We went to a big horse show in Wisconsin!

 

In previous years, this would not be a headline, but 2020 is different. In the midst of a global pandemic, there are not too many people with the ability to make a horse show happen, and we were lucky to have Vicky Holston in our corner. She navigated countless obstacles to put together a show with 500 horses in attendance. We owe her and her whole crew a debt of gratitude for making it possible to show horses, meet up with horsey friends, and enjoy a fabulous weekend.

 

So, Team Knollwood occupied 44 stalls at the show, and created plenty of memories.  Here are just a few.

Lily’s debut

Lily has been showing with us in the academy division for a couple years.  She and her sister Isabella live in Pennsylvania, so their Knollwood time is limited to summers and occasional trips during the school year. Well, Lily is one determined young lady, and as you may know, Carol is a little determined, too.

Lily made her debut in the pleasure equitation division riding the one and only Tucker, officially known as CH Fine By Me, who she’s leasing for the season. This brand new team won their first class, the 13 and under pleasure equitation qualifier.

These two have a bright future ahead of them.

Margit Joins the Show World

Margit has grown up a Knollwood Kid, and enjoyed several years competing with us in the academy division. After a successful 2019 season showing Sadie, her family has leased the beautiful Robert, officially known as Rosewood's Homecoming Dance for her this year. Margit and Robert made their debut at Bridlespur a few weeks ago with great success, and built on what they learned at Summerfun. Margit uses the ring like a professional, thanks to her years showing in big academy classes. She and Robert look like they're loving every minute of their new adventures!

 

The Richie and Tink Show

These two have a mutual admiration society, and everyone can see it.

Master teacher Tink, officially known as Miss Mheirry Mac has taught Richie the ways of the show horse early in their 10 and under WT equitation days. Now they’re having a blast in the 13 and under Country Pleasure division. After wins at Bridlespur, this dynamic duo won their qualifier and the 17 and under Country Pleasure championship at Summerfun.

Charlie, Horse of the Year

Gabby’s heart horse, Charlie, was named the ASAW Horse of the Year for 2019.  Class winners at the show each won a beautiful framed portrait of Charlie, and he was honored in a beautiful ceremony on Saturday night.

Gabby and Charlie are one of those once-in-a-lifetime pairings that just click.

They’ve won all over the country, and put on some wonderful performances last weekend.  The best thing about Gabby and Charlie is the look of sheer joy as they make their way around the ring. 

Congratulations to a grand horse, and his favorite person!

The Equitation Riders

Sure, equitation is the most efficient way to ride a horse, and the Knollwood kids showed that in so many ways last weekend.

 

Finn, Heather, and Richie all looked amazing in the trimmed equitation division, often making Judge Parker’s job a challenge. Laney and Payton turned in great performances in the pleasure equitation division.

More than that, several of these riders also showed in the performance divisions, and did quite well. Payton and Eli won the Junior Exhibitor 3 Gaited Championship, Finn earned great ribbons with Frankie in show pleasure, while Richie and Tink were unstoppable.

That Academy Division!

We had so much fun.

Classes were BIG, and deep. The walk trot and canter championship had 15 riders, and the 9-10 year old division had 14. Our Knollwood Kids loved the challenge of using that nice big arena to their best advantages.

Most of these riders had already attended their pattern camps for the summer, and the 11 and under crew had just finished their week of intensive camp. It showed.

We are so proud of all these riders who rode with poise and flair while showing great technique as well. All sixteen academy stars rode well, learned a lot, and improved as their classes progressed.

Some shout outs?

Tess who rode in her first BIG show in the deep 13 and under WTC division. She did a fantastic job with Eddie in tough classes.

Maya.

Hard working Maya who seems to be the Saturday barn manager EVERY week, rode at her first BIG show in that dreaded deep 13 and under WTC division. Well, Maya used her technique, flair, and the enthusiasm of herself and Baxter to top her qualifier and the championship.

 

Amelia learned a lot at the show.

