Let’s face it, Team Knollwood has been fortunate to have had some of the best lesson horses ever.

  Looking back, we can identify the characteristics that made them grand, as well as some traits that we appreciate, but are not required.

 

Requirement #1. 

Patience

If you watch many beginner or tiny tot lessons, you’ll start to believe that Sparky and Pony Frank were saints in their former lives.

They take beginner hands and posting without even thinking about it. They wait for extended periods while riders learn to switch crops, lengthen and shorten reins, and work through transitions.

After a beginner lesson, their next one may be teaching a rider’s first bareback lesson, or teaching a rookie how to trot a circle or a serpentine.

They enjoy their work, as evidenced by their ‘ears up’ in the arena, and their eyes on their instructor.

 

 

Wish List #1

Beauty

While some lesson horses are physically quite beautiful, most of them are a little plain on the outside and very, very beautiful on the inside.

In our eyes, they're all beautiful.

 

 

 

Requirement #2

People Pleaser

Great lesson horses love people.

We’ve all seen it, a little rider getting off their horse and immediately starting a conversation with their horse. The horse usually acts quite interested, and probably is.

Watch riders while they’re performing patterns, and you’ll often see them pet their horse after a difficult section, and you can actually see the horse soften and appreciate the rider.

Lesson horses love their people.

While at horse shows, these horses are constantly trying to touch riders or show techs in the warm up ring.

 

 

 

Wish List #2

Perfect Conformation

How a horse is put together is important to his movement, and even his ageing process. Since the physical demands of a lesson horse are quite different than for a top line show horse, our lesson horses can have some flaws.

Have you ever noticed the length of Baxter’s short front legs? Have you noticed Leon’s straight shoulders and knees? Nope, because they do their jobs so happily.

 

 

Requirement #3

Resilience

Great lesson horses must be able to teach a number of lessons to different levels of riders.

Jelly may be lazy at times, but he loves tiny tots, has a perfect jog to teach posting, and can also execute a precise pattern, and LOVES games at pattern camps.

You’ll see him teaching riders from 3 to 73, in privates, groups, and camps.

 

 

 

Wish List #3

A nifty color

Sure, 'horses of a different color' are interesting to look at, and we have some representatives at the moment. With the two Hafflingers, Mac, and the grays of Earl and Sparky, Knollwood is kind of a colorful place.

While it makes the arena a little more exciting to look at, you truly can't beat the sight of chestnut Fred serpentining with a 5 year old, or of chestnut Beau teaching a little show rider how to keep his head up.

 

 

 

Requirement #4

A Unique Lesson

Every great lesson horse finds his ‘niche’ lesson.

Knollwood has many lesson horses, and we call them the ‘library.’

Need to teach a rider to canter? Go get Leon or Hugo

Need to teach a sitting trot? Go get Sparky or Bilbo

Need to teach keeping heads up? Go get Pumpkin or Jelly

Need to teach patience on leads? Go get Thomas or Poppy

Need to teach sitting and slowing? Go get Bee

 

 

 

 

We’ve had some legendary lesson horses, and continue to develop more all the time,

Soon you’ll have your chance to vote for Knollwood’s Lesson Horse of the Year!

Starting on December 1, you’ll receive a ballot for the election when you pay your 2024 Knockout dues.

Polls will stay open until 12/31, and results will be announced at the Knockout banquet on February 24.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

November 12

Last chance for Woodwear orders!

 

November 18

Parent Meeting for New Academy Riders

Join us at 6:00 PM in the show barn lounge to learn about Knollwood’s academy show program.

We’ll talk about schedules, clothing, costs and commitments, and all that can be learned from academy showing.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many info folders to prepare.

 

November 23

Happy Thanksgiving!

No lessons, your instructor will schedule a makeup.

 

November 24

Holiday Sale starts!

Get 10% off any enrollment payments.

Our promo runs through December 31.

 

 November 25

Parents Night Out

All Knockouts are invited to join fellow members as they hang out with the Knockout officers and board members. Partiers will eat dinner, play games, and wrap gifts for our adopted families.

If you’re not yet a member, we’d be happy to have you join! You can sign up with your instructor or admin.

