What a blast Knollwood Summer, 2019 has been so far!

 

Tiny Tot Camps

We finished four sold out sessions of fun with our 4-6 year old campers. The riders and ‘personal assistants’ enjoyed riding, games, and snack times every day.

The coolest thing about this summer is that a couple of our former equitation stars brought their daughters to camp.  The next generation of Knollwood kids has begun their journey!

 

Classic Camps

 

 We’re on our third week of sold out classic camps, and we can say that every available spot has been claimed. These week long horse-immersion sessions have been a blast for counselors, helpers, and riders.

Our latest adventure in our current session is welcoming  five riders from China for the week. They’re in the US for a month, trying different activities, and it’s Knollwood week now!

 

Several of the campers have minimal English skills, and we’re super lucky to have three American students in camp who speak fluent Mandarin! It’s really a special week, campers from across the world exchanging info about their schools, families, and customs. Some of the helpers have even learned to write their names (somewhat) in Chinese characters!

 

Pattern Camps

Our academy show stars have already enjoyed three weeks of intensive camps. Students who have advanced to our academy show team enjoy a week of serious riding and lots of fun as well.

We’ve spent hours in the big outdoor ring, renamed ‘Patternland’ by the campers. It’s the perfect arena to practice just about any pattern known to man, and it’s also a great venue for water fights at the end of a long day of learning.

Next week, we’re hosting a special camp for our newest academy stars who will be making their show ring debuts at the ASAW Summer Showcase in Cedarburg on August 11.

 

 

 

We do have a few spots open in our special week for riders participating in the Knollwood Summer Show on August 24-25.  Riders showing that weekend can enjoy a camp session the week before, and learn all about horse showing.  Because it’s a private camp for Knollwood Kids, it’s not listed on the website, but you can give us a call at 262-367-2391 to claim one of the last spots!

 

 

Horse Shows

Summer is the best time for horse shows, and we’ve kept ourselves busy enjoying many. Our favorites are when our show riders and academy riders compete at the same shows.

There’s nothing like having access to the show riders experiences to help the academy riders. Plus, these bring ALL of Team Knollwood together to celebrate!

 

 

Reminder, entries for the Knollwood Summer Show are due on Thursday, July 25!!

 

How Is All This Possible?

Helpers and horses.

 

Our helpers are amazing.

They’re engaging, encouraging, and so much fun.  Whether they’re running with beginners,  teaching a rookie how to groom, or doing glamorous chores like throwing hay, they’re always having fun, and it’s infectious.

 

 

Our counselors are even a step up. 

 

These ‘best of the best’ helpers keep campers organized, assist the instructor during lessons, and keep the helper crews on task. We fully expect to be working for some of these characters one day.

 

The Knockout officers continue to amaze.

After a full session of camp last week, the officers hosted a helper training night last Friday, and an amazing, fun-filled Parents’ Night Out on Saturday.  We’re not sure where they find their endless energy, but we’re glad they do!

We are in awe.

 

 

Horses.

 

We have the best lesson horses in the world.

We think they like camp and horse shows. A lot.

They relish the attention and slow work of camp. Our newest member, Mac, is learning the ways of summer camp, and is really taking to it.  He now realizes that the header near his shoulder is there to help…

 

At shows all over the place, these grand souls take care of our least experienced academy riders, challenge those ready for it, and really appear to enjoy the trips.

We cannot possibly thank the grand gelding club enough for all they do for us and for the kids they’re introducing to horses. 

But we’ll try.

 

 

The great news is that even though all of our camp sessions are sell outs, we offer wonderful riding lessons throughout the year. We offer group and private lessons six days a week, and our heated barns and arena keep us going in all weather conditions.

Our next session is starting at the beginning of September, so be sure to check it out!

 

What’s Up Next?

The academy and ‘B’ horses are off to Roscoe, Illinois for the Mid-American Horse Show Association’s Signature Show. Held in the BIG outdoor ring at Ledges, it’s a wonderful show with lots of good competition and hospitality.

Many of our riders are looking forward to the annual water balloon fight after the academy session on Saturday!

 

The Knockouts are running the brat shack at the Piggly Wiggly in Hartland, and holding a car wash at the same time.

