News
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A School Horse Debate
We're halfway through the election for School Horse of the Year 2019, and the race is tight at the top. At the moment, Dudley, Hugo, and Klem are the top three, so we asked them to answer some questions for the undecided voters out there.
Read on to learn more about the 3 candidates currently at the top of the vote count...
1) Tell us a little about yourself:
Dudley
I’ve been privileged to be a Knollwood lesson horse since I was a wee three year old. Heck, I’ve grown up with these kids. I came from Mike Lohman’s Southwind Ranch, and legendary Willy came from Mike’s brother Gary. So I’m kind of related.
I’m wise enough to carry tiny tot riders, savvy enough to teach camp AND manage to get some bites of fresh grass in along the way, can carry big people, but my favorite thing is games on horseback!!!
I digress… You can trust me about anything. Except body clipping.
Hugo
I’m a Knollwood native, born and raised here. I’m ASHA registration number 119755G, and my Mom is the great Hula Dancer, who is also Hooper’s mom.
I started teaching lessons when I was three, and the rest is history. Some people say I’m lazy, but I prefer the term ‘energy efficient.’
I enjoy fierce tiny tots, group lessons where I enjoy teaching everyone to follow through, especially cantering the first way, LOVE slow jog trotting at camp, and agree with my opponent Dudley about playing games. I’d prefer not to do pattern camp because of the long hours of mental and physical concentration required. Plus, those kids are pretty smart. I am not.
Klem
I’m a rockstar Morgan who doesn’t know his registered name, but I’m always open to suggestions. Before Knollwood, I was teaching at Hollow Haven Farm in Oconomowoc where they called me Tony. You already had a Tony working here, and you thought I was shaped like a Klement’s sausage, so I became ‘#Klem of Knollwood.’
I quickly became a favorite of my riders, and have countless fans at all the academy shows I attend. You know how I nicker to everyone hoping for treats? Most people think I only nicker at them. Silly humans.
I am a fur person, and consider myself one of you. This is why I’m happy to stand around in center ring after a lesson and join the conversation.
I enjoy small advanced beginners looking to show, love teaching about follow through on left canter leads, and enjoyed my first Halloween on Horseback game session this year. Musical towels is the best!
2) Why should Knockouts vote for you as the 2nd ever school horse of the year, following legendary Willy?
Dudley
I am a bigger version of Willy in a really funny suit.
Hugo
I can trot as slowly as Willy. When I feel like it. Actually, I think I’d rather walk.
Klem
Who is Willy?
3) What would you like to change for the Knollwood lesson horses?
Dudley
I would like to see daily ear curries, as they’re the highlight of my day. I’d also like to outlaw body clipping, or at least provide unlimited therapy for those of us who can’t handle it.
Hugo
I would like to see mandatory nap time. Every 3 hours.
Klem
I would like to see a minimum number of treats per day. A large minimum.
4) What do you like best about Knollwood Kids?
Dudley
They really like me!
Hugo
I like them the most when they haven’t yet learned to be effective with all their ‘go forward’ messages. They’re really cute when I can sleep through my lessons.
Klem
They all love to brush me and bring me treats. I love teaching them at shows, and passing on valuable lessons at pattern camps in the big outdoor ring. Can someone dress me as a sausage for next Halloween? Please?
5) What’s your favorite part of the year?
Dudley
I love summer camp. I get groomed ALL THE TIME, and all the kids bring their parents to see me on Fridays.
Hugo
I love the winter. I don’t get hot from all of my hard work, and some of my friends wear blankets in the pasture, which makes it easier to grab them during pasture games. (Don’t tell Nancy.)
Klem
I love show season! There’s nothing better than academy shows, hanging out in the warm up ring, trotting around with my kids, and helping them learn the ways of the show horse. I am one, you know!
6) If you could attend the banquet, who would you like to sit with?
Dudley
I would like to sit with Ann. She’s been trying to take me home for years, but I just can’t fit in her car.
Hugo
Anyone but Parker. I repeat, anyone but Parker. She makes me work hard in my lessons with her kids.
Klem
I would like to sit with the Tuesday Amigos because they invite me to be in all their pictures.
7) Closing Statements?
Dudley
Vote for the me, the biggest, best looking horse in the barn. I promise to uphold Willy’s standards, and to be the horse everyone trusts. A vote for me is a vote for a priceless classic.
(And I'm good at games!)
Hugo
No, you should vote for me, the first Saddlebred the Knollwood Kids ride. Even with my character flaws like pooping in Picasso’s feed tub every day and playing too hard in the pasture so I’m exhausted in my lessons, I still help kids fall in love with Saddlebreds.
Klem
Oh, Willy is the entitled old guy who hangs out in the other paddock with Brinkley and Zeus. Got it.