After getting a little too enthusiastic with speed in her equitation qualifier, Amelia made an adjustment to find Eddie’s ‘best trot’ and finished reserve in the 10 and under walk and trot championship.

Tessa and Brooklyn made their presence known in that 14 rider 9-10 year old division. Tessa, showing Cashew for the first time, came out the winner in the equitation qualifier,

while Brooklyn aced the pattern to win the equitation championship.

Mentors.

Our academy riders are beyond fortunate to have the best youth mentors on the circuit. Show barn riders got up early to help the academy stars both in the warm up, and as headers in the ring.  These ladies can offer advice to help the young riders progress in their showing. Our show riders were fighting over who got to go into the ring and head the riders!

 

They also took great care of the best lesson horses in the world, along with ‘grown ups’ Anna and Jeni.

 

We are grateful to everyone who helped make this such a great weekend.

 

What’s coming up?

Car Wash and Brat Bash

Sunday, July 19 from 11 AM to 3 PM

Piggly Wiggly in Hartland

Knockouts, please sign up here to help your club raise some funds. We need car washers and helpers in the brat shack.

Mid-America Signature Show

July 24-26

The Ledges, Roscoe,  IL

The academy and some ‘A’ horses are heading to a wonderful outdoor show.  We’ll be sure to post updates!

 

IASPHA Summer Show

July 31 – August 2

Fields and Fences, Gurnee, IL

Academy and some ‘A’ horses will travel to Gurnee for one of our favorite shows.

 

Summer Knockout Meeting and Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, August 15

4:30 PM

Come for the meeting, stay for PNO!

It’s only $20, and includes dinner, a water fight, and lots of fun!

 

Knollwood Summer Show

Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23

We’re going old school!

WTC classes on Saturday will be held in the big outdoor ring, and the WT classes will be in the little outdoor.

If you were entered in the spring show that we had to cancel, you’re automatically entered for the summer show.

Questions, see Ann!

 

 

See you at the barn,

Or

At the in gate!!

Knollwood summer is very different than summers of the past, and we’re figuring it out as we go.As a matter of fact, our Covid protocols are starting to feel like they’ve always been there.

 

We’re so excited to have riders back in the barn, and the horses are too. Our ‘regular’ helper staff is back, with sanitization direction from the super helpers.

Private lessons have been running, and on July 1 we started to teach new riders and Tiny Tots again. These riders wear masks while they ride, as does their instructor, as they’re in such close communication. Even with the masks on, we can still see the smiles on the new riders.

We’ve started a couple of new programs for our new riders, as well.

Sunday afternoon mini camps are a wonderful way to introduce new riders to horses. Horse lovers come to Knollwood from noon until 4, and with the help of their instructor and personal assistant, they learn to groom, lead, tack, and work safely around horses. They finish their camp session with a ride and a photo op for their parents, Mini camps are only $59, and are selling out fast.

The first week of the month is for riders 7-17, the second Sunday of the month is for Tiny Tot riders aged 4-6, and the third week is for new adult riders. You can purchase mini camps online, though we recommend you call first to check availability.

We’ve also started a small beginner group program we’re calling ‘Welcome to Knollwood.’ This four week beginner session meets on Monday nights at 6:30, and is a relaxed introduction to riding and working with horses. Our first session sold out, and are currently booking the August session. It’s a steal at $99.

 

We’re in the middle of our second week of pattern camp, and are working with 9 of our academy stars showing at Summerfun this week. These Knollwood Kids are working hard but still finding plenty of time to goof off with water fights and games on the school horses.

Next week, we start the first week of our sold out summer riding school, We’re excited to test out our safety protocols with a full camp, and are looking forward to seeing helpers back at work with the new riders. Great thanks to Mr Berget for building us our 2 new outdoor handwashing stations!!

 

Almost ALL of our show horses are currently at Wisconsin State Fair Park waiting for the ASAW Summerfun show to start tomorrow. Our lesson horses will be joining them Friday night after they’re finished with camp.

Both the show and academy horses have competed at one show so far this year, but Summerfun is our ‘home’ show, where most of us get to sleep in our own beds.

