The holidays are getting closer and closer. With the supply chain being as it is, we thought we’d publish our gift list a little early this year. Here are the gifts that Knollwood Kids of all ages would love to receive!

 

Fun Gifts?

 

Saddlebred Glitter Sweatshirt

The perfect layering piece while you’re getting your horse ready for your lesson, this sweatshirt says it all about Saddlebreds. This unisex sized sweatshirt is available in a number of different colors, and you can order here.

 

Saddlebred Jar Candle

The American Saddlebred Museum sells pretty jar candles in a number of horsey scents. Our favorite? The scent of a tack room. 

You can purchase here, and support the museum in their preservation of Saddlebred history, too.

 

 

Practical Gifts?

 

Warm Gloves

Even with heated barns and arenas, Wisconsin winters can be tough on hands.  These warm gloves from Dover saddlery will take you to the barn to the arena in comfort. And, they won’t slip on the reins!

For our younger Knollwood Kids, these winter gloves from HorseLoverz.com will keep smaller hands warm.

 

Helmets

This is our favorite helmet for our academy riders, and it’s available from Smart Pak. It’s safety certified, and offers a great profile and venting. It’s ready for the show ring!

 

 

 

ASHBA Membership

You can purchase a membership for your favorite Knollwood Kid! Membership will enroll your academy rider in the association’s academy award program, and support the breed as well.

 

 

Saddle Rental

For the academy rider in your home, we recommend renting a saddle for the year. Our rental saddles all have adjustable stirrup bars for the perfect fit, and are available in a number of sizes and brands to fit all riders. Rental is a great idea to accommodate growing riders, too. The cost for the year is only $250.

Please talk to Ann or Nancy if you’re interested in rental for 2022.

 

 

Stirrups

We also recommend that academy riders purchase their own stirrup leather and irons.  We use good quality calfskin leathers which will not stretch over time, and stirrup irons with width based on the rider’s size.  Students can keep their stirrups at the barn, and just pop them on a rental saddle for their lessons.

Stirrups and leathers range from $150 - $200 plus shipping, and we’re happy to order them for you.  Please talk to Ann if you’re interested in ordering this wonderful gift!

 

 

 

Knollwood Gift Certificates

The best gift of all is a gift certificate for your Knollwood account. Friends or families can purchase gift certificates for any amount which will be added to your account, and will be used to pay your enrollment fees.

Between November 26 and December 31, all gift certificates will be 10% off.

 

Reminders:

The UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show is going on in Kansas City, and Team Knollwood is in the thick of it. You can purchase the webcast at www.RichfieldVideo.com if you’d like to watch in real time. We’ll update results as they come in.

 

This Saturday, we’re hosting our academy meeting for parents. Come join us at 7:00 on the arena when we’ll discuss academy showing and all it has to offer.

 

Our academy team is heading to Beyond Stable Farm for our final show of the year on November 19 and 20.  Twelve riders will be participating in the Turkey Trotters show, and we’d love an audience.  Please come join us!

 

The Knockouts are adopting a family for Christmas, and will be posting a list of the wish list provided to us. Please help the Knockouts support a family in need if you are able. Club members will wrap the gifts at Parents’ Night Out and the officers will deliver them.

We’ll be closed on Thursday, November 25 so everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration with their families and friends. All accounts will be credited for the missed lesson.

 

School Horse of the Year voting starts on December 1. Just pay your 2022 Knockout dues, and receive a ballot. The winner will be announced at the banquet.

 

Parents’ Night Out is coming up on Saturday, December 4 from 5-8.  Knollwood Kids will enjoy 3 hours of fun with the club officers and board members. The event includes dinner, games, and a gift wrapping session for the donations for our adopted holiday family.

 

After a year off, the Knockout Holiday Party is back on Saturday, December 11. All members and their families are welcome to join us at 6:00 for a meeting, party, and election of officers for 2022. The event is free to members, and we ask that you sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many guests to be ready for.

 

The party also offers an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift of $25 value to the party.

If you’re not yet a Knockout member, we’d love to have you. Your instructor can help you join the fun!

We’ll be closed on December 24 and 25 as well as December 31 and January 1.  All lessons will be credited for the holidays.