Well, vote for me, the most handsome and vocal of them all. You know, Willy has become vocal for his extra Senior feed at night after watching my success at using my vocal talents to beg for constant attention and mints. I started the talking thing!
If I win, I promise to continue to use my voice to represent all the Knollwood Kids and best lesson horses in the world.
Thanks to all the Knollwood Knockouts who have paid their 2020 dues and cast their ballots in the election for the 2019 School Horse of the Year. Polls are open until December 31, so be sure to stop in the school barn lounge.
If you're not yet a member, and would like to join the Knockouts, we'd love to have you. Please ask your instructor for a ballot and membership envelope.
And no, Willy will not be endorsing anyone in the election.
A few reminders:
We will not be holding lessons on December 24 or 25, or on December 31 or January 1. Please contact your instructor if you'd like to schedule a make up.
Midwest Saddleseat Consignment has set up a special Knollwood shopping time while they're at the Holiday Inn Garden Inn in Oconomowoc. Please join us on Friday, January 3 from 7-9 PM to shop their selection of show clothes before it's open to the public on Saturday morning.
The good stuff is on sale through December 31. Yes, you can receive 10% of Knollwood lessons and camps when you use the code HOLIDAY2020 on our website, www.knollwoodfarmltd.com. Your instructor is happy to design a plan for you, just ask!
The banquet is coming up on February 8 at Bristlecone. It sounds like a long way away, but be sure to save the date to celebrate all things Knollwood.
See you at the barn!
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Relax, and Catch Up.
Here’s your chance.
Take a few minutes to relax and catch up on all that we’ve been up to, and to find out all the fun we have planned.
Off to South Africa!
Knollwood Kid (and Triple Crown winner) Haley made it through trials last weekend at William Woods University, and is now a member of Team USA. She’s heading to South Africa to represent the US in the Saddle Seat World Cup as part of the 5 gaited team.
Busy, Busy Saturday
Last Saturday was a fabulous one for Knollwood Kids. Our friends from Soul Fire Art Studio turned the show barn lounge into a big craft room as riders enjoyed making their own ornaments. The unique decorations made their way back to Soul Fire to be fired in the kiln, and will be returned to the artists at the Knockout Holiday Gala this Saturday. (more about that later ...)
If your Knollwood Kid thought that was fun, keep in mind that Soul Fire will be in their cool new space at 636 Main Street in Delafield soon. They offer craft parties, fundraising, classes, or just dropping in for a crafty afternoon.
After we finished lessons for the day, Knollwood Kids returned (or just hung out for the day) and enjoyed a Parents Night Out with the always entertaining Knockout officers and board members.
They created some compelling campaign posters for their favorite lesson horses, (again, more about that later…) enjoyed dinner, and spent lots of time in the arena playing all different versions of horse show. The gaited classes were especially competitive.
Don’t Forget to Vote!
The Knockouts election for School Horse of the Year continues through December 31. Renew your membership, or become a member, and you’ll receive a ballot. Dues are a real value at only $5 per junior exhibitor or $10 for senior exhibitors. Dues entitle you to join the holiday gala, attend the awards banquet in February, and participate in all the fun activities throughout the year.
Paying your dues also registers you to vote in the officers election for 2020 which we’re holding at the holiday gala on Saturday.
Knockouts Holiday Gala
Be sure to join all us this Saturday at 6:00 for the Knollwood Knockout Holiday Gala. Jeni has prepared a scavenger hunt that has lots of outdoor clues, so be sue to wear layers for your trip(s) around the farm.
We'll also enjoy pizza before we meet to elect officers for 2020. Candidates, plese be prepared with a short speech to introduce yourself and enlighten the members as to why they should vote for you.
While the votes are being counted, members can enjoy anotional gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift of approximately $25 value suitable for a horse girl.
Of course, we'll finish the event with games in the arena.
Please sign up here to bring an appetizer for the adults to enjoy while the kids are scavenger hunting, or a treat to share after dinner.
Parents, please feel free to BYOB.
Vacations Continue
School horse vacations continue through Christmas week, with Hooper enjoying this week off. So far, Klem has been the only horse who hasn’t really enjoyed his week off. He really missed his time in the arena, and missed a lot of mints, as he has most of the instructors trained to provide treats on ALL occasions.
Next week, Cashew will enjoy a week of rest, and the one and only Thomas will finish up the schedule the following week. Be sure to stop in and visit the holiday horses. They love special attention, extra grooming, and treats!
Woodwear is Coming
We expect to have all the clothing you ordered in November ready for pick up on Monday. We’ll have a few extra pieces available above the order, so if you missed the ordering period and would like to check on availability, please get in touch with Ann.
Pattern Class December 13
We know it’s the off season, but we also know that it’s when the real work is done. We’re hosting a pattern class on Friday, December 13 at 6:30 as part of our Friday Passport series. Give us a call if you’d like to join the fun!