 

It will have a different feel this year, with waivers, wristbands, and masks, and we’re all so grateful to show manager and ASAW President Vicky Holston for all her hard work and negotiations to make sure this show happened for all of us.  The show wouldn’t have happened without her tenacity and her team of hard working horse people.

 

Academy riders, don’t forget to turn in your waivers by Friday if you’d like us to get your wristband for Saturday! And remember, wristbands and masks are required to get into the arena.

 

What’s Coming Up?

Car Wash and Brat Shack Sales

Sunday, July 19

11:00- 3:00 PM

The Knockouts are once again washing cars and selling brats at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly.  We had a blast last year, and raised a lot of money for the Knockouts. Here’s a link to the Sign Up Genius.  We’d love to see all members there to support the club.

 

Mid America Signature Show

Roscoe, Illinois

July 24-26

Both show and academy horses will be competing in the BIG outdoor ring in Roscoe.

 

IASPHA Summer Show

Gurnee, Illinois

July 31 – August 2

Both show and academy horses will be competing at one of our favorite shows!

 

Knockout Meeting and Parents Night Out

Saturday, August 15

Knollwood Farm

Join us for the club meeting, and stay for Parents Night Out. We’ll be playing games, eating dinner, and having a water fight, weather permitting. Signups start soon!

 

Knollwood Summer Show

August 22-23

Knollwood Farm

Join us for a retooled event. We’re planning on showing in the big outside ring on Saturday, and we’re working on some other updates. Stay tuned!

 

 

See you at the barn.

It feels to good to say that!!

Hello Knollwood Families and Students,

 

With the ASAW SummerFun horse show fast approaching, the biggest A Circuit and Academy show of the year is upon us.  We weren't sure we'd be able to get to this point at all this year and we are so grateful that we have and that we get to showcase our horses and riders next week at the Milwaukee State Fair Grounds!

For us, these local shows are the highlight of our year.  There are lots of familiar faces and it's always a good competition.  While we are ready to fast forward to next week and enjoy the show, we would be remiss if we didn't mention some of the changes that are going to be a part of this years experience of SummerFun. 

After having our first show of the season for both the A team and the Academy team, we will be doing some things differently.  There will be regular dressing rooms, however we are asking that you still come to the show dressed to avoid any large congregations in the dressing rooms at one time.  We will also be bringing our coolers, but do ask, where ever possible, to bring your own refreshments and food along with you.  We are unsure of what the vendor situation will be at the grounds at this time and we will not be putting out communal snacks like we normally would.

Seating arrangements will also be different at the show.  We aren't sure yet what that will look like, but we know that the spacing of barn seating, and therefore location of barn seating, will be different.  Stay in touch with your instructors/trainers to get the news up to the minute! 

Lastly, masks will be required.  In the heat of July, wearing masks can be uncomfortable.  All we know is that wearing a mask and getting to be at a horse show is way better than not wearing a mask and not having a show to go to.  Please remember to bring your masks for when you are around and about at the grounds.  Riders do not need to wear masks while riding, but again are able to if they feel most comfortable without being penalized in anyway. 

Horse shows don't look quite the same as they used to without all of the spectators and parties, but to the riders, the instructors and the horses, horse shows feel the same.  We still get a thrill as we hit the in-gate with our horse.  Our instructors still look forward to seeing how we perform under pressure and the lessons we have yet to learn together.  Our horses still hear the cheers and feel the excitement of being somewhere new with horses they've never met.  We are so excited for next week and we hope you are too.  See you at the horse show!

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

#KnollwoodStrong

 

Team Knollwood lost a much loved member today when Dudley lost his day long battle with colic.

Our gentle giant was only 21, and had been with us for seventeen of those years. From the moment he arrived at Knollwood, Dudley was a crowd favorite. His gentle soul, his quiet ways, and his sheer love of being a horse everyday made him a joy to be around.

Everyone loved him, from the smallest of tiny tots to the wildest of advanced riders who fought over Dudley on game days.