PNO participants, please sign up and pay your $25 fee in the school barn lounge.

 

December 1

Polls Open!

The school horse of the year election begins at 8:00 AM.

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and place your vote!

The winner will be announced at the club banquet on February 24.

 

 December 1

 

Stirrup orders due to Ann

They’re the perfect holiday gift!

We’ll place your order for Freedman’s irons and leathers, our supplier for all of our show riders. We’ll get the correct iron size and stirrup leather length for your rider.

Remember, all academy riders must own their own stirrups.

 

 

December 2

Academy Demo Night

6:00 PM

Join us in the arena to watch some of our academy stars in all their show ring finery. They’ll be there with their parents to answer questions for kids and parents alike.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we’ll have enough handouts and snacks.

 

 

 December 9

Knockout Holiday Party and Knockout Election

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join the holiday party. Wear layers so you’ll be ready for the scavenger hunt, which can take you all over the farm!

We’ll elect new officers after dinner, and even host an optional gift exchange.

If you haven’t yet joined the Knockouts, please do! You’ll find membership envelopes in the school barn, and your instructor or admin is happy to help.

 

 December 24 and 25

Happy Holidays!

No lessons.

 

 

December 31, January 1

Happy New Year!

No lessons.

 

 February 24

6:00 PM

Knockout Award Banquet

Merrill Hills CC

 

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

 

 

 

Last weekend’s IASPHA Fall show marked the end of Knollwood's academy show season. We traveled to 12 shows through Wisconsin and Illinois, we showed inside and outside and we were at shows that ranged from all-academy shows to big ‘A’ shows.  It all gave our 46 academy stars, including eight new competitors, many, many great experiences and adventures. We learned many things, and would like to share some of them.

 

 

 First of all, we had fun. A ton of fun.

We shared prep time while doing hair and makeup, and walking patterns.

We kidnapped a kitten in hopes of a large ransom payoff....but it didn’t work.

We spent quality time with Hazel and Izzy.

We made friends with riders from other barns.

We became better friends with our teammates.

 

 

We Perfected Sportsmanship.

We cheered each other on, no matter who won.

We included others in the process, just ask Owen from Woodwind.

We made friends from other barns and asked them to join our celebrations. Just ask Payton from Rose Tree.

We ran victory passes in pattern classes without our horses, and when Team Knollwood didn’t win, we met the victor at the gate to offer congratulations.

 

 

 

We Practiced Resilience.

We’ve changed our schedule on a dime and our riders made it work.

We introduced Pumpkin the Magnificent to the academy world in short order. Riders who had to change horses at the last minute relished the chance to show the newbie, and even won some classes.

We had to learn patterns in a hurry and welcomed the challenge.

We didn’t always have the rides or results we hoped for, and realized those were learning moments that build better character.

 

 

We Are A Team.

Knollwood is known for its teamwork.

At academy shows, someone always forgets pins, hair supplies, or a belt.  There’s always someone there happy to help out and donate what’s missing.

At shows where both the show and academy riders compete at the same venue, our show riders love to help out the academy riders. It’s a real confidence boost to be helped by your champion teammates.

Our academy riders in turn are on hand to cheer on their mentors when the show classes are competing.

 

 

Respect is All.

Riders quickly learn that many hands go into a successful horse show.

Most of all, riders learn to respect their horses who work for them with ears up.

They respect the judge’s decision.

They respect other riders’ successes.

They respect teammates’ successes.

They respect the show staff.

They respect the process.

 

 

Mentors Keep It All Going

Our show mentors for this season have been rock stars. Hanna and Natalie have been there taking great care of the best academy horses in the world, making sure riders are ready for their classes, and running tack changes like the efficiency experts they are.  Heck, at the IASPHA Fall show, they did a timed tack change in 23 seconds!

Even more importantly, these ladies support riders while they prepare to show. Hanna is a master hair bun designer, and she and Natalie straighten numbers, tape boots and gloves, ‘poof’ ties, and make sure the total look is ‘Knollwood ready.’

Our mentors are seasoned show riders, so they can offer support and advice to the riders in-between classes while the instructors are coaching other riders.

 

 

 

Education is Continuous.

Riders learn something every time they come in contact with a horse.