Please join us next Sunday, August 4 from 11 am to 3 pm!

You can sign up here!

 

The Knockouts and the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin are hosting the Summer Showcase Horse Show at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds the following weekend on August 10 and 11.  We’re looking for volunteers to help us set up, tear down, and run the concession stand.

The Knockouts receive half of the show proceeds in exchange for providing the labor for the show, and you can sign up to help here.

 

The Knollwood Summer Show is coming up on August 24 and 25, and the concession stand would love your assistance.

  We'll have sign-ups available soon!

 

 

The show horses will be heading to the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville at the end of August. We’ll keep you posted with webcast info as it becomes available.  And don’t forget our Stake Night Party on Saturday night August 24 if you’d like to watch it on the big screen!

 

 

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

 

Summerfun Is Simply The Best.

 

 

With 45 stalls at the show, Team Knollwood had the chance to experience both show horse and academy divisions at their finest. 

Classes were full and deep with talent, and we’d love to share some of our favorite stories.

 

While all of our show horses and riders enjoyed the show there are several who stood out over the course of the show.

 

Bella and Garfield are becoming the team to beat. 

The country pleasure division is a deep one, and these two are coming together in the ring at the perfect time.

Their classes at Summerfun looked effortless, and we honestly couldn't tell who was having more fun, Bella or Garfield.

 

We"re excited to have college girl Payton back from the University of Michigan for the summer. 

She showed Susan’s accomplished star Geronimo at the show, and got some nice ribbons. 

 

 

Gabby and Charlie remain undefeated in Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure this season. 

Charlie LOVES his job, and LOVES Gabby, so they’re a joy to watch.

 

 

Our Colorado contingent was here for the weekend, and what a show they had. 

 

 

Finn and Leila won both their qualifier and championship while Payton and Dos won the Good Hands qualifier as well as their age group.

 

 

 

On Saturday evening, we were proud to celebrate with Knollwood’s own Jordan as she received an ASAW Scholarship.

 

 

Jordan has grown up a Knollwood Kid, having made her way through the academy division before she moved on to the show horse world.

Jordan is currently enjoying this season showing the one and only CH Freaky Links in the Show Pleasure division.

In addition to riding, Jordan has been very involved in all things Knollwood.

She’s been a helper since she was 11, she’s been a camp counselor, President of the Knockouts, and a Tiny Tot instructor.

We don’t know what we’ll do without her as she heads off to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall!

 

Academy Excellence

Knollwood was well represented in the academy division with 18 riders across age groups and divisions. Our riders really enjoyed the new schedule which had show horse classes starting at 9 AM before the academy session started at 11 AM.

 

 

It takes an army to prep all these horses and riders, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our fabulous show barn mentors and a couple of wonderful adults. Great thanks to Finn, Heather, Laney, Payton D. Payton H, Jeni, and Laura for the expert care of our horses and riders. It also took five  stylists to get all the buns in place, so thanks to Sue, Laura, Abby, Jen and Lisa for their assistance!

We want to especially thank Sammy Jo from Lance Hayes Stables who stepped in and lent us a really nice academy horse after one of ours suffered a significant eye injury.

Sammy cleared her schedule so Erika could get three lessons in on Jack before she showed him, and it was time well spent as the new team won both their equitation qualifier and their championship.

We are proud to call Sammy a friend.

 

 

The academy classes themselves were exciting and deep.

The walk trot and canter equitation championship had to be split into a junior and senior division as there were 22 entries for the final.

 

Judge Lightner presided over the academy division, and tested riders in the championships with appropriate, challenging patterns. We thank him and show manager Vicky for individually working the top riders in each division.

We’re proud of all of our 18 riders who rode so well on Saturday. Riders are at different stages of their education, and they all rode above expectations.

 

We won a few classes, so special shout outs to Maddie who showed Panic for the first time, and was the 13 and under WTC champion, Erika and her fancy ‘loaner’ horse Jack who won the 14-17 WTC championship and to Lily T. who finished as reserve champion in the 11 and over WT championship.

