We have a saying around the barn that if you want something done well, you should ask someone who’s busy.

It seems to be working for Team Knollwood, as we’re currently working in different states, and we have a big weekend ahead.

 

Last weekend, many, many Knollwood horses were competing at one of our favorite shows, ASAW Summerfun. Featuring many show horses as well as 11 academy horses, everyone was busy.

We’re so proud of all of our horses and riders and their performances at the show.  Here are a few of our favorite stories:

 

Bella and Garfield

Bella and her friend Far Away Garfield have been enjoying a fantastic season.  Covid kept our east coast friends at home most of last year, and we’re so happy to have them back for 2021! 

Bella and Garfield had fantastic shows at both Midwest and Summerfun, and are looking forward to peaking at Louisville!

 

Margit and Robert

Margit is not someone looking for the limelight, but she deserves some recognition for her riding skills.  Perhaps best known for her trotting and racking on Charlie, she had a fantastic show on Robert at Summerfun, winning both their qualifier and championship in show pleasure.

Oh, and Charlie was on his way to Lexington while Margit was showing the other man at Summerfun!

 

Haley and Allan

Triple Crown Winner Haley has found a new niche as a prized adult amateur.  She’s a busy catch rider for many trainers,  but may be  happiest showing Allan (Americana’s Standing Ovation) in the amateur 5 gaited division.

At the Summerfun show, Haley and Allan were on fire, and finished second in the 5 Gaited Jackpot Stake, a class full of professional horse trainers.

If you think equitation is just a phase, think again.  This young lady can ride any horse at any time thanks to the foundation in an academy program and followed up by years of ‘Mattonizing.’ She’s the real deal.

In addition to her riding skills, Haley also won the ASAW Scholarship. She’s attending Carroll University, and the scholarship will help this life-long horsewoman fulfill her dreams.

 

Olive's Lead Line Debut

If you've had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Olive Shearmann, you know she's a woman of many words, and of much confidence.

With the help of her trusted instructor Erika, Olive made her leadline debut at Summerfun aboard the one and only Eddie, officially known as Hylee's Red Fox.

She wowed the crowd with her waves and infectious smile.

Parents Tom and Lin are in SO much trouble.

 

 

 

Academy Stars

Our academy riders were fabulous in so many ways.

Our more advanced riders ‘rode up’ on some of our newest horses, and showed like pros. Others rode horses new to them, and our walk and trot riders showed their their skills in big classes as well.

Their patterns were spot on!

We are so proud of all of their performances, and are looking forward to their continued educations.

 

  

Horses showing at Lexington left the farm on Thursday night with Carlos, and Carol met them down there on Friday.  As soon as he was finished getting horses home from Summerfun, Scott jumped back in the rig and headed for Kentucky for the start of the show on Monday.

 

 

At the home office, we’re running a Knollwood Show Prep camp and a Tiny Tot camp this week, and putting the finishing touches on the show we’re hosting this weekend.  Here are some helpful hints for the weekend:

 

 

We will be holding the show outdoors, and the weather looks picture perfect.

Saturday’s performance featuring the walk trot and canter riders as well as all of our ‘grown-ups’ will start at 10:00 AM in the big outdoor ring. We’re asking that all riders be at the farm ready to ride by 9:30 AM.

 

Sunday’s show featuring our leadline stars, maiden riders, and 10 and under walk trot pros have varied start times.  Lead line will start at 9:00 AM, and we’re asking that those riders arrive no later than 8:30 AM.

Maiden classes will start at approximately 10:30 AM, so please arrive ready to show by 10:00 AM.

Our 10 and under walk trot pros will ride no earlier than 12:30 PM, so please arrive no later than noon.

 

Lifelong Knollwood Kid Jordan will be at the front desk on Sunday to answer any and all questions about the show.

Overflow parking will again be available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot across Horseshoe Bend from the little outdoor ring.

 

Please bring your own chairs to watch the show!

On Saturday, please feel free to set up on the west side of the outdoor arena.  Chairs can be set up west of the broodmare’s ‘foot path’ around the arena.  You’re always welcome under any trees on the property as well.

 

On Sunday, please set your seating up along the north side of the little outdoor ring, or along the school barn.

