The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival is starting tomorrow, and we can hardly wait.

Held at State Fair Park in West Allis, we consider it a ‘home show’ because we feel like we’re showing with a home field advantage.

 

We’re asking all of Team Knollwood to join us at the fabulous event.  We think it’s so exciting that we’re even cancelling lessons on Saturday because so many of our horses and employees are involved in the event.

 

 

 

 

Why should you come to the show?

 

 

The horses are beautiful,

and their riders are pretty great, too.

With classes ranging from equitation where the rider’s skill is evaluated to Open Jackpot classes where professional trainers show the most exciting horses, there’s always something to watch.

 

Young Horses are A Blast to Watch.

Futurity showcases the youngest horses shown, and you haven’t lived until you watch a class of weanlings being led in the arena.  They’re vocal, they’re beautiful, and they’re frequently opinionated about the whole thing.

The big Weanling Open Championship is Sunday morning at 9:30, and it’s the best.

 

 

It’s An Academy Showcase.

Futurity features the state championships for the academy division, ad Team Knollwood will be there with 15 riders ready to compete for the titles.

Academy riders will be treated to a 3 judge panel evaluating their skills, so there will be trained eyes all over the arena.  Great thanks to show management for giving the riders this great opportunity.

Team Knollwood will be represented by 10 riders in the walk, trot and canter classes, and 5 competitors in walk and trot categories.

Please join us at 9 AM Saturday morning to watch the fun and cheer on all our stars.

 

 

What’s Next?

On to St Louis.

Show horses will return home Sunday night, and head south on Monday for the St Louis National Horse Show.  Home to the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final as well as the National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, St Louis is a favorite of exhibitors and spectators alike.

Held at the National Equestrian Center, the National is also home to finals for the Shatner Western Division, and the Hunt Seat Classics.

Team Knollwood will be in the thick of the action, and we’ll update with webcast info as it becomes available.

 

It’s Time for the Knollwood Show!

 

The grand finale of the 2019 academy show is coming up November 9 and 10 at the Knollwood fall show.  We’re taking entries through October 12, and are looking forward to a big show celebrating the accomplishments of all of our riders.

From our competitive lead line division to the finals of the Knollwood Challenge, it promises to be a heck of a weekend.

 

Save the dates to support Team Knollwood with the concession stand.

The show features a silent auction, and we’re looking for donations to help the Knockouts.  Please contact Nancy or Ann with donations.

The November show is also home to the helper basket challenge. Our helpers will be soliciting donations to the baskets for their day of the week, and the judge will pick her favorite entry.  The winning team receives a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts.

 

 

Academy Photo Shoot

Clearly, it's time to update our photo.

All of our academy show riders will gather at the farm on Saturday, September 28 for a photo shoot for a National Horseman ad.

Professional equine photographer Emma Utoft will be on hand to capture our stars and has time for some individual sessions as well.  If you’re interested in a ½ hour session for your family, you and your favorite horse, or a holiday card shot, please contact Ann at the barn.  Spaces are limited, so act quickly!

 

 

Fall at Knollwood is beautiful, so be sure to spend some time watching Agnes and Ruby out playing, the lesson horses enjoying their round bales, kids riding outside, and show horses working in the clear fall air. 

 

Or, 'do a Hazel' and catch up with a friend on the deck while watching all the goings-on.

 

 

 

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

 

 

All the Knollwood Kids have headed back to school, and six special ones have started their college careers. 

Here’s a look at Knollwood’s class of 2019 college kids!

 

Robert has been a valuable member of Team Knollwood for many years.  He worked weekends at the barn, was a Wednesday helper, and rode in the 7:30 Tuesday class as well.  Always quick with a joke, he was a favorite of the Tuesday Amigos, and even pushed one of them back to the centerline of their horse during one of their initial ‘saddle no stirrup’ outings.

Robert always takes great care of horses, and was proud to serve as Tony’s respiratory therapist as well. Oh, and he's famous for his dance moves at the Helper Olympics, and at the Knollwood Banquet!

