Could it be that we haven’t caught up since the 

ASAW Summerfun show? 

We have plenty of terrific stories to share, with all the adventures Team Knollwood’s been having!

 

Horse Show Fun in the Sun

 

16 academy riders traveled to Roscoe, Illinois for the Mid America Signature Show at the end of July. 

Held in a BIG outdoor ring, our riders enjoyed all the space and the big classes on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. 

All of our riders competed at the same performance, so they enjoyed the chance to cheer on riders they don’t always get the chance to see. We also had quite a few supporters at the show!

The highlight of the morning? 

Maddie switched horses after JD injured his eye, and ended up showing three different horses and winning three classes. 

Maddie was supposed to show in the 13 and under division, but there were no other entries in her age group, so we moved her into the 14 and over age group. She went on to win the qualifier and the all ages championship.

Her mom Sarah was even willing to show off the stadium seat Maddie won in her equitation championship against riders of all ages.

 

Judge Zubrod invited all the competitors to perform workouts in their equitation classes, and our riders shone in their individual work.

 

After a morning of horse showing, the show hosted a water balloon fight, and of course, the Knollwood Kids were in the middle of it.  What a perfect ending to a summer horse show performance!

 

More Water!

The following weekend, the Knollwood Knockouts partnered with Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly in Hartland to hold a car wash event where they also sold food in the brat shack. It was another perfect sunny day, and the Knollwood Kids washed many cars and sold many brats and burgers. 

Great thanks to all the members and their parents who donated their time on a summer weekend to join the fun.  The club raised more than $650 for their charitable activities, and everyone had a great time getting to know other Knockouts.

 

Louisville is Coming!

Last week was the one week this summer without any camps as  Scott, Carol, and the show barn hosted their Louisville prep week. The camp helpers enjoyed a week off while the show riders rode many lessons in preparation for the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville August 17-24.

 All of the show riders pretty much lived at the farm or at the "Hotel Berget" while they rode all week.  The show rider group lessons were an event in themselves as these top riders rode through real show ring situations while being instructed and motivated by Scott and Carol.

 

These classes even drew spectators who learned just by listening.

 

Six New Academy Stars!

 

We introduced six new riders to the joys of horse showing at the ASAW Summer Showcase Show last weekend. Our newest show stars attended a prep camp prior to the show where they learned all about the horse show experience and had a lot of fun, too. They even held camp at the show on Friday so they could ride in the arena and practice for their debuts.

On show day, they rode like pros, and didn’t even miss a single diagonal! We’re so proud of these riders, and are looking forward to watching them progress even further!

 

The show is a  joint venture of the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin and the Knollwood Knockouts.  The Knockouts supply the labor, and split the show proceeds with the ASAW’s scholarship Fund.  Many thanks to all the Knockouts who volunteered with the show and the concession stand!

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

The show horses are leaving today for Louisville for the show starting on Sunday.  We’ll post schedules and webcast information shortly.

Safe travels, and good luck to everyone showing on the green shavings of Freedom Hall!

 

Want to watch the final night of the show?

We’re hosting a Stake Night Party in the show lounge at 5:00 PM on August 24.  We’ll project the live feed and watch the show together.  The event is free, we just ask everyone to bring some snacks and drinks. Adults are welcome to BYOB.

 

 

This Saturday, we’re hosting another popular Parents Night Out.  For only $10, your Knollwood Kid can enjoy 3 hours at the farm with the Knockout officers and board members. The evening includes crafts, dinner, and lots of games.  Please sign up in the school barn lounge by Friday.

 

 

The big Knollwood Summer Show is coming up fast on August 24 and 25, and we can hardly wait.  Sign ups are ready for hair appointments and helping in the concession stand.  (You can also sign up online here.)

We’re also looking for donations to the gift baskets, and those are posted on the tack room door in the school barn.

 

 

Our show horses and academy stars will be showing close to home in September, so please make plans to join us at the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival at State Fair Park. The academy performance is on Saturday, September 21 at 9 AM, and the entire show runs from September 19-22. You won’t want to miss it!

 

 

 

 

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

 

Team Knollwood lost a larger than life character today when Forest passed away after a brief illness.

This charismatic Fjord made everyone laugh with his antics, whether it was escaping from his stall or catching a grass snack during summer camp sessions.

Our fully equitated Norwegian friend taught many a Knollwood Kid the value of follow through and the wisdom of not going to the whip or spur too soon.

In addition to stardom in the lesson program, Forest also enjoyed being a celebrity. He loved his time at Team Up camp where he gave rides to physically and mentally challenged kids, introduced himself to countless new horse fans at Hartland Kid Days, and most importantly, served as the beer burro at Knollwood Kid Anna’s wedding.

We’ll miss him dearly, and offer great thanks to Dr. Matt Hebl for his expert care.

We know the Rainbow Bridge will creak a little under his weight, so Cartman, Dean, Skeet, and the other Knollwood friends will know Forest is joining the crew. May he enjoy endless food and an appreciative audience for his comedy routines.

 

Peace, Forest.

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!