Please remember that horses are animals of flight, so they’re afraid of suddenly moving objects. Please be aware that anything flapping in the wind may scare them.

 

To help with set up, the Knollwood Knockouts are auctioning off a premier viewing spot for both Saturday and Sunday. This shady suite will allow your party to view the show in comfort, with a free photo from our show photographer added in.  All proceeds benefit the Knollwood Knockouts!

You can enter the bidding here!

 

We’re looking for help in the concession stand and with other aspects of the show. It takes a team to pull off an event of this size, and we so appreciate your contributions of time and talent. 

You can sign up here.

 

Finally, we’d like to remind everyone that we’re working to teach good sportsmanship to all of our Knollwood Kids. Please refrain from coaching your child from the rail about diagonals or whatever you may see as important. We’re trying to teach our riders to organize and prioritize their thoughts, and to train themselves to focus on the task at hand.

 

Please do not coach your child from the rail. It interrupts their focus, as we’re teaching them to do things on their own. Horses have SO many lessons to teach!

 

 

Coming Up!

Signature Show

The academy team and some show horses are off to Roscoe, Illinois next weekend for the Mid America Horse Show Association’s Signature Show.  We can hardly wait for the fun outdoor summer show which even features a water balloon fight on Saturday.

 

IASPHA Summer Show

We’re off to Woodstock, Illinois the following weekend for the IASPHA Summer Show. Both show and academy teams will be joining the fun at Beyond Stable Farm, and we can hardly wait! It will be the first ever show in the farm’s new, beautiful outdoor arena.

 

 

Knockout Car Wash

Please join us at the Hartland Fox Brother’s Piggly Wiggly for our favorite fundraiser of the year. We’re asking ALL Knockouts to join us on Sunday, August 8 for a shift washing cars or staffing the brat shack. It’s one of out biggest fundraisers  of the year, and it may be the most enjoyable one of the year. You won’t want to miss it!

 

Even if you’re not showing, please come visit us this weekend while we’re showing in the great outdoors.

 

 

 

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

Knollwood Summer 2021 is in full swing, and we're loving it.

Here are our favorite things, so far ...

 

 

Walks on the bridle path.

  We’re fortunate to have a beautiful bridle path running along the back of the barn. Perfect for a relaxing walk while your Knollwood Kid is taking care of their horse after a lesson, a walk with the dog, or for our advanced riders, a walk after a lesson to cool their horse down. It’s a great place to see turkeys, too!

 

 

Slower Pace after Lessons

 Knollwood Kids don’t have to rush out after lessons at night during the summer. Everyone hangs out while getting horses put to bed, and the conversations are priceless. No homework means more time with the best lesson horses in the world, and they adore warm baths and wet currying while cooling out!

 

Summer Riding School

 Knollwood Kids who signed up early are having a blast at all kinds of summer riding school. Whether its Tiny Tot Camp, or Classic Summer Riding School,  camp offers fun galore.  Imagine summer Knollwood days with horses, friends, crafts, and memories for a lifetime.

What could be better?

 

Riding Outside

During the summer, we spread out and offer lessons in our two outdoor arenas as well as our cool indoor. It’s a Knollwood right of passage to have your first lesson in the ‘big outdoor,’ officially known as Patternland.

 

Summer Horse Shows

We love traveling to horse shows during the summer!
 
Our favorites? When we travel with both the academy stars and the show horses, of course.
 

 

 

Walking Hot Horses Outside

It’s the best.

After a lesson and your horses’ bath, you can walk outdoors and cool him off. You can spend time talking to your horse,  or invite friends along for the fun.

There’s nothing better!
 

 

Advanced Camps

A week of immersion in the horse world makes a Knollwood Kid an academy star.

They ride, care for the best lesson horses, ride some more, learn horse psychology, geometry, ride more, and laugh. A lot.

Ask a Knollwood show rider their favorite memory...

 

 

Counselors and Helpers

These mentors of Team Knollwood make the summer rock. They do everything!

They’re the first people you meet, and they’re the in the barn at closing time.

From sharing their love of horses with our newest riders to making sure the horses are ready for lessons and cared for afterward, we could not do what we do without them.

We love having these stars in the barn.

Appreciate all they do? Tell them!