 

He’s settling in at Carroll University, and hopes to be riding again soon, when he gets used to his new school schedule and work load.

 

 

 

 

 

McKailey has been a Knollwood Kid since she was a tiny 5 year old enjoying her first Tiny Tot lesson with Mary. She rode the one and only Willy, of course.   Originally known 'Red Boots’ for her stellar early fashion choices, McKailey has enjoyed countless hours in the barn.

She showed Mark in her first Knollwood show in the Leadline division, and went on to achieve a successful  academy show career. She particularly enjoys the Summerfun Show, as it’s outside so her Dad can come and watch her show.

This past season, McKailey was fortunate to be able to lease Maddie, officially known as Tura Lura Lura in the Country Pleasure division. She enjoyed success in her first year out of the academy division

She’s been a Sunday helper for many years, and her mom Judy says that mucking stalls has made her an accomplished snow shoveler as well.

McKailey considers Knollwood her second home, and is taking a gap year working a number of jobs while she decides on her next move.

Judy adds, ‘As a parent, you have to decide if your child is serious about riding and if you can invest in sitting in barns. That moment their perfectly executed pattern brings tears to your eyes is when you know this IS the right decision.’

 

 

 

 

Kailee is another accomplished Knollwood Kid off to college. She’s been a Wednesday night helper for years, and has been active in academy shows as well. She’s also a Saturday stall cleaner, and spent last summer working full time in the barn.

 

Kailee is now settling in to the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, where she's studying nursing, and we’re looking forward to seeing her on breaks.

 

 

 

 

Jordan started riding at Knollwood when she was 8, after some trail riding on vacations,  and fell in love with Ethan at her first lesson. She’s been a constant presence at the farm ever since, and has progressed to many roles along the way.

 

Jordan started out as an enthusiastic helper, and made friends with every new student she met. She was very involved with the Knockouts, rising to the office of president. Jordan has been a camp counselor, a valued assistant at pattern camps, and even became a Tiny Tot instructor after presiding over some great camps.

Oh, and Jordan can ride. Really well.

She had a fun filled academy career, starting with her first show on Brinkley, who she thought was perfect, even with his ‘funky trot.’

Jordan moved on to the ‘A’ Show Horse world, first showing Maddie last year in the Country Pleasure division.  All the lessons learned there prepared her for showing the legendary CH Freaky Links this season. It’s actually hard to see whether Jordan or Freaky was having more fun in the ring.

Jordan’s favorite Knollwood memories are Friday nights at the barn when school was over for the week and she got to go to her favorite place and ride with her friends. She especially loved summer nights, taking horses out for their baths while the sun was setting.

She’s also loved teaching lessons and seeing her riders progress. Jordan finds inspiring to see their enthusiasm and watch them learn to post and steer on their own.

Jordan’s Mom Kimber says , ‘ Riding and working at the barn have taught Jordan so many valuable life lessons. She has learned that it takes practice and persistence to learn new skills, and that the privilege of riding comes with great responsibility to care for our  equine friends. She has learned good sportsmanship – as a gracious blue ribbon recipient, and when not placing after a nice ride. Most importantly, though, Knollwood is where Jordan has made life-long friendships and has found a barn family that supports and encourages her in everything she does.’

Jordan is attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison where she’s planning to major in neurobiology with hopes of becoming a dentist or orthodontist.

 

Her advice to young riders? ‘Get involved with anything and everything you can. You won’t forget the memories you make doing new things and meeting new people. I’m so glad I chose to get involved in the Knollwood Knockouts and met so many great people.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knollwood college Kid Haley enjoyed her first lesson at Knollwood when she was seven, and showed Willy in her first Knollwood show.

Haley has been a beloved ‘barn rat’ from the beginning.

 Her mom Sue says, ‘Riding horses allowed her to relax and be one with the horse. I don’t know how to explain it, but when riding she has a connection with that horse, which I believe allowed her to be more relaxed and allowed her to be more free.  Picture after picture we have is of Haley standing with a horse head to head making that connection. Anyone who knows her now and not then would be scratching their head saying, ‘Shy??’ Her tenacity, drive, discipline, patience, and confidence have come from her dedication to horses.’

