

Our fabulous volunteers who manage the concession stand and the gift baskets have a bad weather plan, and they’d appreciate more help. If you’re able to donate a few hours, we guarantee you’ll meet fun people, AND you’ll fulfill your Knockout service hour requirements. 

You can sign up here!

 

 

 

We’re looking forward to a great weekend of horse showing both in Louisville and in Hartland.

 

See you at an in-gate!

The best lesson horses in the world are confused. They stood at the door all bright eyed on Monday expecting to come in for camp. However, this Monday, they enjoyed more time in the pasture and didn’t have to come in until noon.

It’s camp break week!

While the show riders heading to the World’s Championship Horse Show take over the farm to prep for the big show, the school horses enjoy a week of some leisure. Their relaxation time has given them time to reflect on Knollwood Summer 2022 so far, and on life in general.

Enjoy the musings of our merry band of lesson horses!

 

Actually, let’s start with Hazel Belle Boxer Matton. She was all ready to greet the campers on Monday morning, and spent the entire day looking for them. Really.

She was so sad without her kids.

 

Superstar Pumpkin has noticed that ‘these kids know what they’re doing!’ Our summer riding school sessions so far have been filled with riders already enrolled in our lesson programs, so the horses haven’t taught any beginner camp sessions yet. Rookie Pumpkin HAS enjoyed his first pattern camp sessions, complete with some games on horseback, and has given them a big thumbs up.

 

Legend Sparky has reigned over 4 sessions of Tiny Tot camp, including our first ever ‘Invitational Tiny Tot Camp’ for our most accomplished young stars.  And yes, Sparky DID get to approve the invitation list.

Picasso the perfect bareback sofa of a horse is loving all the bareback camp rides. He delights in building leg strength in his riders, and we suspect he watches their legs wobble after the dismount.

 

The box stall boys and Bee have been enjoying their pattern camps. Beau would like to know why the big outdoor ring is so big, Eddie would like to know when his next week of pattern camp is, as he has some new tricks to try, and Klem is happy to report that he hasn’t had to teach anyone the lesson of not pulling on his mouth.

You know, the one when he canters in suuuuper slow motion on a diagonal line in the big outdoor, halts, faces the instructor, and huffs the biggest huff ever to show his displeasure. And yes, his huffing destination is NOWHERE near where the pattern was supposed to be.

‘Competitive Fred’ would like to thank the pattern camp ladies for letting him join in on their game sessions. In Cece’s famous words, ‘This canter really isn’t that bad!’

 

Some of the lesson horses are using the camp ‘off ‘ week to spend some time with Dr Matt and to get some maintenance done. They’ll be feeling fabulous for the Knollwood show August 19-21!

Their farrier is also coming this week for pedicures before the big weekend, so it’s really a spa week for the lesson horses.

 

While he may not be a lesson horse, RIchmond is an important part of Team Knollwood. He'd says 'Thanks' to all the kids who make sure he has a comfortable chair in front of the barn to watch the world go by.

 

What's Coming Up?

Klem, Leon, and our other angelic starter academy horses are heading to Cedarburg this weekend where they’ll introduce 10 new academy stars to the adventures of horse showing. Klem is a bona fide celebrity at academy shows, and has a special cheering section including ALL of the center ring staff.

Add in Leon, Jelly, Baxter, Eddie, and Cashew, and it’s an all star line up.

 

Leon can hardly wait for the Knollwood show the following weekend, and he has a bet with Jelly and Hugo about who will win the most classes on Sunday afternoon. If you’d like to join in the wager, be sure to talk to Leon.

Do not in any circumstances give cash to Jelly or Hugo. You’ll never see it again.

 

The boys are all looking forward to their sold out all beginner week August 22-26. While the show horses will be competing at the World’s Championships, the best lesson horses in the world will be starting the next group of Knollwood Kids.

 

 

Knollwood Summer Show Updates!

Show shirts and back numbers are ready for pick up in the school barn lounge. They'll look great with the Knollwood Jelly Bean Jods!

Lunch preorders are due this Sunday, August 14. Remember, all orders benefit the Knollwood Knockouts, and are greatly appreciated.

Gift basket donations can be put in bins in the show barn lounge. Please have your items at the farm by Thursday, August 18.

We’ve flipped judges between our Summer and Fall Shows. We’re thrilled to welcome World Champion Equitation rider, UW Madison Student, and lifelong Knollwood Kid Sydney Budzinski as our judge next weekend.  There are lots of pictures of her on the wall of champions – she’s the beautiful rider in the light grey suit. You’ll see pics of her on the legendary Cartman, the winningest equitation horse ever, and on beautiful Sophie.