Our youngest riders enjoyed pattern camp the week before Summerfun.  They spent their days playing 'cover up' with Forest and perfecting their work in the ring, and their efforts paid off at the show. Mia and Maiya traded first and second places in the 9-10 year old walk and trot division while Amelia enjoyed great success in the 8 and under classes.

 

What’s Next?

Entries are due July 25 for the Knollwood summer show on August 24 and 25.   If you can’t make the show, but would like to purchase a show shirt, you can order one for only $15 by July 25.

 

Parents’ Night Out is coming up this Saturday, and you won’t want to miss it. For only $10, you can enjoy a sub dinner and fun with your barn friends while you hang out with the Knockout officers and board members.

 

The academy horses are off to Roscoe next weekend for the Mid America Signature Show.  Held in the HUGE outdoor ring, the show is an exhibitor favorite. Team Knollwood will be well represented, and it’s the perfect place to watch a show. Please join us!

 

The Knockouts are looking forward to a couple of big fundraisers, and would love everyone to help out.

 

We’re running a car wash and brat sale at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly on Sunday, August 4. 

You can sign up here, or on the sheets in the school barn lounge.

 

The following weekend, the Knockouts are running the ASAW Summer Showcase at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds.  We’re looking for assistance with the concession stand, set up and take down, and many miscellaneous tasks.

You can sign up here.

 

 

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

 

 

We’re enjoying Knollwood Summer 2019.

 With lessons, camps, horse shows, and just general barn fun, we’re loving every minute of it.

Let’s catch up!

Last week, Team Knollwood had a blast at one of their favorite summer events, the Oshkosh Charity Horse Show.  With its park-like atmosphere, hospitality galore, friendly management and lots of talented horses and riders, there’s no better place to spend a show weekend.  We even had some impressive summer storms thrown in for added adventure!

Our favorite Oshkosh stories?

 

The Oshkosh girls made a splash. Sarah returned to the show ring with Fergie, officially known as ‘Impressive Asset.’  Recent college grad Sarah enjoyed showing the one and only Fergie who had been her adult equitation horse in the Park Pleasure division at Oshkosh.

Fellow Oshkosh girl Amanda had quite a show with fiery Smyth.  Officially known as Bells A Poppin, Smyth can be a little picky and demanding, but she and Amanda have a special understanding.  In fact, this team won the Wisconsin Owned Country Pleasure class, and finished third in their Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Stake.

 

Finn came in from Colorado to show Leila and to get some more qualifying in for the fall finals.  The dynamic duo won the UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier as well as the Equitation championship.  They’re looking fabulous heading into the summer shows.

 

Bella and Garfield have been improving with every show and were very, very impressive in Oshkosh.  They won both of their classes in the big ring, and they both looked like a million bucks.

Our twelve academy riders rode their hearts out in the spacious arena  Classes were big, and competition was deep with the Knollwood Kids in the thick of it.  Many lessons were learned about ring position, listening to pattern instructions, and, once again, that the harder you work, the luckier you get.

Some highlights?

Thomas was, once again, a rock star. He looks more and more confident at each show, and even won the 10 and Under Walk Trot Equitation Championship with Mia.

Zada has learned lots from Alex in the last few shows. Those lessons came together last weekend as she won the Walk, Trot, and Canter Equitation Championship.  She earned the DJ’s Celebration Memorial traveling trophy, and in an odd coincidence, it was won in 2018 by Alex with Maria aboard!

Tessa took a big step forward horse-wise, and showed the one and only Panic in her academy classes.  Initially a little cautious, Tessa and Panic got more and more comfortable, and Tessa had the grand gelding making great passes off the rail, made him look smooth and easy, and earned some good ribbons for her efforts.

 

Coming Up?

The academy and ‘B’ horses are headed to Gurnee this weekend for the IASPHA Summer Show. With 15 riders, the show will be an exciting one. 

Please stop by and cheer us on!

 

The following weekend, Team Knollwood will be enjoying their ‘home show.’ ASAW Summerfun at State Fair Park.  Running July 11-14, the show features beautiful horses, talented riders, an ice cream social sponsored by the Knockouts, and a fabulous academy performance featuring 18 Knollwood riders. 

Join us for the academy excitement Saturday morning!