Over the course of a show season, riders learn about ring position, checking for diagonals and leads, and finishing rails.

Riders will learn from their missteps in order to learn a new lesson next time.

Our academy riders build confidence through the season of learning. Even our riders new to the ring in 2023 looked like seasoned pros at our show last weekend.

We couldn’t be more proud of their progress!

 

 

 

If you think your rider might be interested in joining our academy team for 2024, please plan on attending our parent meeting on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 PM.

We’ll discuss the whole process from schedules, lesson requirements, clothing, costs and benefits, and what the process can do for your rider.

Because we’re discussing the details, including finances, we ask that only parents attend this meeting.

We’re hosting a kid friendly meeting on Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 PM. Riders and parents are asked to join us in the arena to see current academy riders in their show gear. We’ll also have some experienced show parents on hand to answer questions.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge if you can join us on the 18^th. Each attendee will receive a folder of information, and we want to make sure to have enough  folders for everyone.

We hope to see you there!

 

What’s Coming Up?

UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 6-11

It’s time for the grand finale!

The best in the country will gather in Kansas City to compete for national championships. The show also features the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals and the biggie, the USEF Medal Final.

Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and we’ll keep you updated.

 

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

November 12

Don’t miss out on the perfect gifts!

The signature jacket and the new backpack are wonderful presents for your Knollwood Kid, and their names are embroidered on both!

 

 

 

Academy Parents Meeting

November 18

6:00 PM

Parents’ join us to learn all about our fantastic academy showing program and all it has to offer our riders both in and out of the ring. Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

  

 

 

Thanksgiving

November 23

No Lessons

Your instructor will be in touch to schedule a makeup.

 

 

 

Parents Night Out

November 25

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us for a festive night as we enjoy  dinner and games. The main event of the evening is wrapping gifts for our adopted families. Gifts will be delivered to our families for the holiday season.

Not yet a member, we’d love to have you. Please talk to your instructor or office admin for help.

The event is $25, and can be paid in cash or by a check made out to the Knollwood Knockouts.

Please sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Polls Open for School Horse of the Year Election

December 1

The best election is starting!

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and receive a ballot for School Horse of the Year. The winner will be announced at the banquet on February 24 at Merrill Hills.

 

 

 

 

Stirrup Orders Due to Ann

December 1

Stirrup leathers and irons make the perfect holiday gift!

Let Ann know you'd like to purchase them by December 1, and she'll order the appropriate sizes for your rider. You'll get the best equipment out there from Freedmans, the same brand used by our show barn competitors.

Friendly reminder that all academy show riders need their own stirrup leathers and irons.

 

 

 

Academy Demo Night

December 2

6:00 PM

Parents and riders are invited to join us in the arena for an evening of demos and fun. Experienced academy parents will be there to answer questions as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 9

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join our annual holiday celebration. It’s a real gala with pizza, a scavenger hunt, campaign speeches, an election for officers and board members for 2024, and even an optional gift exchange.

If you’re not a Knockout member, it’s a great time to join. Just talk to your instructor or office admin.

 

Christmas Eve and Day

December 24 and 25

No Lessons

Happy Holidays!

Your instructor will be in contact to schedule a makeup

 

New Year’s Eve and Day

December 31 and January 1

Happy New Year!!

No lessons

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

What a week it’s been at Knollwood! Let’s catch up.

 

Last Saturday was a busy, busy day in the school and show barns.

Show riders are prepping for the Royal, and Finn made the trip from the University of Michigan to ride before the show, Tancy was in from Iowa, Emma was here from Stevens Point, and even let Jeni ride Eli! Tori visited from River Falls to ride Stella before the Royal, and to visit with Hazel.

The Knockouts performed their semi-annual street clean up in the neighborhood. Several groups of Knockouts and their parents beautified the neighborhood for fall, and we thank them for their time on a dreary day.

Following clean up, the members returned to the farm for a club meeting. New this year, the Knockouts are going to create a Knollwood calendar featuring the lesson horses. They’ll be using pictures from Hanna Agathen Photography, and will feature important Knollwood dates, like school horse birthdays.

The club hopes to have these available for holiday giving!

 

Saturday night featured the return of Halloween on Horseback.