Haley has been a helper, an active Knockout member, and has shared her unique perspective as an equitation star to mentor many riders.

Her favorite Knollwood Kid memories?  Haley lists working as a Saturday helper, lessons with Ann, moving up to lessons with Scott and Carol, lunge lessons, the first time riding Batman and Leila, the first time she showed in a suit, and winning the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.

That’s quite a list!

It was evident early on that Haley had lots of talent. She had a very successful academy career, with many adventures along the way.

Haley was fortunate to show several horses along her show career in the ‘A’ division, including Batman, Nugget, Felix, Robert, and Fergie to name a few. She won many of the 13 and under equitation finals on different horses before she was paired with the one and only Leila.

New to the equitation division, the game mare and the talented girl enjoyed a legendary year in 2018, becoming the 13^th rider ever, and the 3^rd Knollwood Kid to earn the coveted Triple Crown by winning the Good Hands Final, the UPHA Challenge Cup Final, and the USEF Medal Final.

Haley is currently working on her core college requirements locally, and in planning to become a Sports and Entertainment lawyer.

Mom Sue’s advice to Knollwood parents?

‘Support your child whether it be as a hair dresser, scheduler, confidant, dry cleaner, nutritionist, or psychologist.  We have grown to work as a partnership while away at horse shows. Be your child’s biggest cheerleader, not their critic. Allow them time with their trainers after a class as it’s the best time for their partnership to flourish.  Don’t expect your child to win – it truly is about them doing their best and learning from each ride.’

Haley adds, ‘Knollwood has been instrumental in who I am today as a rider and a responsible young adult. Knollwood is my home away from home!’

 

 

 

 

Ainsley is a legacy.

Her older sister Sydney was riding when 3 year old Ainsley started coming to watch. She was an avid listener, and was quickly imitating all the instructors in the middle while lessons were in full swing.

Fearless from the start, Ainsley's own riding career started at age 5, and the rest is legend. She bonded with horses from the beginning, and progressed really quickly. Ainsley was showing academy at age 7, and made an impact even then. 

 Mom Tina says, 'Knollwood has helped to build her character, taught her the true meaning of compassion, and has given her an amazing work ethic.'

 

Mom Tina adds, 'Knollwood has been our second home for 15 years.  It's a place filled with impeccable instruction, guidance, and support.  I can't imagine our family anywhere but Knollwood.'

While she was learning, Ainsley hung in there with older kids, even attending pattern camps with them.  She was the first rider to figure out that a helmet stored in the cooler was super comfortable on a hot morning in the big outdoor ring.

And, when the days got too long, she enjoyed spending quality time with her friend Dozer.

Ainsley was fortunate to show the legendary Cartman (CH-EQ What a Feeling) to a National Championship in the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup.

 

She partnered with him to win the Reserve World's Grand Championship of Equitation for Riders 13 and Under, TWICE. 

(And once with a broken wrist.

SSHHH, her doctor still doesn't know she rode with the cast!)

 

Ainsley decided to go on a different path than sister Sydney, and showed the beautiful Ashlyn's Only Charm in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division.  This charismatic team was a memorable team in their years together.

 

Ainsley is also honored to have been a  member of the gold medal winning 5 Gaited World Cup Team in 2018 as well as the USEF Young Riders Team where Scott was one of the coaches.

 

Ainsley is a Knollwood Kid through and through.  In addition to her riding skills, Ainsley  had been a mentor to so many hard riding kids, and served as a Tiny Tot Instructor in her high school years.  She adds. "I'm grateful for being  trusted and given the opportunity to each Tiny Tot lessons.  There's nothing better than turning a Kid into a 'Knollwood Kid.'

 

 

Ainsley is attending Edgewood College in Madison  studying business, and hopes to take on a key role and work with her Dad at the family business, Wild Impact Marketing.

 

 

We are grateful and honored to have played a role in raising these fabulous young adults.

Horses and Team Knollwood raise great kids.