 

Knollwood Kid Jordan will be honored during the Saturday evening performance as a winner of one of the ASAW scholarships.

 

The Knockouts are still looking for volunteers to help with the car wash at Piggly Wiggly on Sunday, August 4, and for the concession stand at the ASAW Summer Showcase at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds on August 10 and 11.  Please click on the links above to help our hard working youth group!

 

We’re now accepting entries for the Knollwood Summer Academy Show to be held August 24 and 25.  Entry blanks and shirt size samples are available in the school barn lounge, so please talk to your instructor to see which classes are best for you.  Payment is required at time of entry.

We’re looking for assistance at the concession stand for the show as well.

 

 

We hope you'll join us for all the fun we've planned for Knollwood Summer, 2019.

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

 

 

 

 

Team Knollwood is currently doing laundry and unpacking from a week’s worth of adventures at the 78^th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show.  Held at the beautiful and historic Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield the show features deep competition and wonderful hospitality. 

What could be better than a competitive horse show with parties every evening?  Let us know if you think of anything!

 

Here are some of our favorite memories of the weekend:

Kerry and Susan enjoyed a mother, daughter weekend at the show, with Kerry showing both Rudi in the Western division and Hershey in the Show Pleasure classes.  Kerry had a strong showing, and  finished reserve with Rudi in the Western Pleasure Championship, and won the Shatner qualifier. 

St Louis, here they come!

 

 

 

Our second mother, daughter duo also enjoyed quite a weekend in Springfield.  Kim gained more show ring experience with Maddie in the Show Pleasure division.  After watching daughter Allison’s storied junior exhibitor career, Kim knows that the more you show, the better you get.  She and Maddie are  making great strides as they show in different situations this season.

Allison made her debut on Ava, her new 3 gaited horse. She and Scott have only been working with this charismatic mare for a short time, and are already turning in clean rides.  We can’t wait to see how this exciting new team grows together!

 

 

 

Payton and her Mom Nicole made a trip from Colorado to enjoy Midwest.  Payton turned in some fun rides on Eli in the Show Pleasure division.  Payton and Dos are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the 13 and under pleasure equitation division, winning their qualifier and finishing reserve grand champs.  This strong team also won the 13 and under UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier!

 

 

 

Richie and his ‘two girls’ continue to enjoy the process of learning all about horse showing. Last year’s walk and trot equitation horse Tink has become an enthusiastic competitor in the Country Pleasure division. Richie really made a mark in the Equitation division at Midwest aboard the beautiful Sophie, officially known as Royal Tryst.  ‘Team Sophie’ won the 13 and under Saddle Seat Equitation qualifier as well as their championship. 11 year old Richie even finished third in a deep Good Hands qualifier for riders 17 and under.

 

 

 

Heather is making  a splash in her first season in the Senior Equitation division. 

This lucky girl had the opportunity to show two very different equitation horses at Midwest, and learned many lessons along the way. 

Heather was reunited with Tucker, her 13 and under mount, and won the Pleasure Equitation Championship for riders 14-17, as well as the Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier.  She also had the chance to show the one and only Fergie who is always up for teachable moments.  

 

  

Haley may be retired from the equitation world, but she continues to be a force of nature at horse shows. 

She helped out Team Knollwood by continuing Roger’s education in the Show Pleasure division.  She also enjoyed showing Smyth in the Country Pleasure division, and even earned two second place finishes with the energetic mare.

Haley stepped into a new role at the show as she started work as a commentator for Richfield Productions. 

She interviewed winners at the out gate, and filled air time with RH as well.  Haley looks as comfortable on camera as she is on a horse, and we’re looking forward to seeing her on more webcasts.

 

 

 

 

Gabby and Charlie just keep getting better and better. 

This dream team won their 5 gaited Show Pleasure qualifier, and then worked even harder in the championship to win it unanimously. They are so much fun to watch,  showing such teamwork every step of the way.

 

 

What’s Next?

Team Knollwood is traveling to the Oshkosh Charity Horse Show June 26-29.  Please join us for this show held in a park like setting. 

The Saturday morning academy performance is going to be a biggie with 10 Knollwood horses and 14 riders competing.  You won’t want to miss this.