 

 

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

What a show season it’s been.

 Team Knollwood has travelled all over the Midwest competing against the best horses and riders in the country. We’re off to the last show of the season when the horses leave for the UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show.

Starting on Monday morning at 11:00 AM, Hale Arena will be home to competition for National Championships and two big equitation finals. The show features beautiful facilities, wonderful management and hospitality, and a vibrant city in which to spend any off time.

Team Knollwood will be represented across many divisions.  Here’s a quick peek of the Knollwood Kids competing at the Royal!

 

 

5 Gaited

College Girl Finn and Shane (Admiral Able) will be racking through the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited classes at the Royal.  Just off wins at Mane Event, these two will be a team to watch.

 

 

Haley and Allen (Americanas Standing Ovation) are headed to the tough amateur 5 gaited division in KC.  These two have formed a mutual admiration society, and are always a blast to watch.

 

 

Show Pleasure

Tori and Frankie have had quite a first season together. These two get along like they’ve known each other forever, and they’ve had many excellent adventures.  Look for this beautifully graceful team in the 3 gaited show pleasure classes for riders aged 14-17.

 

Margit and Robert will join Tori in the show pleasure division for riders 14-17.  Robert loves being a horse every day, and Margit helps him look mighty every day.  Watch for heir smiling faces in Hale Arena.

 

The dynamic duo of Margit and Charlie have had a most successful season.  They’ve been in the top ribbons from Milwaukee to Louisville, and they’re ready to take on all junior exhibitor 5 gaited show pleasure challengers in KC.

 

Richie and master teacher Fergie will take on all competitors in 13 and under Show Pleasure. Fergie has an opinion about just about everything, and Richie has all the answers.

 

Equitation Riders

5 Knollwood Kids are heading to the Royal to compete in the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, and in the USEF Medal Final.  The final two jewels in the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation, these finals represent the highest achievement in the discipline.

 

Meet the Knollwood Kids:

 

13 year old Richie is finishing his junior equitation career at the Royal. He and his beautiful mare Sophie (officially known as CH-EQ Royal Tryst) have had quite an action packed year.

They’re the current World Champions of Equitation for riders 13 and under, and won the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Final last year, so he cannot compete in that final again.

Richie is looking forward to competing in his age group and the junior national final, and in the biggie, the USEF Medal Final where he’ll compete against riders up to 17 years old.

 

 

 

 

 

In her first year of competition in the senior equitation division, Payton has finished at the top of competitions againt riders with  years more experience than she has. In KC, Payton will compete with two different equitation horses. 

Payton is qualified for all the finals,  and will show her ‘heart horse’ Eli, officially known as ‘Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist,’ in the Challenge Cup final and in the Medal final.

Riddle, officially known as ‘Who’s on First’,  is making the trip to Kansas City to compete with Payton in her age group and in the National Championship.

We can hardly wait for 14 year old P to show the older competitors that she’s wise beyond her years.

 

 

 

 

16 year old Heather is making the trip to KC with her legendary equitation horse Sammy, officially known as ‘Reedanns Why Not.’ Heather has won top ribbons at every show she’s been to, including a third place finish in the World’s Grand Championship and most recently a 3rd place finish in the Good Hands Final.

This charismatic team will be competing in both the Challenge Cup Final and the Medal Final. We can hardly wait to see them enter Hale Arena.

 

 

17 year old Laney will be finishing her successful junior exhibitor career at the Royal, and she’s fortunate to be competing on two horses.

Laney will be showing Garfield, officially known as ‘Far Away Garfield’ in the UPHA Final and in the Medal Final. Garfield is owned by the Kingsbury family who have loaned him to Laney for the finals while his usual partner, Bella, is concentrating on her college studies.

Laney’s horse Aaron is also making the trip to Kansas City to show in the age group qualifier and in the championship.

Laney has had a fantastic season in the with her 2 equitation rockstars.  Laney won the Senior division of the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion, and was Reserve National Champion in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final. She is also the bronze medalist in the Pleasure Olympics, and finished third in the ASHA National Championship of pleasure equitation.

 

 

Finn is finishing her storied equitation career at the Royal. An equitation rockstar, Finn has been a competitor since her junior equitation days. Heck, she started showing leadline academy when she was only 6!