Last Chance for Stirrups
If you’d like to give the gift of stirrups and leathers to the Knollwood Kid in your house, please talk to Ann this week for ordering. We’ve been ordering lots, and there are going to be a lot of happy riders with their very own stirrups on Christmas morning!
Your instructor is a wealth of information for last minute gifts for your horse crazy kid. You can never go wrong with warm riding gloves, jods, extra tie down for jods, or a helmet!
Our Newest Knollwood Kid
We welcome Vaughn as our newest lesson horse. Born at Knollwood, he has learned his lessons well thanks to Lin, and has been teaching lessons for our most advanced riders who helped in his education. Young Vaughn is slowly working into group lessons for our experienced riders, and is quickly taking a place in everyone’s heart.
Holiday Schedule
We won’t be teaching lessons on December 24 or 25, or on December 31 or January 1. Please contact your instructor if you’d like to schedule make up lessons.
Also, we know it’s a busy time of year, and we ask that you please let us know of any cancellations. Going somewhere warm after the holidays? Please keep us informed, and think of us Wisconsonites while you’re enjoying the sun!
Our website has been updated, and now includes 2020 dates for group lessons and summer riding school dates as well as Tiny Tot camp dates. Heck, we even added the 2020 show dates for our academy riders!
Lessons and camps are on sale at 10% off through December 31, and you can even shop in your pajamas. Just use promo code HOLIDAY2020 at checkout to receive your discount.
Of course, we’d be happy to design a lesson program to take your rider wherever they’d like to go. Please contact your instructor for ideas.
Coming Up!
For all of our show riders...
Midwest Saddleseat Consignment will be setting up shop at the Holiday Garden Inn in Oconomowoc for the weekend of January 4-5, and Knollwood has a private shopping time on Friday night, January 3 from 7-9 PM. The collection opens to the public on Saturday morning, so it’s a great chance to pre-shop for show clothes for the 2020 season.
Academy Meetings
We love sitting down with our academy show stars’ parents in January or February and discussing goals and schedules for the upcoming season. With so many shows to choose from, we can guide riders to appropriate venues and plan a progression for the year.
We’ll also have dates for pattern camps for our academy stars!
Thinking about showing this year? We’re planning our academy show seminar, and will post the date shortly. Of course, we’d be happy to meet and talk about why we love academy showing with you, too!
Knollwood Banquet
Join us Saturday, February 8 at the Legend at Bristlecone for an evening of all things Knollwood. Invitations will be sent to all Knockout members at the beginning of January, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
If you’re not yet a member, we’d love to have you. Your instructor can help you join, and if you sign up by December 31, you can even vote for School Horse of the Year!
Hope you enjoyed your 5 minutes of relaxation during the busy holiday season.
Just a couple of questions after looking at the blog...
Why is Klem ALWAYS the horse in pictures, and why does it look like he always just got up from a nap?
See you at the barn!
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Our Gift Guide for Knollwood Kids
The holidays are coming up super fast, and sometimes your Knollwood Kid sounds like they're talking a foreign language when they list their dream gifts. (Besides a horse, that is.)
We’re happy to decode some of the most popular requests that you’re hearing about. Here’s your chance to look like a riding expert with the perfect gift under the tree.
If it still sounds Greek to you, we’d be happy to help, and Ann will be happy to order some of the technical stuff!
Lucky Jods
For the academy show star in your house, these are the best show jods out there. They’re extra long, the fabric doesn’t attract dust, and these even offer a bit of stretch. Luckys look neat and tailored while being super comfortable.
Available only through Hartmeyers in misses and girls sizes, they’re even on sale for ONE MORE DAY!
(And they're worth every penny even at full price!)
Warm Riding Gloves
While we heat the arena to a temperature that’s comfortable for riding, warm riding gloves will help the rider in your house maintain a good feel on the reins. Here are options for kids and adults that will keep hands warm while keeping the reins from slipping, and allow good communication with the horse’s mouth.
(If you really want to hear your Knollwood Kid sound like they’re talking a foreign language, ask them how they keep their horse’s head up while they ride. Take a seat first …)
Stirrup Irons and Leathers
Sure, our school saddles all have stirrups on them, but having your own sure signifies that you’re serious about your riding, and that you’d like to spend more time riding and less time adjusting stirrups before your lesson. Plus, having your own ensures that the irons are the correct size for your feet to prevent stirrup slippage, and that the leathers won’t be crazy long. Plus, you can keep them at the barn where they’re always handy!
And when you embrace the 'saddle-no-stirrups lifestyle like we do, you can really miss your own when you see them hanging on the wall before and after your leg strengthening rides(s).