 

 

The Knockouts are looking for some volunteers. 

If you haven’t performed your two hours of club service yet, here are a few really fun ways to help. And for those of you who pitch in every chance you get, THANK YOU! 

We could use your help again!

 

The Knockouts are hosting a club fundraiser at Piggly Wiggly in Hartland on Sunday, August 4.  We’re running the brat stand as well as a car wash, and need everyone to pitch in. 

Want to get wet? Help with the car wash.

Don’t want to get wet? Help in the brat shack!

You can sign up here or at the barn.

 

 

The Knockouts are also manning the concession stand at the ASAW Summer Showcase Horse Show in Cedarburg on August 10-11. The stand is air conditioned, and is a great way to meet other members and watch the show before or after your shift. 

Please sign up here to help with the Cedarburg concession stand.

 

 

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

And we'd love to see you at Piggly Wiggly and at the Showcase Show, too!

 

So, kids are finally getting out of school, the weather is trying to cooperate, and everyone at the farm is looking forward to Knollwood Summer 2019.

Scott, Carol, and crew enjoyed a rare quiet weekend at home while the academy and some ‘B’ horses were competing at the Prairie State Classic show.  Primarily a Morgan show, Prairie State is a favorite to many with its hospitality and friendly atmosphere.

Our favorite stores of the show?

Jodi and JD have been working hard, and it all came together in Woodstock when they won both their qualifier and championship.  Congrats to them both!

 

Thomas continues his education as a Knollwood academy horse. 

He’s gaining confidence with every performance, and seemed to really enjoy being at the show, living the life of an indoor show horse.  He and Juliet even won their equitation championship, so Thomas got to make his first victory pass!  He was a little unsure about the neck ribbon at first, but he made his turn around the arena like he’d been doing it forever.

It’s Big Time.

Show horses will be leaving Saturday for the 78^th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois. Horses and riders from all over the country will be competing at one of the best shows in the nation, and it’s the first one on the calendar where many Louisville contenders meet.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and we’ll fill you in on the webcast and schedule information as soon as it’s all set.

 

 

Time For Camp

Summer riding school starts on Monday!

Our first sold out session of Tiny Tot Camp and an advanced camp both start first thing next week. 

Classic Summer Riding School starts the following Monday, June 17.  Helper sign ups are on the tack room door in the school barn, so please get your name on the schedule if you’d like to join in the fun!

 

The Drive is Almost Over!

Great thanks to everyone who’s donated to our annual food drive so far.  We currently have 186 food kits or cash equivalents on hand, and are accepting donations through Saturday. The food is heading to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County on Monday.

All riders who collected a minimum of 5 food kits are gathering Saturday for a Knockout meeting at 5:00, followed by the start of the Video Scavenger Hunt at 5:30. 

(Thanks to our friends at High Caliber Stables for their information and inspiration!)

Teams will get to travel all over the farm to perform the following:

 

 

Yes, you’ll be asked to imitate Tony, Fred, and Frank the pony as they enjoy all the food they can eat.

 

We’re not sure if there’s a world record, but we’re confident we can break one.  Right, Forest?

 

 

Team members get to be Hugo, Mark, Bo, Sparky, and Big Frank as they try to find their stalls. Or not.

 

 

The farm is a big place when you’re trying to hide 5 or 6 people in this classic  Knollwood game.

 

 

Yes, one team member gets to don a tiara and carry a rawhide as she imitates Hazel making friends in the lounge.

 

 

Silent human screams, of course.

 

 

Bonus !

Make a video of Scott teaching a lesson OR coaching a show class

               We made it a bonus, because not everyone has had the pleasure of having a lesson with the one and only.  Props include Scott’s arena stool, a lash whip, and anything else you can think of.  Be sure to throw in key phrases like, ‘That’s way more betterer,’ and the always classic, ‘Stupid horse.’

              Groups can break teams for this event so many of Scott's students get a chance to give a Scott lesson.

 

Following all the filming, we’ll gather for a huge picnic while we get the pics uploaded to social media for all to enjoy.  We’ll also award prizes for the teams most over their goal.

 

If you didn't donate but would like to watch, the price of admission is one food kit or a $15 donation to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

 

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