Currently studying at the University of Michigan, Finn is making the trip to compete with Leila, known to all as CH-EQ Brookhill’s Passion Punch. This firery mare and elegant Finn make a stunning combination in the ring.

Finn has had quite a year, including winning the Reserve World’s Grand Championship at Louisville, and she’s looking to cap a 9 year equitation career with an exciting show at the Royal.

 

We wish all the Knollwood Kids a fantastic show in Kansas City. We’ll be cheering from world headquarters, and watching the live feed here.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

November 10

Woodwear Orders are Due!

They make great gifts for yourself or others.

 

 

November 13

Parents Meeting for Academy Season 2022

Please let us know if you’ll be joining us for an informational session about the 2022 academy season. This meeting is for parents only, and we’ll follow up with a kid friendly meeting in early spring which will include demos and kids on horses.

 

November 19 and 20

Turkey Trotters Academy Show 

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is off to Illinois for a final show of the season. Performances are Friday evening and Saturday morning.  Please come cheer us on!

 

 

November 21 and 28

Holiday Photo Shoots with Hanna

Sign up here for the perfect photo shoot with beautiful holiday décor.

 

 

 

 

 

November 25

Thanksgiving

No Lessons

Accounts will be credited.

 

 

 

 

November 26 – Dec 3

Knockouts Holiday Family Adoption

The Knockouts will be ‘adopting’ a family for Christmas, and they’d love your help. We’ll post needs for the family in the school barn lounge, so you can sign up to donate items on the list.

Please help us make a family’s Christmas a little brighter.

Please have donations to the barn by December 3 so we can wrap the gifts and deliver them in plenty of time for the holidays.

 

 

 

December 1

School Horse of the Year Election Begins

Starting on December 1, you’ll receive a ballot for School Horse of the Year when you pay your 2022 club dues. The election winner will be announced at the banquet on February 19.

 

 

 

December 4

Parent’s Night Out

5-8 PM

All Knockout Kids are welcome to hang out with club officers and board members from 5-8 on Saturday, December 4.  You’ll enjoy dinner, fun with friends, and a gift wrapping session for the presents donated for our adopted family for Christmas.

It’s only $25, and you sign up in the school barn.

 

 

 

December 11

6:00

Knockouts Holiday Party and Officer Election

All Knockouts are welcome to join the fun of a scavenger hunt, pizza dinner, and election of club officers for 2022.

Sign ups will be starting soon.

Not yet a member? Please talk to your instructor to join the fun.

 

 

December 24 and 25

December 31 and January 1

No Lessons

Accounts will be credited.

 

See  you soon at the barn or at the ingate!

 

 

You’ve probably heard us saying it many times, but we love academy showing.

We just returned from the IASPHA  Fall show, and what a show it was. Most of the academy classes had to be split because entries were bigger than the arena could accomodate in one class.

We’ve participated in 10 shows this season, and are off to our final academy show of 2021 on November 19 at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock. We’re already looking forward to 2022 when we hope to travel to 12 academy outings.

Here are just a few reasons why we’re big believers in the academy show experience:

 

 

Goal Setting and Confidence

Our academy outings range from shows for the least experienced riders to those that showcase our most experienced stars who have been competing for years. Each of our riders has their own goal for each show.

Whether it’s getting correct diagonals or perfecting a difficult pattern,  riders build confidence through working towards and reaching their goals. You just can’t beat the feeling of reaching a personal goal through hard work and teamwork with your horse.

 

Communication and Problem Solving

Our academy riders learn early that much of riding is communication with their horse.  Showing in a new environment continues the development of the bond between a rider and horse.  Riders may find their horse is distracted by a certain part of the arena, a noise, or even a garbage can.  As each rider figures out these circumstances and helps their horse deal with the distraction, the team gets stronger.

 

Resilience

 

Things don’t always go as planned. They just don’t.

Horses get ill, horses go lame, a loud noise may distract your horse just when you’re starting a pattern, another rider may cut you off - the list goes on and on.

Academy showing teaches riders to accept that we don’t control everything, and to do the best for your horse in any situation.