We wish them all the best, and look forward to seeing them in the arena at Thanksgiving break!!

 

Tradition.  Honor. Passion.

It's what we do, and we love it.

 

 

 

 

 

Sure, most of the Knollwood Kids are just settling  into a new year of school, but to our equitation stars, it’s the start of Finals Season!

It all starts this week at the All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis where team Knollwood is set and ready to show.  This iconic show is home to two finals for Pleasure Equitation stars.  These riders have worked hard all season showing pleasure eq horses, and it’s time for the best to gather.

On Friday morning, the stars will gather for the Pleasure Equitation Olympics. Run by the Illinois American Pleasure Horse Association, (IASPHA) the same organization that produces three popular shows a year in Gurnee, this final offers gold, silver, and bronze medallions to the top three riders in both the junior (13 and under) and the senior (ages 14-17) divisions.

Team Knollwood will be represented and in the Senior Division by Laney showing Robert, and Heather showing Tucker.

 

The UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final starts Saturday morning, and is also a big part of this show.  Pleasure equitation riders who have qualified at shows across the country are gathering in Indy for a chance at a national title.

Riders have qualified by competing in a qualifier, completed a set pattern of a 4 loop serpentine at a trot, and finished the top 4 in their class.

The best will compete in this final sponsored by the United Professional Horseman’s Association. It’s judged a little differently than some of the older finals, with showmanship being paramount throughout the process.  This final is judged 60% on railwork and 40% on individual work.

The ability to show a horse will set a rider apart in this final which is also split into Junior and Senior divisions. Payton, Laney, and Heather will be competing for Team Knollwood, and we can hardly wait to watch.

You can catch all the action on SeeHorse Video for free, and here’s the link.

 

In addition to all the pleasure equitation excitement, this show offers the All American classes for weanlings through three year olds, the Indiana futurity, and the American Hackney Horse Society’s futurity. Oh, and there’s a heck of a horse show for all divisions as well!

 

Our Pleasure Eq finals competitors may be the ‘riders of the hour,' but in addition, Haley will be showing Gwen in Show Pleasure, and Finn will be showing Leila in equitation.

 

It’s going to be an exciting start to finals season, and we wish all competitors the best.

 

What’s Next?

Our fall ‘home show’ is coming up! The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival runs September 19-22 at Wisconsin State Fair Park. It showcases young saddlebreds in the futurity classes, show horses in the performance divisions, and even hosts the state championships in the academy division.

 

Team Knollwood will be there with numbers, and we hope you can join the fun! We’ll publish a schedule, and the academy performance is Saturday morning starting at 9 AM.

 

Finals season will continue the following week in St Louis where the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion and the ASHA Pleasure Equitation National Finals will be held.

In addition, the show is home to the Western and Hunt finals. We’ll keep you updated with schedules!

 

 

 

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

 

 

Last weekend was just so much fun.

The show horses were finishing up at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, and they were in the thick of the best competition there is.  Finn and Frankie were 7^th in their Show Pleasure World Championship, and Gabby and Charlie were 8^th in a stacked Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure final.

Classes were crazy deep, and any ribbon won was an accomplishment for a lifetime.

We’re so proud of all our riders on their strong performances in Freedom Hall.

 

Meanwhile, at the home office, the Knollwood Summer Academy show was in full swing. Here are a few of our favorite stories of the weekend!

Short staffed? No problem.

 

Many of our usual show crew was in Louisville watching or participating in the show, so we re-organized and got the jobs done. Some great new Knollwood moms and their Knollwood Kids put gift baskets together, and manned the concession stand.

Some of our younger riders had a chance to step up and contribute in the barn, helping riders enter the ring. Without as many ‘personal assistants’ as usual and a big show to run, we created a new system to make it work, and had a blast doing it.

Thank you to everyone who leant us their creativity and positive attitude to make the show so fun for so many riders.

 

Our Esteemed Judge

We were beyond fortunate to have former equitation star Shelby return to judge all classes. Her well trained eye for detail and sense of fun kept the show running on a light note. Shelby offered constructive feed back to many of the riders, and was really able to personalize it as she’s ridden many of our best lesson horses in the world.

