We are so excited.

Team Knollwood has been working extra hard introducing lots of new riders to the joys of riding. We've added instructors, lesson hours, and lesson horses too.

All of our passion and hard work will be on display this weekend at our spring in-barn show.

We love what we do.

Classes are big and deep, and we’re thrilled that we’re welcoming 28 riders showing for the very first time!

Here’s info, in no particular order, that all of our riders will find useful for maximum enjoyment this weekend.

 

We’re thrilled to welcome Shelby Hader as our judge for the weekend.

Shelby grew up a Knollwood Kid, starting her riding career at age 4. Her skills led her to excel in both the equitation and performance divisions.

Now working in medical research, this Lawrence University graduate will share her knowledge and legendary sense of humor with the current Knollwood Kids.

 

The show is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. We ARE watching Sunday’s forecast, and are considering moving the show start to 9:00 AM. We’ll make a decision on Thursday, and if we move up the start time, we’ll contact all riders.

 

Saturday’s riders will compete in our big outdoor ring while our Sunday stars will compete in the smaller outdoor ring.

Spectators are asked to bring their own chairs to enjoy the show.

Saturday’s guests can set up in the pasture to the west of the arena. Please keep your seating behind the ‘broodmare path’ along the rail so the enthusiastic audience doesn’t alarm the horses.

Sunday’s fans are welcome to set up under the trees along Horseshoe Bend, or between the barn and the arena. Please leave a path open from the barn to the arena to horses can safely make it to the arena. We’ll help with this, of course.

 

Parking is available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot as well as in our own lots. Great thanks to our neighbors!

Our concession stand parents have been busy with lunch pre-orders, and thank you for the record number!

They have made some extra lunches which will be available on show days.

 

In addition to being a lot of fun, the show is a major fundraiser for our youth group, the Knollwood Knockouts. In addition to the concession stand, the Knockouts also offer a 50/50 raffle and gift baskets. Please help out where you can. All proceeds fund the club’s awards banquet and their charitable activities.

 

 

We are pleased to welcome Hanna Agathen as our official horse show photographer. She’ll he shooting in the arena both days, and will post proofs.  Each rider received an informational flier in their shirt packet with more info as well.

Speaking of cool tech stuff, Abby is publishing an online program for the weekend.  Stay tuned for download information!

 

Some common questions for our newest show riders:

 What’s the difference between horsemanship and equitation classes?

Horsemanship classes are judged on the overall picture of horse and rider. Does the rider steer well, does the rider navigate around other horses while maintaining speed and correct gait, and does the rider perform the gait requested?

Equitation classes add the rider’s form into the equation.

Is the rider sitting comfortably straight with weight in seat and heels? Are heels down, knees and thighs tight, and hands and eyes up? Is the rider posting on the correct diagonal? (Rising and falling with the shoulder next to the wall.) Equitation classes are also judged on horsemanship.

In the equitation championships, the judge can ask some or all of the  riders to perform some individual work as well. For our maiden and beginner show riders, Shelby will ask the riders to two point in the line up, or to drop their stirrups and pick them back up.

The more experienced riders may be asked to go back to the rail and perform a pattern. The more a rider progresses in their education, the more challenging the work outs become.

 

Why are some classes split?

We split classes for safety in the ring. In our small arena with novice riders, we limit each class to 6 riders before we split.

When we do split classes, we try to group riders according to their experience level so the competition is even.

 

Who’s in center ring?

Center ring is populated with friendly experienced horsepeople.

In addition to the judge, center ring staff includes a ringmaster who helps keep everyone safe in the ring. On Sunday, you’ll see additional personnel in the center. Abby and Whitney will join the judge to help with the newest riders, and they’ll be a familiar face to many of their riders showing for the first time.

 

 Who are the ‘personal assistants?’

A group of our experienced riders have volunteered their time to assist with riders and horses on Sunday. These kids have been selected not just for their knowledge, but for their kindness as well.

Each horse will have their own person for the day, and the riders on each horse will get to know their helper.

These special Knollwood Kids keep the stress level down, answer questions, and act as cheerleaders for our riders. And, they keep everyone safe!