 

Sportsmanship

We value sportsmanship above all, and don’t tolerate those who do not.

Because our sport is a subjective one, and we ask someone to judge a class, we won’t always agree with the results.

We will, however, accept them and move on.

 

Team Building

 

Team Knollwood is a tight group.

More experienced riders cheer for our newest members, and serve as show mentors for our maiden riders.

 

 

We cheer for each other, take care of the best lesson horses in the world together, and lend a hand whenever it's needed.

 

Weekends at horse shows build strong friendships which frequently last for a lifetime.  Just ask some of our adult stars!

 

 

 

 

If you think your Knollwood rider might be interested in joining our academy show team for 2022, please join us for an informational meeting on Saturday, November 13 at 7:00 PM. This initial meeting is for parents only, and we’ll discuss the fine print of showing, including schedules, types of shows we attend, and the costs involved with the process.

Snacks will be provided, of course.

Please sign up in the school barn, or let your rider's instructor know that you’d like to attend. We want to have enough materials ready for everyone.

 

What’s coming up?

November 10

Woodwear Orders Due

Be sure to get your order in for the latest Knollwood styles!

They make great presents for the Knollwood Kid in your house!

 

 

November 21 and 28

Holiday Photo Shoots with Hanna

Sign up here if you’d like to support the Knockouts and get a great holiday photo of your family, your pet, or whatever you’d like to celebrate.

The Knockouts are also selling ornaments for the event!

 

 

 

December 1

Voting Starts for School Horse of the Year

Pay your 2022 Knockout dues and receive a ballot for school horse of the year for 2021.  The winner will be announced at the banquet!

 

 

December 11 

Knockouts Holiday Party and Election

Join us at 6:00 PM for our annual scavenger hunt followed by pizza, an optional gift exchange, and election of Knockout officers for 2022.  You won’t want to miss this!

 

 

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

Team Knollwood is sad today after faithful Tony crossed the rainbow bridge.

 

This quarter horse/Morgan cross was as patient as they come, and loved everyone he met. In fact, he usually greeted friends with his patented ‘put put ‘ nicker.

 

Tony was a classic lesson horse, always doing exactly what he was told. And oh, he enjoyed making his new riders work to get the correct cue.

 

Tony was as smart as they come. He used tools in the pasture, chasing Mark around with a bucket he held by the handle and smacking him in the butt. He also enjoyed chasing other lesson horses with corn stalks after we disposed of them in the pasture post Halloween.

 

 

Tony will be greatly missed by the many sad hearts he leaves behind. The good news is that he was surely greeted by his friends Willy and Dudley.

 

 

Peace to you, Tony.

You were well loved.

 

 

Team Knollwood spread out again last weekend and participated in horse shows in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

From the heights of the show horse world to the beginnings of show ring experiences, we had a blast with both ends of the spectrum.

Show horses were in Springfield at the beautiful Illinois State Fairgrounds competing at the Mane Event Show.  This show is for the best in the industry, and the 2021 edition did not disappoint.

Mane Event is known for presenting the Good Hands National Equitation Final for both Junior and Senior Exhibitors as well as the USEF Medal Final for adults.

Team Knollwood had 5 riders in the junior exhibitor Good Hands, and they all did us proud. Finn, Heather, Laney, Payton, and Richie had all qualified for the right to compete by placing in a Good Hands class at a local show this season.

After the preliminary round, Finn, Heather, Payton, and Richie advanced to Phase II.  Following that pattern, Finn and Heather were announced as members of the Top 10.

At the end of the event, Heather and Sammy finished in third place, and Finn and Leila received he 8^th place ribbon in the final.

 

In the adult finals, Maria and Riddle finished third in the Good Hands, and Allison and Ava took the 5^th place ribbon.

Maria showed in the Medal final as well, and finished with the championship ribbon.

Congratulations to all our equitation riders!

Next stop, Kansas City for the UPHA Challenge Cup Finals, and the USEF Medal Finale.

 

In addition to equitation, Mane Event features deep competition in all the show horse divisions.

Margit and her boys had quite a week.  She and charismatic Charlie were unstoppable in the 5 Gaited Show Pleasure division, winning both their qualifier and championship.

