You've seen them on our Facebook, you've seen them on our Instagram, you've seen them in our group rides, and you've seen them in the show ring.  Now, for the 1st time (and maybe last yeeeeesh) we've dared to give KF Photo of the Day champions of champions, Miss Mia and Maiya a mic and a camera to stand in front of!  Introducing:  Mia and Maiya - The web series!

 

 

Mia and Maiya have both been riding at Knollwood since they were even smaller than they currently are (hard to believe, I know).  Growing up Knollwood comes with some responsibility.  Not only do you learn to take care of your horse and those around you with less experience, but also to take care of coming up with a creative photo of the day for Miss Ann to post on our Facebook and Instagram.  People need to know just what IS happening here on a daily basis and it's important to be honest about how hard we are working and how by the book we tend to run things.

 

 

Oh and don't forget the importance of preparedness and being organized for shows.  Packing trunks, checking and double checking your show caboodle, and..... uhhh.....stowing away?

 

 

Well anyway, Mia and Maiya may have an unorthodox approach to things, but we hope you will continue to enjoy their spin on things in video format! 

 

For their first adventure, Mia and Maiya headed off to the Madison Classic Horse Show to talk with some of our industry's best and brightest about showing horses, memories of the past, and what makes them tick.  They also asked the notorious R.H. Bennett (the interview guy) about interviewing!  It's good to talk to the experts!  Without further delay:

 

Mia and Maiya Take Madison!

 

The 2018 version of the Madison Classic Horse Show is a memory now, and what a time Team Knollwood had. The show was a sell out with some of the best horses in the country in attendance, classes were full of quality horses and riders, and we were right in the thick of it.  Here are our favorite stories of the action-packed weekend.

 

Versatility Is Rewarded

We often mention Allison as a perfect example of how valuable a juvenile equitation career can be for an adult amateur exhibitor. By showing in the equitation division, riders learn the most efficient way to ride and feel a horse, and this knowledge can be applied to many horses in many divisions.

So at Madison, Allison showed Rudi again in the Western Country Pleasure Division, and won two classes.

The decision was made for Allison to show her own horse, CH I’m Royalty Too in the Amateur Park division instead of the 5 Gaited Division.  Allison made her adjustments, and she and Roy rode to third in their qualifier and came back to win their championship class.

Truly, you just never know where this equitation thing might take you!

 

 

Three Generations Cheering  

Gabby and Charlie have been on a winning streak and most recently they were reserve champions at the UPHA Chapter 5 Show in Kansas City. Gabby comes from a long line of Saddlebred enthusiasts including her Grandmother, Nance. Nance is quite a rider in her won right, having showed the legendary Park horse Fury to many, many wins.

Nance made the trip from Florida to watch Gabby show Charlie in Madison, and was treated to seeing the team win both their Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Pleasure qualifier and championship.

 

She Stole Her Mom’s Horse!

Bubbly  Payton also comes from a family of horse lovers. Her mom owns Dos Equis, and has shown him very successfully in the pleasure division. Payton is fortunate to show Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist in the Junior Exhibitor 3 Gaited division, and does a fabulous job with him.

Scott and Carol wanted to try Payton on ‘Dos’ as they think he may make a crackerjack equitation horse. To date, Payton and Dos have won every class in which they've competed, and won both the 13 and Under Show Pleasure qualifier and championship at Madison. She also campaigned ‘Eli’ to great ribbons in a most competitive Juvenile 3 Gaited division.

This kid can ride, and we think it might be a while before Nicole gets her horse back.

 

Mia and Maiya, Video Stars

Academy walk and trot stars Mia and Maiya are not camera shy. They enjoy staging a ‘picture of the day’ every Tuesday after their rides, and are rarely at a loss for words or creative ideas. Assistant trainer and technology whiz Lin thought videos may be in order, and this trio went to Madison to create ‘Mia and Maiya Take Madison.’  They interviewed some fantastic horsemen, the show management, a famous exhibitor who rode at Knollwood as a kid and now works for the ASHA, and of course, Scott and Carol.  The video is in the editing process, and we hope to share it with you soon.

 

Haley. Just Haley.

Haley started riding with us as a wee one. Talent was evident in the early stages of her academy shows, and she moved up quickly to the show horse world. She proceeded to win 13 and under finals, and now has risen to the top of the senior equitation division.