Fourteen Knollwood Kids designed costumes for their horses, and each team had an hour to execute costumes before they entered the arena for judging in multiple categories.

Esteemed Judge Werner had a difficult time creating prize categories for the characters in the arena, and even had to add a ‘favorite food’ division.

Each costume creation received a goody bag before the big pieces of the costumes were removed and games on horseback began.

The riders played a relay game in which they tried to scare the helpers, not an easy task. They finished the games with the largest game of musical towels ever attempted. We think.

After games were done, and horses were taken care of, it was piñata time! So, the strong horse girls bent the piñata bat, and busted the handle holding the piñata, but it wouldn’t break open. Yes, we resorted to running and throwing the piñata on the ground to break it up.

Costume planning has already begun for 2024!

 

Coming Up?

IASPHA Fall Show

October 28-29

The academy team and some show horses are heading out to the last academy show of the season this weekend. We’re attending the Fall IASPHA show at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the grand finale of 2023.

We have ten riders competing in the walk, trot, and canter classes on Saturday afternoon, and seven walk and trot stars on Sunday afternoon.

Classes are big, the Halloween hospitality at the show is fun galore, and we can hardly wait to show.

Come on down to watch a great horse show!!!!

 

 

The UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 6-11

The show horses are heading to their last show of 2023 in November, and it’s a biggie.

The Royal features National Championships in many divisions, and is home to the last big National Equitation Finals.

Team Knollwood will be well represented in the finals, with Finn competing in the adult Medal and UPHA finals.

The UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Finals will showcase Amelia, Brooklyn, and Shaye while Maiya, Payton, and Richie will compete in the senior division.

The 17 and under USEF Medal Final will feature both Payton and Richie.

In addition to the equitation stars, the show is a spectacular year end event. It’s available to watch online for a fee, and we’ll keep you updated as the show progresses.

 

 

Woodwear Orders Due

November 12

You can order Knollwood jackets, ¼ zips, hats, backpacks, and parkas just in time for the holidays. The jackets and backpacks will be personalized to keep them straight!

Samples and order blanks are available in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Academy Parent Meeting

November 18

6:00 PM

Think you might be interested in academy showing next season? Parents are invited to an informational meeting where you’ll learn about the process, why we love showing so much, and all the nuts and bolts of schedules, clothing, and pricing.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many packets to prepare.

 

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23

We’re not holding lessons on Thanksgiving, and your instructor will be in touch about scheduling a makeup.

Please keep us informed of any travel plans that would mean missed lessons. With college kids coming back for the holiday weekend, we’re always looking for open spots!

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 25

5:00 PM

Join the Knockout officers and board members for an evening of fun. We’ll be wrapping gifts for the Knockout’s adopted families, eating dinner, and playing games in the arena.

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

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

December 1 – 31

Pay your 2024 Knockout dues, and receive a ballot for the School Horse of the Year election! The winner will be announced at the Knockout awards banquet on February 24!

 

 

Stirrup Orders Due

December 1

Be sure to get your stirrup requests to Ann by December 1 to ensure holiday delivery.

Remember, all academy show riders must have their own stirrups to show.

 

 

Academy Demo Night

December 2

6:00 PM

Families who have decided to join our 2024 academy team are invited to an evening of demonstrations and information gathering.

Current academy riders and their parents will be on hand to share their experiences, and you'll be able to see riders in full academy dress ride as well.

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party

December 9

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us for a party and election of Knockout officers for 2024.

We’ll have a scavenger hunt, pizza, campaign speeches, and an optional gift exchange.

Sign ups will begin soon.

Not yet a Knockout? We’d love to have you join, and you can sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

 

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

 

Last week was a Knollwood classic.

With the show horses in Springfield at the Mane Event Horse Show, the home team was gearing up for the Knollwood fall in-barn show.

We held the grand finale of Knollwood shows while the show horses were competing against the best, and our show riders were competing in the first of the 'big three' equitation finals.

Read on about all of our adventures, both in Springfield, and at the home office!

 

 

Girl Power

Two of our latest ‘project’ lesson horses came into their own last weekend at the Knollwood show.

Jilly piloted beautiful Fiona to 2 blue ribbons, and Bee won her first equitation class, with Sophia in the irons.