Margit and Robert were a sight in the 3 Gaited Show Pleasure division, too. They finished in second place in both the qualifier and championship.

 

Tori and Frankie just keep getting better.

They earned a strong third place in their qualifier, and finished 6^th in an action-packed championship.  Congrats!

 

While Mane Event was finishing up, Team Knollwood gathered for day 2.5 of our Fall in-barn show.

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

 

We had to revamp Sunday’s show and staff, as the show was rescheduled due to rain the previous weekend. Our original judge Allison was showing at Mane Event, our announcer was unavailable, many of our personal assistants were showing in Springfield, and many of our volunteers for the Knollwood village had other plans for the new weekend.

On to plan C …

Photo by Hanna Agathen

This edition featured our 10 and under walk trot riders, our maiden riders, and our novice pattern class. We enjoyed a perfect fall day in the little outdoor ring where Kelsey Nicole Farnham presided over all classes.

We’re beyond fortunate to have Kelsey step in to judge our future stars. She was the Grand Champion of Saddle Seat Equitation in her junior exhibitor days, and  has a lifelong passion for all things equitation.

Now an executive and Mom of Ian, Kelsey offered inspiration and encouragement to each of the riders in the ring. We offer great thanks for her time and expertise.

 

Holly stepped in as announcer for the day, and offered her unique perspective. Always lighthearted and knowledgeable, Holly shared the view of a mother and grandmother of riders.

Many volunteers stepped in to man the Knollwood village of concessions, gift baskets, and merchandise sales. Thanks to everyone who pitched in.

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

Our center ring crew kept the show running smoothly and safely. Great thanks to Nicole, Jodi, and Brenda.

 

 

Our personal assistants were rockstars. 

We had several new, young assistants join the crew of horse managers.  These Knollwood Kids each take care of a horse and all his riders for the day. They adjust stirrups, reins, and offer encouragement to their riders. Many of these kids were managing more than one horse because many riders were showing at Mane Event.

They were simply amazing.

 

Most of all, we owe a debt to the best lesson horses in the world.  The boys were total gentlemen with many different riders, different crowds along the rail, and pesty yellow jackets coming from out of nowhere. We cannot thank them enough, but we’ll sure try.

They enjoyed a sunny Monday off from lessons, and LOTS of treats as well! It's a start.

To put it in perspective, over the course of Knollwood Fall Show days 1, 2, and 2.5, we had 369 entries head through the in-gate.

It takes a village of dedicated friends to pull off an event of this size, and we’re grateful for everyone who contributed to this great event.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 22-24

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team and some show horses are heading to Woodstock, Illinois for the final IASPHA show of the season. Please join us if you can at this beautiful facility and well run show. We always love a cheering section!

 

Fall Woodwear Orders are Due November 10

Come try on samples, and make your selections of jackets, quarter zips, and a cool hat.  All purchases will be handled on your ICP account.

 

Academy Info Night for Parents

Saturday, November 13 at 7:00

Parents, join us for an informational event about our academy showing program for 2022.  We'll discuss schedules, finances, time committment, clothing, and all that can be gained from showing away from home.

We'll offer a kid friendly follow up in early spring with demos and more info.

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

November 8-13

Home of the last 2 of the Big Three Equitation Finals, the show also features national championships in many divisions.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers!

 

 

UPHA Turkey Trotters Academy Show

November 19-20

Beyond Stable Farm

Our 2021 academy season is finishing at one of our favorite venues. WTC riders will show on Friday night, and our walk trot stars will show on Saturday morning.

Please talk to your instructor if you'd like to join us!

 

Holiday Photo Shoots

Sunday November 21 and 28

Hanna will be at the farm for holiday photo shoots to benefit the Knockouts.  You can sign up here.

Horse of the Year Voting

Starting December 1, you’ll receive a ballot for school horse of the year when you renew your Knockout membership for 2022.  The winner will be announced at the Knockout award banquet.

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, December 4

5-8 PM

Knockouts can join officers and board members at the barn for an evening of fun. The event is only $25, and includes dinner and lots of activities. Sign ups will begin soon!

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 11

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join the scavenger hunt, pizza dinner, election speeches, an optional gift exchange, and election of officers for 2022.  You won’t want to miss it!

 

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