 

 

 

Naked Hazel

 Yes, Hazel Belle Boxer Matton is finally without her layers of clothes.
You’ll frequently find her napping in the sun unless it’s really hot, when you’ll find her in the arena or the lounge.
If camp is in session, you’ll find her in the middle of the kids.

And if you’re looking for Richmond, chances are he’s hiding somewhere cool.

 

 

The KF Summer Show

We can hardly wait for the show to take over the farm on July 17-18. 

The show horses will be at the Lexington Junior League show, so the place will be run by the best lesson horses in the world.

 

 Goofing Off

You just can't overestimate the value of summer play time.

We play games on horses, play endless games of sardines, host the ocassional water fight, and spend countless hours enjoying dogs, cats, and each other's company.

 
 
 

What's Next?

ASAW Summerfun

July 8 – 11

Wisconsin State Fair Park

Our ‘home show’ is one of our favorites. Team Knollwood will be there with lots of horses, and 16 academy riders as well.

We’ll post schedules as they’re ready!

 

We are cancelling lessons on Saturday, July 10 as we’ll all be at the show. All Saturday lessons will be credited to your account, and we hope you’ll join us at the show.

The morning performance starts at 9:00 AM, and the academy classes won’t start before 11:00 AM

 

 

Knollwood Summer Show

July 17-18

We’re looking forward to a big show, and we have a few reminders:

Practice Rides will be held on Friday, July 16.  Please see your instructor to sign up for a slot at 5:30, 6:30, or 7:30.

Lunch orders and payment are due July 9 at 1:00 PM. You can pick up your order form in the school barn lounge.

Please consider donating to a gift basket for the show. Themes and items needed are posted on the tack room door. The Knockouts appreciate your generosity!

 

 

 

Team Knollwood is back from a wonderful Midwest Charity Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois. The show has struggled in a temporary arena for the past few years, but the Coliseum of Champions is now better than ever.

Midwest is back!

Of course, we have stories to share.

 

 

Competition and the weather were hot, hot, hot.

Our riders rose to the occasion and had a fantastic show.

 

 

 

Finn and Leila won both their USEF Medal qualifier and the Senior Equitation Championship. 

Heather won her age group, and was second to Finn in the Medal class.

 

 

In her first season competing in the senior division, Payton won the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup qualifier, and finished a strong 4^th in the Senior championship.

 

The Equitation star of the show was our own Laney.

No one works as hard as Laney, and she has just about lived on a horse during the off season. She and Aaron have become quite a team, and all her work paid off at Midwest.

The Pleasure Equitation division was big and deep, and Laney ruled it. She and Aaron won the Pleasure Challenge Cup qualifier, the Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier, and the Pleasure Equitation Championship with 11 hard-riding competitors.

 

Congratulations to Laney!!

 

 

 

Richie was a very busy young man at Midwest.

He and Sophie showed off their hard work as well, winning their age group, the Good Hands qualifier, and finishing second in the Junior Equitation Championship.

 

Richie and Fergie were second in both their qualifier and championship in the 13 and under Show Pleasure division.  He and this quirky mare have reached some sort of agreement, and it’s working!

 

Richie also had the privilege of showing a road pony both driving and under saddle. He and Regal’s Overnight Success, owned and trained by Rick Wallen, make a great team. We can’t tell if Richie or the pony is having more fun.

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make Midwest come back!

 

 

What's Next?

 

 

The show horses will be home for a bit until the ASAW Summerfun Horse Show.  Held at Wisconsin State Fair Park July 8-11, we consider this our ‘home show,’ and we compete with lots of horses.

 

In addition to the show horses, Summerfun hosts a huge academy performance on Saturday afternoon with some of the most accomplished academy riders from around the Midwest.

Please join us at the show!

 

 

While some horses are competing at State Fair Park, another set of show horses will be making their way to Lexington, Kentucky for the prestigious Lexington Junior League Horse Show.  Carol will leave with the horses, and Scott will catch up with her in Kentucky as soon as Summerfun is a wrap.

 

The Knollwood Summer show is coming up fast on July 17-18, and we have some updates to share.

 

 

New for the summer show, we have set times for the walk trot divisions on Sunday

Leadline will start at 9:00 AM, or at noon if rain forces us inside.