Like fellow Knollwood rider Ainsley, Haley is also a member of the United State Saddle Seat World Cup team and will compete against the world in July.

Like many other Knollwood riders, Haley has had the chance to show some horses for other trainers. This weekend, Haley had the opportunity of her young life, showing Kalarama’s out of the Ordinary to the championship in Juvenile Park and Take Back the Night the blues in both the Limit Show Pleasure qualifier and the Limit/Junior Show Pleasure Championship. Both horses are trained by Hollow Haven Farm in Oconomowoc.

She also had a chance to show a horse for Fairview Farm when she rode Put Me In Coach to a strong second place ribbon in a deep, deep Juvenile 3 Gaited qualifier.

In addition to her catch riding, Haley showed Leila to a win in the UPHA Challenge Cup and a 4^th in a very competitive USEF Medal qualifier. Well known for her horsemanship skills, Haley is guiding Leila through her first year in the equitation division, and they are both enjoying the process.

 

Our Newest Stars

Emma, Heather, and Jordan all traveled to their second show out of the academy division, and what a show they had. They did us proud. Again.

Emma turned in strong riders on Fergie, and executed a beautiful pattern in the Pleasure Equitation Championship to finish third.

 

Heather and Tucker are turning into a force to be reckoned with. This charismatic pair came out on top of their age group qualifier, the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier, and the Pleasure Equitation Championship.

 

Jordan and Maddie were in some deep, deep classes this weekend, and were right in the thick of the battle. This elegant pair ribboned in every class, and each ride was stronger than the last.

 

Academy in Numbers.

Big Numbers.

Held on Memorial Day weekend with people heading to their cabins or picnics, the Madison Classic has never hosted a huge academy division. Until now.

The 14 and Over division was seventeen riders strong, leading management to split both the qualifier and championship. The walk and trot division was no different, with the 10 and under walk and trot championship split into two deep, large groups of riders.

Team Knollwood was well represented with eight riders in the 14 and over walk, trot, and canter division. These riders were at various stages of their showing educations, and they all rode to the best of their current abilities. We’re proud of all of them, and a couple stories stand out.

Korinne moved up and showed Sadie, officially known as Just as Unique while Zada continued Joey’s education with a visit to a BIG show.

It was Erika’s day.

Teamed with the one and only CH Callaway’s Don’t Panic for the first time, we couldn’t tell who was having more fun, Erika or Panic.  This team won all three of their classes, and Panic made sure each victory was a little faster than the previous one. Not too bad for Erika’s first show of the season, and her first show in the tough senior division.

 

 

The 10 and Under walk and trot division was stacked.

Our five riders worked the ring and battled for good spots to show their horses in heavy traffic. They managed the ring well, and really shone in the pattern portion of the equitation championships. In the split 10 and Under championships, both Mia and Maiya rode to reserve championships, and all five of our riders received ribbons.

These big classes allow riders to learn important lessons about placement and showmanship. It’s one thing to practice it at home, and totally different to do it at a show with all the distractions and other riders who may use the ring differently. We’re so proud of our riders who performed beyond our expectations yet again.

 

 

We Are Grateful.

 

Shows like this don’t happen without a lot of ‘behind the curtain’ people.

We’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make sure horses and riders looked fabulous in the ring. Special thanks to Laura and Sue - bun makers to the stars, to Abbie, Hanna, and Brenda for helping with the best lesson horses in the world. And a big shout out to Bubbles who graduated from high school on Friday night, showed on Saturday morning, and stayed for the afternoon helping put up academy horses. Thank you!

 

Next Up?

The academy and ‘B’ horses are off to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the Prairie State Classic Horse show on Thursday night. Originally a Morgan show, it now features classes for Saddlebreds as well, and it offers a full schedule of academy classes spread over both Saturday and Sunday.

 

Our show horses will be home until they head out to the first of the ‘big’ shows of the season, Midwest Charity. The 77^th edition of Midwest will feature the best in the Saddlebred and Equitation world, and Team Knollwood will be there with numbers. We’ll update you with webcasting information as soon as it’s available.

 

Till then, See You At the Barn!