She brings wealth of knowledge and a real understanding of the process of learning how to ride.

Jane will be judging our Friday night pattern performance, and she’s READY!

 

Terri Anne will be joining us for the October show after she recovers from a broken ankle. We wish her a speedy recovery!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

IASPHA Shows are the best!

We returned from a beautiful weekend at Beyond Stable Farm where we competed with 12 academy riders, 2 ‘B’ riders, and 6 show horses with Carol and Lin.

What can we say? The facility is beautiful, clean, and the ventilation is beyond belief. The show management is a bunch of friendly efficiency experts, so the show runs seamlessly.

The food. There’s free food for exhibitors at the evening performances, a really good food truck during the day, and new this year, they added an ICE CREAM TRUCK!

 

Lily and Fergie's Smashing Debut

 

Lily K made her show horse debut this weekend with Fergie. Officially known as Impressive Asset, Fergie is a real personality, and likes to Go Go Go. Showing in the popular single bit division, Lily had a very impressive ride in her qualifier on Friday night, and even earned a 6^th place ribbon.

Lily came back in her championship after making some adjustments, and finished the champion at her first show with Fergie. We could not be more thrilled for Lily and her family.

 

Hanna and Frito Make Their Mark

 

Hanna A also got to show this weekend,  and got to ride Frito, one of Scott and Carol’s young horses. Registered as ‘Go Fund Me,’ Frito is a really good guy learning how to be a grown up. He and Hanna made some adjustments after their first class, and finished Reserve Champions in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure championship.

Hanna was also our hair stylist with assistance from Karina and Nicole, and Hanna was also working for National Horseman taking pics. She’s a busy lady!

 

Adult Academy Classes

Often overlooked at academy shows, IASPHA offers separate qualifiers and championships for grown-up academy riders. Their forward thinking led to really healthy adult classes of 9 riders, and four of them represented Knollwood.

Fully half of our walk, trot, and canter academy riders were 'grown-ups!'

 

 

 

 

Adventures of the Saturday Helpers

If the barn felt a little different last Saturday, it was because all of the World Famous Saturday Helpers were showing at IASPHA!

These horse girls have been friends for over 6 years, and they’ve never had a horse show weekend together. Of course, the Walk trot and canter riders helped and walk and trot riders on Sunday, and walk trotters helped the more experienced riders on Saturday.

They made the show a lot easier for us, as they helped the whole weekend, too!

 

 

 

Taylor

Taylor has been part of the Saturday team, but was never really sure if showing was for her. She took the plunge at IASPHA, and competed in the Green division, for riders competing in their first year.

She and Eddie were smooth as can be, and even finished reserve champions of the division at her first show. Many of the riders at the show have been showing since the spring, so it was quite a feat.

Congratulations to Taylor!

 

 

Nacho, Just Superman Nacho

Nacho is making a name for himself.

Another of Scott and Carol’s young horses, Nacho is being groomed to be a lesson horse extraordinaire. He has some big shoes to fill, and he’s learning his lessons so well.

 

At IASPHA, he showed in the Single Bit division with Mary and finished second in his qualifier. Later that evening, he wore his double bridle and helped Amelia qualify for the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final in St Louis.

On Saturday, Nacho and Mia were undefeated in the walk trot and canter academy division. Nacho looked like he was having the time of his life.

After a rest, Nacho showed in the Single Bit Championship and finished 5^th.

Sunday, Super Nacho finished in the walk and trot academy division with Maddie and made quite an impact.

He’s going to be a great one!

 

What’s Coming Up?

ASAW Summer Showcase

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

August 13-14

Team Knollwood is traveling with 14 riders, including 10 rockstars making their show ring debuts at the show.  Our new riders will be showing Sunday afternoon, and it’s worth the trip to come watch.

If you’re interested in helping with set up or show help, please talk to Nancy.

 

 

 

The World's Championship Horse Show

Louisville, KY

August 20-27

The Big Dance is almost here, and Knollwood will be there on the green shavings of Freedom Hall.

We'll post updates, and you can also buy the live feed from Richfield if you'd like to watch lots of horse show. We'll post the link later!

 

 

 

Knollwood Summer Show

August 19-21

It’s almost here!

100 riders strong, this is going to be the event of the summer!

Please make sure your Knockout membership is up to date, so we’ll collect your points.

There’s still time to bid on the luxury suite, and to sign up here to help with show operations.

We can hardly wait!

 

 

Knockouts Banquet

Saturday, February 18

The Legend at Brandybrook

Yes, it’s happening in person. We moved locations as Bristlecone will be undergoing renovations at our usual banquet time. We’ll have everything you loved about the earlier banquets, and the food will be just as delicious.

Be sure to save the date!

 

 

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