Maiden classes will start at 10:30, or at 1:30 PM if weather dictates.

Traditional walk trot classes will start at 12:30 PM, or at 3:30 PM if we have to move indoors.

We ask that all riders be at the show dressed and ready to go 30 minutes before the start time of their competition.

 

Sign up sheets are posted for gift baskets.  Please consider donating an item or two to help the Knollwood Knockouts in their fundraising.

Opportunities will be posted soon for the concession stand, show set up, and other activities to help.

 

The horse assignment ‘wall’ is now up, so riders can see who they’re showing.

 

 

 

The Knockouts are looking forward to their annual day at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly. On Sunday, August 8, they’ll man the brat shack and wash cars to raise funds for the club. Please save the date so you can help us and have fun at the same time.

 

 

 

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

 

Things are heating up for Knollwood Summer 2021, and we have stories to share.

From horse shows to Woodwear orders to sold out summer camp, you won’t want to miss a thing.

 

The lesson horses have returned from a very successful Prairie State Classic Horse Show. Our ten riders learned some lessons, boosted their skills, and gained plenty of confidence for the future.

Oh, and they had a lot of fun, as usual!

Academy riders will show next at the Oshkosh Charity Horse Show on June 26.

 

 

 

 

 

The Knollwood Summer Show is coming up fast on July 17-18, and we have plenty of updates about the weekend.

We plan on starting the show outside on Saturday at 10:00 AM, and outside on Sunday at 9:00 AM.  If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the show indoors and will start at noon both days.

We’re refining the Sunday schedule to give riders and families a more precise idea as to the time their classes will take place. We’ll update with times after entries are complete.

Entries are due next Tuesday, June 15.

If you’re not able to show, but would like to purchase a show shirt, they’re available for only $20. Just fill out an entry with the desired size selected and write ‘shirt only’ across the form. We’ll charge your account.

 

We will be teaching practice rides on Friday night, July 16, and will start sign ups as soon as horses are assigned.

 

 

Sold out Summer Riding School starts on Monday with a Tiny Tot Camp AND a pattern camp. We can hardly wait for riders to spend their summer days at the barn!

 

 

 

 

We’re ordering Knollwood tank tops through June 19 in misses and girls sizes. These beauties come in lilac and black, and are only $25.  The tanks will feature a small Knollwood logo on the front, and size samples are available in the school barn.

 

 

Show horses are off to Springfield, Illinois for the Midwest Charity Horse Show June 15-19. It’s a sell out this year, and promises to be a fantastic competition. Horses and riders from all over the country will be attendance to show in the beautiful restored coliseum.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and you can watch all the action on Richfield Video with a subscription.

We’ll post the Knollwood show schedule before the show begins so you can plan your viewing schedule!

 

 

 

Summer Parents’ Night Out is almost here!

Let your kids spend the evening with us on Saturday, June 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM while you get an evening to yourself! Drop your kids off at Knollwood and they can create memories with their barn friends. The Knockout officers and board members will host the event where Knollwood Kids play games, eat dinner, and enjoy an evening at the farm.  The event is only $25, and you can sign up in the school barn office.

 

 

Knollwood will be closed on Sunday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Please keep us informed of your holiday schedules so we can plan lessons for the holiday weekend.

 

 

 

Since all of Team Knollwood will be at the Summerfun Show on Saturday, July 10, we will not be holding ANY lessons that day. We will credit the lesson for all Saturday riders.

Please join us at State Fair Park to watch and cheer!

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

 

We're looking forward to all fun summer activities we have planned, and we  hope you can join us!

                         

Team Knollwood is just finishing laundry from May Classic, and what a time we had!

First of all, great thanks to show manager Vicky and her staff for relocating the Madison Classic show to State Fair Park, as the usual venue was not available due to becoming a Covid vaccination center.  It took an incredible amount of work, and the process was seamless to exhibitors.

The weekend showed us the hilarious side of Wisconsin weather with cold, rainy nights and really warm sunny days on the weekend. Packing for this show was the ultimate challenge for horses, riders, and spectators.