We couldn’t do it without them.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

May Classic Horse Show

May 26-30

Wisconsin State Fair Park

Come watch some of the best show horses and academy riders in the Midwest!

The academy performance is on Saturday, and won’t start before noon.

 

 

Prairie State Classic

June 4-6

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team and ‘B’ horses are on the road to compete at a favorite show. 

Come join us!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion. 

 

Team Knollwood is again mourning the passing of a well loved lesson horse, as we helped Mark cross over the rainbow bridge this morning.

 

Distinguished Mark was born on May 20, 1990, and has taught at Knollwood since 1998. Smooth as could be, Mark was an academy star in his younger days. While not blessed with a great intellect, he taught riders the values of persistence and determination.

 

In his later years, he became a ‘go-to’ tiny tot teacher, and was a favorite of instructors and young riders alike.

 

 

Peace to you, Mark.

 

Hearts are heavy tonight at Knollwood as we mourn the loss of a legend.

Willy passed away this evening, on his own terms.

A great man always knows when to leave.

Thanks to care from Nancy and Dr. Matt, Willy enjoyed a day outside in the sunshine, and then came in for a nap during which he crossed the rainbow bridge.

Just imagine the welcoming committee on the other side … Dudley, Forest, KC Pony,  barn cat legend Dean,  and all the others who worked with Sweet William.

Born Dakota’s Diamond Sam in April of 1987, Willy came to Knollwood in 1990, and the rest is history.

This grand gelding became possibly the best beginner lesson horse to  ever walk the earth.

With his patented jog trot, he taught literally thousands of students to post during his 31-year career.

We tried to retire him three times, but he refused the first two.

 

Willy was perhaps a metronome in a former life.

The speed of the jog never changed as he gave each of his riders from the tiniest to the most apprehensive adult the confidence that only he could bestow.

Not without his quirks, Willy was deathly afraid of Scott for no reason, although he warmed up to him in later years.

In his youth, Willy’s trips for shoe resets were quite a terrifying experience for the grand beginner horse.

Spray and aerosols were his nemesis. In fact, he found his quarter horse speed whenever he heard the fly spray start.

Willy, the inaugural school horse of the year in 2018, had the patience of a saint, and the heart of a ladies man. In his later days, he enjoyed his time outside with CH Miss Mheirry Mac.

We thank you Willy, for the we time spent with you.

You taught many lessons, and most of them weren’t in the arena.

There will never be another Willy.

 

Peace to you Willy.

You were well loved, and will be eternally missed.

 

Well, that was a horse show.

Team Knollwood has returned home from St. Paul Minnesota where the show horses enjoyed showing at the FASH show. The fairgrounds and show management are the best, and the competition was great.

Here are a few of our stories from the road:

We got to see Bella again! Covid kept her from us for most of last season, as she travels to Knollwood from Philadelphia, but she picked up right where she left off at FASH. Now an adult amateur competitor, Bella and Garfield won both their Country Pleasure qualifier and championship UNANIMOUSLY.

Bella and powerhouse Tyler had some great rides in the amateur 5 gaited division, and are ready for the challenges of the season ahead.

 

Erika and Tori were rock stars in the Monarch single bit division. Tori and Frankie have become quite a team in their short time together, and they were charismatic and smooth to win the qualifying class. Erika and young Willow learned in their qualifier, and went on to win the championship in the division.

 

Kim and Allison make the trip to FASH each May for a mother-daughter weekend.  This year was extra special, and Kim let Allison show her new horse in the adult show pleasure division. In some incredibly big and deep classes, these two worked the arena to perfection, and had an absolute blast doing it.  Allison won both the qualifier and the championship, coming out on top of a field of 16 horses in the final!

 

The equitation riders did it again.  Finn, Laney and Richie were competing in the 17 and under divisions while Allison showed in the adult classes.

It was easy to see how hard the Knollwood Kids had worked over the winter as they worked the rail and pattern work with precision.

Allison won the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup qualifier,   Finn won the Good Hands qualifier,  Laney rocked her Pleasure Equitation qualifier and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier, and Richie won his qualifier and his Challenge Cup qualifier.