This will be a tough one from which to recover.   

We all wish we had more time with him. 

 

 

There will never be another like him, and we're all better people from him sharing his life with us.

Peace, Dudley.

And please greet all the Knollwood friends waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow bridge. 

 

 

 

 

Finally, it’s horse show season!

True to form, Team Knollwood is hitting the ground running.

 

Our show horses are all set up at the National Equestrian Center in St. Louis waiting for the 78^th Annual Bridlespur Society Horse Show to start Wednesday evening. A classic show, until 2011 it featured both hunter jumpers and saddlebreds. In 2011, the show became all Saddlebred and Hackneys, and the rest is history.

Trainers and owners all over the country have been looking for shows to attend, so this event is totally sold out.  The competition is going to be deep, and Team Knollwood is ready to get 2020 started.

We DO have a couple of new combinations making their debut in St. Louis. 

Margit is leasing Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance (Robert) for the season, and will be showing him in both equitation and pleasure classes at Bridlespur.  Margit grew up a Knollwood Kid, and has learned many lessons while showing the best lesson horses in the world. She’s also a Tuesday super helper, and a ‘go to' helper for new riders.

We can’t wait to see her show Robert in her beautiful show clothes.

 

Heather has been leasing show horses for the last two seasons, and has made quite a name for herself in the pleasure equitation division. She’ll be making her debut on her very own horse, Reedan’s Why Not (Samson) in St. Louis. Heather and Samson have formed a mutual admiration society, and are already quite a team.  We cannot wait to see these two hit the ring.

 

Never content to do things the simple way, the academy horses will also be on the road this weekend. Seven of the boys will be at the rejuvenated Glen Valley Classic show in Oshkosh for the academy performance on Friday morning. Fourteen riders will be making their first appearances of the 2020 season.

We’re excited to attend this new (to us) show,  and are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will hold for the academy performance so we can show in the big outdoor ring.

Highlights of the performance? Mia, Maiya, and Maya will be making their cantering debuts, and Dilly will be showing for the very first time, entering the competition for the 8 and under walk and trot riders.

We’ll be bringing a couple of new horse faces as well, with Leon making his Knollwood academy debut, and home grown Vaughn traveling off the farm for the first time and experiencing his first show.

Great thanks to Equitate LLC for the boys up north, while our rig is in St. Louis.

 

 

Meanwhile, back at the home office …

Knollwood 2020 started for real this week with the kickoff of the first week of Academy Camp. Seven walk trot, and canter riders have been working hard in the big outdoor ring that they refer to as ‘Patternland.’

Some of our younger academy stars will be at the farm the week before Summerfun for another Pattern Camp. That is before our four weeks of SOLD OUT Classic Camps which start on July 13.

 

We’re looking forward to July 1 when things will become a little more normal on the COVID-19 front as we begin the next phase of safety protocol. Finally, riders will be returning to the barn itself. Social distancing and mask policies can be read on Lin’s latest blog.

 

Knollwood will be closed for lessons on Saturday, July 4.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day celebration.

 

All of Team Knollwood will be traveling to the ASAW Summerfun Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park the second weekend in July. With COVID-19 protocols in place, the show will feel different, but with the wonderful management team there, we’re looking forward to a big, safe show.

The Brat Bash is back!

The Knockouts will once again be manning the brat shack and washing cars at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly this year. Our date is Sunday, July 19, and we can hardly wait.  Lisa will be deputizing some Knollwood moms to run the event, as she’ll be in Canada on July 19.

Last year, the Knockouts raised a lot of money for the club, and made some great memories, too. Signups to help will start shortly!

The Knollwood Summer Show is scheduled for August 22 and 23.  Weather permitting, we’ll be showing outside on Saturday the 22nd! Stay tuned for updates.

 

 

We're so happy that Knollwood Summer 2020 is underway.

We hope you can join us for the fun, and help all of us stay safe and healthy by following our COVID-19 protocols. We're all in this together.

We are #KnollwoodStrong