 

 

This is a wonderful time of the year. Kids are looking forward to summer vacation, windows and screen doors are finally open, horses are out enjoying the fresh grass, and everyone’s looking forward to show season.

The last couple of weeks have been busy, so let’s catch everyone up on all the happenings at Knollwood!

Our show horses just returned from their first long road trip show of the 2018 season. Team Knollwood attended the UPHA Chapter 5 show in Kansas City for the first time, and everyone agreed it was a wonderful show. The facility was convenient, and even air conditioned in the hot KC weather, the schedule was exhibitor friendly, the footing was horse friendly, and the hospitality was continuous. Great thanks to Missy and Tuffy on putting on a great show.

Gabby and Charlie picked up where they left off last season, winning their qualifier in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure division, and finished reserve in the championship. These two have an exciting season ahead.

Richie and Tink also started 2018 with a bang, winning their walk and trot equitation qualifier, and finishing reserve in their championship. Few horses light up as much as Tink when they enter the ring, and this charismatic pair is a blast to watch.

Is there anything Ainsley can’t do? She and Millie are always in the thick of it in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division, and this show was no exception. The dynamic duo finished second in their qualifier, and came back to win their championship.

Ainsley has always enjoyed equitation, but has been concentrating in the performance divisions for the past few years. She decided she wanted to take up the challenge for her final year, and her family has leased Mina to allow that to happen.

 

Ainsley is no stranger to equitation success, having won the National Walk and Trot Final in 2012, the UPHA Pleaseure Challenge Cup National Final in 2013, and won the Reserve World’s Grand Championship in Junior equitation in both 2014 and 2015 as well as the National Championship of equitation in 2014.

Ainsley returned strong at Chapter 5, winning the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion qualifier, and finishing 4^th in a deep championship. Ainsley and Mina are going to be a force this year.

 

Payton made her Team Knollwood debut, and wowed everyone with her presence and poise. She and Eli won both the qualifier and championship in the  Junior Exhibitor 3 Gaited division.  She then teamed up with Dos to win their Open Junior Exhibitor Pleasure qualifier before they showed back in the championship that included Junior and senior exhibitors, and won that too.  In between, Payton and Dos also finished second in a UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier.

Finn enjoyed great success at her first show riding Sophie. These two make a beautiful team, and finished second in their first class together, the  USEF Medal qualifier.  Finn showed back in the championship, and came out on top of a wonderful group of riders.

When she wasn’t showing in equitation, Finn was busy showing her beautiful pleasure horse Frankie in the 3 Gaited Show Pleasure division.  Finn and Frankie finished second in both their qualifier and championship.

 

Knollwood Kid Haley had quite a show at Chapter 5.  Haley showed the one and only Brookhill’s Passion Punch in her first ever equitation classes, and Leila seemed to like it. The new pair won the Good Hands class as well as the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup qualifier. These two are going to be beautiful to watch.

Haley is also a sought after catch rider, and had the opportunity to show Kalarama’s Out of the Ordinary to 2 wins in the Junior Exhibitor Park Division. Haley had previously shown this grand gelding to wins at  River Ridge, and will show him again at the Madison Classic. He’s owned by Amanda Dellinger-Allen and trained by Hollow Haven Farm.

 

While the show horses were away, the home office enjoyed lots of lessons and other horsey fun like the Knockouts’ street clean-up, the one and only Willy’s 30^th birthday party, and a laugh filled Mom’s Day ride.

 

What’s Coming Up?

This Saturday is one of the biggest days of the year at Knollwood. We’ll kick it off with our Open House starting at 11. We have the best customers in the world, and we  invite you to bring your friends to enjoy FREE mini rides, tours of the beautiful historic farm, pony painting, and the chance to watch lessons in progress. New customers will also receive a 10% discount on any lessons purchased at the Open House.

We’ll finish lessons up before we host our biggest charitable event of the year, the Knollwood Olympics. Riders have been collecting food kits for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County all month. Those who have collected a minimum of 5 kits have earned the right to compete in our version of Olympic events.

Teams based on the day the kids ride will compete against each other in events such as the blind buggy race, the helmet toss, and the blanket race. Following the events, all the participants will gather for a potluck cookout while we finish the final tallying of food donations. The teams who collect the most food kits over their goal will receive special prizes donated by our friends at Wild Impact Marketing.