Here are some of our favorite stories of the weekend:

Emma and Fergie

Knollwood Kid Emma grew up in our lesson program. Emma has been involved with the Knockouts, has been a Tuesday night helper forever, and has been a helper and counselor at summer riding school since she could be.

Emma enjoyed a very successful academy career, and finished it out last season showing Alex under the direction of Scott and Carol.

Her parents, Rick and Pam, leased Fergie for Emma to show on the ‘A’ circuit this season, and they made their debut at the May Classic.

If you don’t know Fergie, officially known as Impressive Asset, she’s got a personality and she really loves Emma.

Emma and Fergie showed in both the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup, and in their pleasure equitation age group. They earned fantastic second place ribbons in both outings.

Congratulations to this new team on a wonderful debut.

 

 

Margit and The Boys

Margit certainly isn’t a kid who seeks the limelight. You’re likely to find her hanging out with her fellow Knollwood Kids, or helping in the barn.

Like Emma, Margit has grown up a Knollwood Kid, and has been a Tuesday helper since we can remember. Always a friendly face at summer riding school and at academy shows, Margit makes even the most timid new rider feel at home at Knollwood. She also has a vocabulary and sense of humor to die for.

This girl can ride.

At May Classic, she put on exhibitions with Charlie, officially known as CH Ken Follett, showing what a 5 gaited show pleasure horse should be. She also showed the horse she’s leasing, Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance to second place in both their qualifier and championship.

Oh, and then she changed out of her show clothes and helped with the academy performance....because she’s Margit.

 

The Equitation Dream Teams

Knollwood has assembled a dream team of equitation riders for the 2021 season, and their hard work in the off-season was on display at May Classic.

While there may not have been a lot of competitors in the Saddle Seat Equitation division at the show, the Knollwood riders looked fabulous.  The ‘high tail’ team of Finn, Heather and Richie performed their rail work and patterns with composure.

Were the rides perfect? Absolutely not.

Did the riders make adjustments and learn from the circumstances? Absolutely.

 

The Pleasure Equitation riders had some more competition at the show, and shone in their classes.  Emma, Laney, and Payton all earned great ribbons in their age groups and final qualifiers.

This season is going to be SO exciting to watch!

 

Academy Team Success

Our academy riders and their horses were rock stars on Saturday afternoon.

Sport has been traveling to horse shows with Carol and the equitation riders, and all their hard work showed on Saturday as he was confident as could be under Maya’s guidance. This dynamic duo won every class they entered.

Our 10 and under riders were on fire later in the performance.  Maddie and Baxter owned the division, winning their three classes. Brooklyn and Heist were a close second in the championship, and presented quite a picture.

Our future is bright.

 

Teamwork

As always, successes like this only happen with the help of many, many people.

Great thanks to our show barn riders who pitched in to help with the academy performance, providing help with horse prep, rider support, and warm up assistance.

Great thanks to Sue for making sure all our academy riders were sporting ‘the Berget bun’! And thanks to all the parents who support these great kids, and to our unbelievable lesson horses. They truly are the best academy horses in the world.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Summer Riding School Helper Sign-Ups!

We're starting with a Tiny Tot Camp on June 14, and classic Summer Riding School starts on June 21.

We're asking all current helpers to sign up for the days they'd like to help at Knollwood Summer 2021.

You must currently be a helper, and have the approval of your instructor. Exceptions go through helper scheduler Brenda.

 

 

 Knollwood Show Entries are Due June 15!

Entry blanks are available in the school barn now,  and you don’t want to miss this one! The show is outside on July 17 and 18, features earlier start times (weather permitting), and is sure to be a wonderful time.

Plus, who doesn't want to wear a neon pink show shirt??

Your instructor is happy to provide more info.

 

Parents’ Night Out

June 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM

For only $25, your Knollwood Kid can enjoy an evening of barn fun with the Knockout officers. We aren’t riding, but there are plenty of games, time with barn friends, and dinner.

Sign ups will start on Thursday, and the event is only $25.

 

Prairie State Classic

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, IL

 

10 Academy riders are headed to the Prairie State Classic this weekend.  We’d love a cheering section for the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances!

 

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 15 - 19, 2021

Coliseum of Champions

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The best in the country are meeting in Springfield, and Knollwood will be there in numbers.

You can watch all the action on Richfield Video

 

 

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