Shelby was also brave enough to join the game division riding the one and only Mark. Despite not riding in about three years, Shelby was a contender in all events, winning the ‘Slowest Canter,’ and being reserve champ in the ‘Musical Towels’ event.

 

She really wants Scott to know that she also won the ‘Ride a $5’ after leaving the saddle for three years.  Shelby still has it!

And she donated her winnings back to the Knockouts!

 

Adults in Numbers

The adult division was impressive, and quite possibly the most entertaining division.  With riders who have enjoyed horses their whole life to riders who have started this adventure as ‘grown-ups,’ this age group offered a little bit of everything.

Best of all? These riders seem to enjoy the experience a lot, and are very vocal in their support of each other.

 

Leadliners are Huge

 

 

On the other end of the spectrum, our leadline division was almost as big as the adult classes. As a testament to our hard working tiny tot instructors, these littleist Knollwood Kids looked fantastic, and many are ready to move into group lessons this fall!

 

First Show Adventures

Our maiden division for first time show rides was split into divisions to accommodate the number of entries. These newbies looked poised and ready to show, and they were even all on the correct diagonal. The future looks bright!

 

Back from Louisville!

Richie returned from the World’s Championship Horse Show late Saturday night, and was kind enough to join us at the barn to ride a demo on Sunday. His Country Pleasure mare Tink didn’t make the trip to Louisville, and was happy to see Richie and to ‘turn it on’ for the audience Sunday afternoon. There’s nothing like a beautiful Saddlebred enjoying their person and their job!

 

Game Time!

Following the ‘serious’ part of the show on Saturday, we like to take a short break and then play games on horseback. Seven brave souls joined the division last weekend, including our judge.

We had lots of laughter, lots of cheering, and lots of sore legs. It took a lot of work to end the ‘Ride a $5’ game, as there were plenty of strong legs in the arena. 

 

Knockouts Fundraising

Thanks to the efforts of Knockout members who volunteered their time and effort, the club raised over $1000 with their gift baskets and concession stand. We were especially thrilled to see so many new Knollwood families joining the fun of the youth group.

Special thanks to Merton Feed for sponsoring the concession stand for the show. They’re terrific partners in making all of our horses look so good.

 

These Unbelievable Horses

The lesson horses out did themselves this weekend.

They behaved themselves perfectly (well, maybe except for the time that Sparky tried to tell Shelby when it was time to reverse, or the time he led 3 of his friends into the line up. Early.) with both experienced and leadline riders.

Nothing deterred from their mission of being the best lesson horses in the world, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

School horses start their vacation this week.

Hard working Sparky is enjoying a week off, and the rest of the boys will get a chance to rest up after a busy summer. They'd love extra treats during their vacations, so check the calendar in the school barn lounge to see who's off each week!

Here’s to sportsmanship, friendship, and horsemanship.

Save the dates for the fall show on November 9 and 10!

 

What’s coming up?

 

The show horses are heading off to Indianapolis for the All American Horse Classic.  This show marks the beginning of equitation finals season with the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final, and the Pleasure Equitation Olympic Final.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and we’ll update with schedules and webcast info soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Our first Knockout night at Culvers is coming up this Wednesday from 5-8 PM.  Enjoy some delicious treats at the Hartland Culvers, and they’ll donate a portion of the proceeds to the Knockouts.

This is a monthly event, so mark your calendars for the first Wednesday of every month through May!!

 

 

 

 

We’re ordering our timeless navy Knollwood jackets for fall show season! 

Size samples are available in the school barn lounge along with order blanks. Please place your orders by September 22!

 

 

 

Both the academy and show horses will be heading back to State Fair Park for the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival. Join us September 19-22 for a terrific show right in our own backyard.

Academy classes start at 9 AM on Saturday, and we’ll be battling for State Championship titles.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Team Knollwood is participating at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky.....and at the same time we’re having a blast with a prep camp for the Knollwood Summer Show this weekend enjoying every minute in both states.