 

 Amelia’s First National Final

Knollwood Kid Amelia competed at Mane Event last weekend with the handsome Garfield.  After winning the 13 and under Saddle Seat Equitation class, she dove in to the deep end and rode into her first national equitation final.

Amelia and Garfield rode with 12 of the best equitation riders in the country in a final that’s for riders 17 and under.  Riding against ‘the big kids,’ Amelia absolutely held her own. Her Phase II pattern was beautiful, and she and Garfield looked great.

 

 Those Challenge Patterns

As many of you know, our Knollwood Challenge Final is modeled after the national equitation finals. Riders compete in qualifying classes at Knollwood shows for the right to compete in a final at the fall show.

The night before the final, riders receive their pattern for the final session. They study it overnight, and walk it on Saturday.

Riders show the horse they qualified for the final, so there’s quite an assortment of lesson horses working on a challenging pattern.

This year, the walk trot and canter challenge final used the pattern from the senior division of the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final.

 

In a true test of horsemanship and patience, the final was won by Jilly on Hugo with Ary and Dexter in reserve.

 

The walk and trot division was a fierce  one. Maddie came in first on Baxter, with Charlotte reserve on the one and only Leon.

 

 Payton’s Former Life

She proved it again. In a former life, Payton was most definitely a horse.

Payton rode the beautiful and always enthusiastic GiGi to a beautiful fourth place finish in the Good Hands National Final.

The picture of equitation, you just can’t take your eyes off these two!

 

 Bravo, Mane Event Riders

Team Knollwood’s riders were tuned in at Mane Event.

A few highlights?

Kerry and Uno won the amateur Park championship, and Kerry won the Open English Pleasure championship with Henry.

Mia was second with Thaylee in the Equitation Jackpot after completing a tough pattern for equitation novice Thaylee.

Margit and her boys were on fire. Robert was second in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship, and Charlie has never looked better.

Tancy and Mia won the Three Gaited Amateur Stake.

Jane and Fergie were a sight in the adult Show Pleasure division, too!

 

 

 The Knockouts Do It Again!

The Knockout team of amazing kids and parents raised over $1900 at the Knollwood show last weekend.

Great thanks to 4 Leaf Roofing for their sponsorship of the concession stand.

The Knockouts are grateful to the parents who helped with gift baskets,  the concession stand, the silent auction, and the 50/50 raffle.

These parents also act as Knollwood ambassadors all weekend, answering questions, supporting riders, and creating a really welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

We are grateful!

 

 

 Knollwood Kids Always Come Back

We were beyond fortunate to have celebrated Knollwood Kid Kelsey in to judge the show. Having grown up at the farm and achieving great success in the equitation world, Kelsey lived the whole Knollwood experience.

Kelsey had words of wisdom for riders, appreciated the lesson horses, and created a positive learning experience.

Her son will be joining us for a mini camp soon, so she may be a Knollwood mom, too!

 

 

 

 What Would We Do Without the Personal Assistants?

We couldn’t run a show for 95 riders without the help of these amazing Knollwood Kids.

On Friday night, Adrienne, Brooklyn, and Natalie put 55 pattern riders into the ring. This feat was done with countless saddle changes, stirrup adjustments, and moral support to the riders.

On Saturday, Thea and Morgan joined the crew. The assistants prepped horses and supported all the riders throughout the performance.

We brought in the troops on Sunday for walk trot extravaganza day.

Twelve personal assistants, one for each horse competing that day, made the day a great one for all the Knollwood Kids.  With each horse having their own assistant all day, our newest riders got to know their helper for the day, and appreciated their help.

Their positivity in contagious.

These kids are so organized that the instructors were freed up to watch their riders compete in the show ring, allowing great feedback to each rider.

Heck, they even stayed on top of setting the barn up for business as usual on Monday.

Amazing, just amazing kids.

 

 

 

Olivia holding Richmond, the boneless cat.

Sportsmanship

If you’ve been around our program for very long, you’ll know that good sportsmanship is a big part of what we teach.  Bad sportsmanship is called out and dealt with.

We loved seeing riders clap for each other in the line up, and the pattern class riders lining up at the chute door to congratulate the class winner after their victory pass. On foot, of course.