To close out the show on Sunday, afternoon, the Knollwood Kids took the top 3 spots in the championship, with Finn in first, Laney in second place, and Richie in third.

Next up for the show riders is the May Classic Horse Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park May 27-30.

 

 

It’s almost Olympic time!

First of all, we offer great thanks to all the Team Knollwood members who donated food kits and cash equivalents to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. Thanks to you, we’re sending more than 200 food kits to the pantry!

This Saturday, after a 5:30 PM Knockout meeting, the 2021 Knollwood Olympics will begin!

41 Olympians will compete for six teams in five Events. This year’s contests will be:

Blind Buggy Race

Two blindfolded ‘strong’ teammates pull a jog cart through a pattern while being directed by a sighted, hopefully lightweight teammate in the seat.

We’ve had people let go of the cart and wander along blindly until reunited with the cart, we’ve had drivers attempt to use hand signals to the blind souls, and yes, we’ve had teams hit the wall.

Keep in mind, this is a timed event, and well worth your time to watch.

 

Hop, Skip, and Wrap

Well, it’s 2 Olympians who must run across the arena, polo wrap the legs of their teammate together, and hop back across the arena, Yes, it’s timed.

 

 

Helmet Toss

The closest we could get to a real Olympic event, one member of each team will attempt to throw an old dusty helmet as far as they can.

Not timed, but we advise spectators to watch for flying helmets. Aim is not a strong suit of horse girls.

 

 

School Horse Charades

‘Professional Actors’ will portray horses and assorted Knollwood animals doing various activities. Teams will accrue points by guessing the animal, and what he or she is doing.

 

Blanket Race

Three members from each team will pile into a horse sheet, but of course only one of them can see. (Do you sense a pattern here?) Teams will ‘race’ the length of the big outdoor ring, and the first team to reach the gate standing up will be declared the winner.

 

We hope you’ll come cheer on the competitors. We do ask that if you come, and you’re not part of an Olympic family, please bring a food kit, or a monetary donation for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Knollwood Spring Show

May 22 and 23

We’re putting the finishing touches on our academy show, being held in the outdoor arenas.

Riders can pick up their shirt packets starting Thursday in the school barn, and we still have a few spots open for practice rides on Friday, May 21.  Please see your instructor to sign up.

If you haven’t yet done so, please sign up here to help at the concession stand, or with show prep work.

 

May Classic Show

Wisconsin State Fair Park

May 27-30

Come watch Team Knollwood compete against some great show horses and academy riders from around the Midwest.

The show is a sell out!

We’ll post schedules when finalized, and the academy performance won’t start before noon on Saturday morning.

 

Prairie State Classic

Beyond Stable Farm

June 4-6

Come watch the ‘B’ show horses and our academy stars compete against some different competition. Primarily a Morgan show, we get to compete against some barns we don’t always see. It’s a short drive, and a beautiful facility.

 

 

Summer Camp

Starting June 14

All our sessions are sold out, and we’re looking forward to a fabulous Knollwood summer!

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

Illinois State Fairgrounds

June 15-19

The first BIG show of the season, and a favorite of all. The competition is fantastic, the grounds are beautiful, and the arena is the best around.  Team Knollwood will be there in numbers to compete against the best.

 

Knockouts Car Wash

Sunday, August 8

Piggly Wiggly in Hartland

Save the date!

It’s one of the Knockouts’ biggest fundraisers of the year, and it’s lots of fun. The club sells brats and burgers at the Brat Shack, and washes cars as well. We ask that all Knockouts make themselves available to join the fun.

 

 

 

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

We’re so  excited that we’re heading into a pretty ‘normal’ show season!

We’re fortunate to have such a wonderful community of customers around the farm. Please consider helping us run a fantastic show for all our riders by donating your time and talent for a shift at the concession stand, or bidding on a parking spot, or donating to the gift baskets.

You can volunteer your time and talent here.

You’ll meet some other wonderful people, and we guarantee you’ll have a wonderful time.