Bring a food kit to donate to your favorite team, and come cheer on the teams as they help their neighbors in need!

The following weekend, both academy and show horses will be heading to west for the Madison Classic Horse Show. Always a popular event, it’s a sell out this year, with horses coming from all over the country to enjoy the well managed show known for its hospitality and friendly competition.

This is the second sold out show in our area so far this season, with the first being the Spring IASPHA show. We're excited about the strength of the industry in our 'neighborhood!'

We’ll post the schedule so you can plan your weekend trips to the show. Academy horses will show at 9 AM on Saturday, and show horses will compete from Thursday through Sunday. You won’t want to miss it!

We hope you can join us for all the fun the next few weekends.

See you at the barn!

 

It’s finally getting warmer, the grass is greening up, and the end of the school year is approaching. Summer is finally coming!

Here at Knollwood, summer is a very special time.  The screen doors are open, our foals Frito and Robin will be growing every day, lessons can be held indoors OR outdoors, and Knollwood kids can be at the barn longer hours.

There’s plenty to love about summer at the barn, and here are our five favorite things we’re looking forward to for Knollwood Summer 2018.

Riding lessons

We continue our full schedule of group and private lessons through the summer. Actually, with kids out of school, we can start private lessons a little earlier during summer break without the worries of homework.

Plus, when the weather cooperates, we can ride outside for a change of scenery. With a choice of two outdoor arenas, we have the perfect spot for lessons for riders of any level.

 

 

Show Season!

 

Our more experienced riders are pumped up for summer show season. We’re hosting our own in-barn show at Knollwood on July 21-22 for riders in our program. Students who have made their journey to showing level will compete against other riders in our program while showing our lesson horses.

The show is one of three that we host throughout the year. Our first show was held in March, and we’ll finish the 2018 show season with a big event in November.

 

We love to travel. A lot.

Our academy show riders will be showing in Wisconsin and Illinois this season at events large and small. We travel with a special group of our academy horses and compete against riders from other lesson programs throughout the Midwest.

Interested? The Knollwood Kids will be showing close to home at the Wisconsin State Fair Park on July 14, and at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds on August 11 and 12.

We also have a full group of privately owned American Saddlebred show horses that travel as far as Kentucky and Kansas throughout the show season. Many of the riders who compete at the national level started right here in our own lesson program, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements which include many National and World Championships.

You can also see the show horses at the ASAW Summerfun Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park on July 12-15.

 

 

Tiny Tot Lessons

Our special program for riders aged 3-6 really takes off in the summer. While our Tiny Tot camps are all sold out, we do offer half hour private tiny tot lessons on a select group of our lesson horses all summer long.

Our youngest horse lovers are able to learn riding at their own speed in a fun atmosphere. These kids are always amazing us with all they can learn at such a young age!

 

 

Summer Riding School

A summer tradition, we offer four weeks of summer riding school for riders aged 7-17.  Camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 12:30 pm on Friday. It’s a week of immersion into the horse world with kids learning to take care of their horse as well as ride. They get to prep their horse and take care of him after each ride and learn plenty of hands on skills in daily sessions.

We are fortunate to have partnered with Soul Fire Art Studio for the craft portion of summer riding school. The studio comes to Knollwood with special ‘horsey’ crafts for the campers to work on each Wednesday afternoon. The crafts make a great memory of their summer at Knollwood.

The Horses

Our horses love their jobs. They really do.

Several of them have been with us for 20+ years, and all the boys are well versed in their jobs. They may not all be beautiful on the outside, but they’re pure gold on the inside.

They come in all shapes and sizes, and they all love what they do.

We think our fabulous group of lesson horses love summer as much as we do. They really enjoy the extra attention from campers with their grooming and baths after each ride.

You can actually see them relaxing while they’re enjoying their kid time each day.

If you’re interested in learning more about Knollwood Summer 2018, please visit us at our Open House on Saturday, May 19. From 11 am to 2 pm, you can take a tour, enjoy a free mini-lesson, paint a pony, and watch lessons in progress.

We’re even offering a 10% discount to new customers on any lessons purchased on Open House Day.

Please give Ann or Nancy a call at 262-367-2391 with any questions. We’re looking forward to Knollwood Summer 2018, and we hope you’ll join us!