 Our favorite story of the weekend involves small but mighty Olivia.

She and Hooper were stars on Sunday, winning all three of their 8 and under walk trot classes.

Her friend and fellow competitor Matilda was second in all three classes.

When Olivia discovered she had won 2 Knollwood champion hats in her qualifiers, she gave one to Matilda because, ‘I wanted her to win.’

Possibly better yet is the thank you note Matilda wrote to Olivia, saying, ‘Thank you for giving me the other hat you won. You’re a great friend! I like riding together.’

Horses raise great kids.

 

 

 

Richie the Horseman

Richie has been a Knollwood Kid from the moment he saw his sister Tori riding and decided he wanted to ride, too.

All of his lessons, including the ups and downs that go along with the process, aligned last week at Mane Event.

While Tori is studying at River Falls, Richie showed her beautiful mare Stella to wins in both the qualifier and championship in the Country Pleasure division, and he showed  Tyler to two wins in the  qualifier and championship in the Junior Exhibitor 5 gaited division.  He also showed two saddlebred ponies from trainer Clark Clouse in Kentucky, winning the 5 gaited pony division, and the 3 gaited division.

Then he put his equitation hat back on, and won the Good Hands National Final on his own horse, Doc.

Richie has become a great horseman. He has always embraced all the behind the scene work in addition to time riding. As a 10 and under walk trot star, he learned how to take care of Tink, even putting her wraps on by himself.

He spends time working in the show barn, and you’ll often find him  in center ring watching and listening.

Congratulations, Richie!

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Street Clean Up

Knockout Meeting

Halloween on Horseback

 

It’s all happening this Saturday!

Join us at 1:00 as the Knockouts clean up Nagawicka and Oakwood Roads. It looks like its going to be a beautiful Fall day to be outside with friends.

Come back to the barn for the Knockout meeting immediately following!

We have 15 Knollwood Kids joining us for Halloween on Horseback in the evening. Costume creation starts at 5:00, and judging is at 6:00.

All Knollwood Kids are invited to watch at 6:00. We ask that you come in costume to celebrate the Halloween theme.

 

 

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 28-29

Our last academy show of the 2023 season!

Please join us at Beyond Stable Farm for a really fun show!

 

 

UPHA National Championship American Royal

November 6 - 11

The show horses are off to Kansas City to compete against the best at the National Championships. The Royal features the last of the 2 equitation finals making up the Triple Crown, the UPHA Challenge Cup Final, and the USEF Medal Final.

Webcasting is available with a subscription, and we’ll keep you updated.

 

 

Parents' Meeting

Think you might be interested in academy showing next season? We’re hosting an informational meeting for parents on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00.

We’ll talk about schedules, pricing, lesson requirements, and much more.

Please sign up in the school barn so we know how many packets to prepare.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 25

5:00 - 7:00

Kids, join us for an evening of wrapping gifts for our adopted holiday families, games with the Knockout board members, and so much more. It’s only $25, and you can sign up soon in the school barn.

 

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, December 2

6:00 PM

Parents and riders interested in academy showing in 2024 are invited to join us in the arena for an evening of demos and information from current academy riders and their parents.

 

 

Holiday Party and Knockout Elections

Saturday, December 9

6:00

All Knockouts are invited to join us for our holiday celebration and election of officers and board members for 2024.

 

 

Enrollment Meetings

December

If you show away from home, your instructor will meet one on one to discuss your enrollment plans for 2024.

 

 

 

 

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

The Fall Knollwood Show this weekend marks the last show of our in-barn season, and it’s going to be a blast.

We’ve got some updates to enjoy the big weekend like a pro.

 

We’re thrilled to have Kelsey Nicole Farnham judging all three days of the show. Kelsey grew up a Knollwood Kid, and grew into an equitation rock star. She won at least eight national equitation finals, to top it off, won the World’s Grand Championship of Equitation on her beautiful mare Chimere.

Kelsey offers a wealth of knowledge, and we’re so grateful for sharing her expertise with us for the whole weekend. 

Side note, her son Bodhi is trying riding at our mini camp in November. Think horses are in the blood??