 

In Louisville, many of our riders advanced on their horses to their World Grand Championship classes by placing high enough in a qualifying class. 

We couldn’t be more proud of these Knollwood Kids.

Any ribbon in Freedom Hall is an achievement for a lifetime, and we’ve gotten some good ones.

Finn and Laney will be showing in the Senior Equitation Final Thursday night at 5:30 PM our time. 

If you’d like to watch the best the equitation world has to show, feel free to join Ann in Carol’s office at 5:30 PM to watch the class.

The riders and horses are amazing.

Richie will be showing Sophie in the Junior Equitation Final late Friday morning, and it should be a great class.

Saturday morning will be busy with Finn showing Frankie in the Show Pleasure Final for riders ages 14-17,  while both Bella and Haley will be showing in the Country Pleasure Final for riders 14-17.

Team Knollwood will finish the show with Gabby showing Charlie in the 5 Gaited Show Pleasure Final late in the morning.

 

A couple of Knollwood Kids have been honored to show some horses for other trainers as well. 

Our young riders are sought after for their horsemanship skills which makes them up to the challenge of showing an unfamiliar horse. 

All those lessons on all those different horses? It creates good thinking  riders who have a really broad to base on which to draw.

Richie will be showing Ro and Me’s Alacazam  for Northern Tradition Farm in the 13 and under Show Pleasure Final while Haley will be showing 2 horses for 2 different barns.

(In addition to her interviewing duties on the live feed broadcast for Richfield...)

She’ll be showing Kalarama’s Out of the Ordinary from Hollow Haven Farm  in the 3 Gaited Show Pleasure Final for riders aged 14-17, and The Davinci Treasure for Stachowski Farms Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited final for riders aged 14-17.

We wish everyone the best of luck as they enjoy the Louisville experience both in and out of the ring.

 

Meanwhile, back at the home office…

We have 11 Knollwood Kids enjoying our annual show prep camp. 

It’s the perfect ‘step up’ from our traditional summer riding school sessions which are tailored for our newer riders.

This group of  riders is preparing to show at our summer academy show coming up this weekend, and many of them are showing for the first time.

They’re learning all about showing horses and caring for horses and having a lot of fun, too.

 

 

 

Our show runs both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and we're thrilled to welcome Knollwood Kid Shelby Hader back to judge all events. 

Shelby grew up here, and started as a TIny Tot in the leadline division.  She grew up to be president of the Knollwood Knockouts, an equitation star, and enjoyed great success on several nice horses including Callaway's Newscaster and Believin'.

Shelby is a graduate of Lawrence University, is currently working in the medical field, and is planning to attend medical school in the near future.

Rumor has it that she may join the games division of the show on Saturday!

We're looking forward to a big show, with the largest classes being in the Adult Walk, Trot, Canter  and Leadline divisions.

 

 

The fine print about the show:

Walk Trot Canter classes start at 1:00 PM on Saturday, and Walk Trot classes start at noon on Sunday.

Riders can pick up their shirts and back numbers from their instructor ahead of time, or on the day of the show.

 

We're still looking for help filling the gift baskets and the concession stand staff.  If you'd like to help with either, please check out the sign ups in the school barn lounge. You can also sign up for the concession stand online here.

If you've signed up to donate to the baskets, please have your items at the farm by Thursday night. Baskets will be assembled during the day on Friday.

 

We're so very grateful to our friends and partners at Merton Feed Company for their generous sponsorship of the concession stand for the show.

Their expertise and service are a big reason why all our horses look and feel so good. We couldn't do it without them.  (And they have the best chickens. Ever.)

Parking can be challenging, so thanks to our friends at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club for allowing us to use their lot this weekend.  Please enter off Oakwood Road, not Horseshoe Bend.

 

Want to watch Stake Night at Louisville? You can join us in the lounge on Saturday night at 6:00 when we'll project the live feed.  Bring some snacks to share and enjoy watching the best in the world!

 

Whether you're in Louisville or Hartland, we're looking forward to great competition, sportsmanship and friendships. Oh, and spending time with some marvelous horses, too!

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.