There’s also info so you can watch our show horses and riders compete at a big show in Minnesota, and some dates so you can watch them compete at Wisconsin State Fair Park over Memorial Day weekend.

We love what we do!

 

 

 

 

May 6-9

FASH (Friends of the American Saddlebred Horse) Horse Show

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

The show barn’s first big show of the year, FASH is a favorite of all exhibitors. The facilities are great, competition is deep, and the show is run by some of the nicest people in the industry. You know, ‘Minnesota nice.’

If you can’t make it to the show, you can watch the live stream here.

 

 

 

 

May 10

Last day to get your food kits for the Knollwood food drive. If you’re time stressed and want to help, you can write a check to The Food Pantry of Waukesha County. One food kit is equivalent to a $15 donation, so $75 covers five food kits.

Remember, any Team Knollwood member who collects five food kits or cash equivalents is welcome to join an Olympic Team to compete on May 15 at 6:00 PM.

 

 

May 14

Pre-orders are due at 1:00 PM for Knollwood show lunch orders. With everything from hot dogs to chicken curry wraps, there’s something for everyone. And, every purchase supports the Knockouts!

 

 

 

May 15

During the day

Photo shoots with Hanna

Sign up here for a photo shoot with Knollwood’s own Hanna. She’ll capture pics of you and your family, your favorite horse, or a group of friends.

 

May 15

Starting at 5:30 PM

Knollwood Olympics!

We’ll start the event with a 5:30 PM Knockout meeting, and the games will begin at 6:00 PM.

Teams will compete in a blind buggy race, a helmet toss, a blanket race, hop, skip, and wrap, and another event to be named later.

 

 

May 19

Deadline for dropping off gift basket items at the farm.

Please make sure you’ve signed up here for a volunteer helping spot, too!!

 

 

 

 

May 20

Bids end for the preferred parking auction. Remember, the preferred parking spot includes free raffle tickets AND a free print of your choice from Hanna Agathen Photography.

 

 

 

 

May 21

Practice Rides

We’re so excited that we have 30 riders showing for the first time ever! To help them and more experienced riders who’d like a refresher, we offer practice rides at 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.

These classes offer riders the opportunity to learn all about the show as we run through the whole process. And, they’re a blast!

Please sign up with your instructor or with one of the office admins to choose you spot. The classes are a bargain at only $40.

 

 

May 22-23

Knollwood Spring Show

Join us for performances starting at 11:00 AM on both days. Saturday will feature all the walk, trot, and canter riders as well as the walk trot riders aged 11 and over.  The Saturday show will be in the big outdoor ring.

We’ll finish the day with an entertaining games session, and we have a couple of spots left if you have a great sense of humor!  

 

Sunday’s performance will take place in our little outdoor ring and features our walk and trot riders aged 10 and under, those showing for the first time in our ‘maiden’ division, and our lead line riders.

 

If the weather absolutely doesn’t cooperate with us, we’ll reschedule the show on June 12 and 13 when we can move inside if we have to. The show horses will be in Springfield, Illinois getting ready to show at the Midwest Charity Horse Show.

 

 

 

 

We’re excited to announce that Shelby Hader will be judging both days of the show. Shelby grew up a Knollwood Kid, and had a very successful junior exhibitor career as both an equitation and performance rider.

Shelby is a graduate of Lawrence University, and is currently working in medical research.

 

 

 

May 29

Wisconsin State Fair Park

May Classic Academy Classes

Join us to cheer on our academy stars at a ‘local’ show!  Academy classes won’t start before noon on May 29, and we’re bringing 10 stars to compete against some of the best academy riders in the area.

The full show runs from May 26 – 29, and Knollwood will be there in numbers. We’ll publish the full schedule in the days ahead.

 

 

June 4-6

Prairie State Classic Horse Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy riders and some ‘B’ horses return to Woodstock for one of our favorite shows. The facility and the hospitality can’t be beat, and we have a strong academy team making the trip. Please consider joining us!

 

 

We're looking forward to making memories this show season with wonderful horses and friends.

Team Knollwood is thrilled you're joining us for the ride!