 

With the rainy weekend on the way, we’ve made the difficult decision to move the show inside. The schedule remains the same for all three days. Please refer to your personal schedule in your show bag to see when to arrive.

With all the dampness in the air, it may be a little chilly in the barn. Please feel free to layer shirts under your show shirt to keep riding muscles warm.

Because we were planning on showing outside, we didn’t rent chairs. Please feel free to bring camp or lawn chairs if you’d like to sit to watch the show. We’ll have a rope to contain the seating area.

 

 

Parking is available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot on Friday and Saturday, but they’re hosting an event on Sunday. Please be good neighbors and don’t enter their lot on Sunday.

Parking is always available in our lot, and on the street.  The concession stand will be in the show barn, and Scott’s rig will be at the Mane Event Horse show, so there will be some additional spots available near the Knollwood barns.

Please don’t park on the curve of Horseshoe Bend between the posted ‘No Parking’ signs unless you’d like a visit from an intimidating, yet friendly Delafield police officer.

 

The horse show office will be in the school barn lounge. If you have any questions, please refer your questions to the friendly ladies in the office.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR BACK NUMBER! It saves many texts and phone calls trying to track down missing numbers.

 

We are thrilled to have Four Leaf as the concession stand sponsor. This veteran owned roofing company is a big supporter of Knollwood, and we’re thankful for their generosity.

 

Speaking of the concession stand, it will be located in the show barn. The stand and gift baskets are some of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Knollwood Knockouts. These shows play a big role in subsidizing our annual awards banquet, and in funding the club’s charitable activities.  The stand is staffed by Knockout members who are earning their service hours.

Please stop by and enjoy some delicious food, and take a chance winning a gift basket!

There are still some class sponsorships available for only $25. We’ll announce your message to the crowd, and forms are available in the school barn.

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

The show horses are at the Mane Event Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois, which features fantastic show horses in a beautiful arena, and the first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals that comprise the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.

Team Knollwood is there with a big crew, and we have three riders headed into the Good Hands final.  Best of luck to Amelia, Payton, and Richie as they start the journey.

You can watch the show for free on SeeHorseVideo.com.

 

We’ll have the winning entrants announced early next week for Halloween on Horseback. The event takes place next Saturday at 6:00 PM, with costume creation starting at 5:00 PM.

All Knollwood Kids are invited to come and watch, and please wear your costumes!

 

Our final academy show is coming up at Beyond Stable Farm on October 28-29. IASPHA puts on a great Halloween themed show, and it’s a sellout.  Please come down and support Team Knollwood!

 

The show barn’s last show of the season is the UPHA National Championship American Royal Show November 6-11 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Home to national championships in a number of divisions, and to the last two equitation finals making up the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation, the show is a spectacle.

Team Knollwood will be there in force, and you can watch it with a subscription.

 

We’re hosting a parent meeting for future academy riders on Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 PM. We’ll talk about why we love academy showing, our schedule, our philosophy, clothing and lesson requirements, and we’ll talk about costs as well. This meeting is for parents only.

We’re hosting a parent and rider meeting on December 2 at 6:00 PM to present what academy showing actually looks like. We’ll have demos with some current riders, and we will have some academy parents on hand to help answer questions, too.

 

The Knockout holiday party and election for 2024 officers is coming up on Saturday, December 9 at 6:00 PM. All Knockout members are invited to attend, and to run for office. More info will be coming soon.

 

Academy and enrollment meetings are coming up in December. If you’re currently showing academy or are interested in joining the fun,  your instructor will reach out to set up a time to discuss next year.

 

 

Finally, as we head into our last in-barn show of the season, let’s remember why we do this.

We show horses to learn, and to enjoy the company of horses and horse friends.

We don’t do it for recognition or for ribbons, or to ride the ‘fanciest’ horse.

Good sportsmanship is the lesson to be learned.

Congratulate your friends, congratulate your competitors. These two groups are hopefully the same.

Treat everyone you encounter with respect.

  This means helpers, parents, other riders, and all horses.

  Should you encounter any disrespect, walk away.

Help someone who’s having a challenging moment.

Hug a horse. Or 100 horses.

Enjoy the moments of glimmer!

 

 

 

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