These are the professional grade stirrups we use and highly recommend. We’d be happy to order the correct size for you, and we’re really good at being sneaky at getting the gifts to you!
Your Own Helmet
After your initial lessons, it’s a fantastic idea to buy your own helmet.
There are lots of options to choose from, and here are a few of our favorites. While individuality is a great thing, we ask that our academy show riders purchase a black helmet cover for out of barn shows.
Saddle Horse Report
If you have a serious horse show junkie in your house, there’s nothing better than a subscription to Saddlehorse Report. Besides receiving newsprint magazines in the mail, you can also purchase online access to show results and even judges cards. It’s a good online addiction!
The best!
Lessons at Knollwood are always a great gift, and they’re even 10% off through December 31. You can purchase group lessons, private lessons, even summer camps and some horse show expenses at a discount.
If you purchase online, use promo code HOLIDAY2020 to receive your discount.
Of course, your instructor would be happy to help design a package for your rider.
See you at the barn!
Tradition.Honor.Passion.
And a whole lot of fun.
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Willy's Voter Guide
Hi Everyone,
Willy here!
You know, the first EVER Knollwood School Horse of the Year.
I won last year's election fair and square, and my official stall bears the plaque that proves it.
As the only winner so far, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to opine on all of the candidates. In no particular order, here are my thoughts on all of my co-workers. I know I'm supposed to be unbiased, but I clearly have some favorites.
You can start voting on Monday, December 2. Simply pay your Knockout dues for 2020, and place the dues envelope with a completed ballot in the ballot box.
May the best horse or pony win!
Brinkley
This retired gentleman (and my pasture mate) has taught countless Knollwood kids to canter, and has allowed millions to paint him. He has the best eyes, and thoroughly enjoys his spa treatments from his best friend Addison. Although he’s retired please consider writing him in for a ‘lifetime achievement award!’
Sundance
The master of the pasture.
Officially known as ‘Bonnie Novel Santoro,’ a name that even he thinks is klutzy, my friend has ruled over the pasture for years. He has taught millions of riders to pay attention, he keeps his eyes off the ground, and introduces countless kids to the beauty of riding a saddlebred. He’s been a mainstay of our lesson program for years, and was quite an academy star back in the day. An icon.
Thomas
Relatively new to the Knollwood lesson tribe, and ‘blessed’ with a name equally as klutzy as Sundance, ‘Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat’ has become a favorite in short order. Thomas loves going to academy shows, and excels at bareback and saddle no stirrup rides in addition to being an up and coming pattern star.
Joey
He’s fast. Really fast.
And he’s working on his anger management problems. Rachel and Erika love him.
Pony Frank
He’s had a tough year, with the loss of his best friend Forest, but he’s carrying on. He’s a tiny tot expert, is getting over his fear of horse shows, and is currently working on his arena heater issues.
Dudley
I know that as the elder statesman of the group, I’m not supposed to have favorites, but I can’t help it. Dudley is the real thing.
He’s a beginner star, a saddle-no-stirrup favorite, and a gaming stand out. In case you missed Maddie’s ride off in the musical towel game at the summer show, it was epic.
Plus, he loves welcoming visitors to his stall, and may not let them leave until they curry and brush his ears until he says it’s enough.
Duke
He bends in the middle.
A good challenge to advanced beginner riders, he never goes any faster than is required. Except when he’s trotting and the rest of the class is cantering. Then he road trots.
A true character.
Tony
Another icon. My favorite half Morgan and half Quarter Horse, he’s known for his nickering and love of all things peppermint. He can be lazy, pushy, and just the thing to teach kids to follow through. He’s perfection.
Fred
He snores. Really loud.
And he eats. A lot. Sometimes he won’t even leave the round bale in the pasture when it’s time to come in.
He’s also an angel in a chestnut suit. He teaches kids to post quickly with his lofty trot, and then excels at teaching the wee ones circles and serpentines. When he’s not sure what to do, he just stops.
Sparky
A true genius.
He’s been called ‘the next Willy,’ but I’m not retiring any time soon.
Master of tiny tots, willing to do any walk and trot pattern as long as he doesn’t have to leave a group of horses to do it, he’s a gem. He doesn’t even get irritated at Hugo when he runs into Sparky’s stall because he’s too lazy to remember which stall is his.
Hugo
He poops in Picasso’s feed bin. Every day.
That being said, he’s a favorite of every walk trot rider on the farm. With his smooth trot and his saddlebred neck, Hawaiian Cat makes them all feel very fancy.
Hugo enjoys patterns, games, and naps. Naps especially after he’s been groomed.
Picasso
He’s tortured by Hugo every day. But he’s pretty pushy, so I feel it may be karma in action.
Picasso is a marvelous cantering teacher, as he’d rather canter than trot. He’ll canter for anyone, probably even Bengal the cat, although Bengal’s loud voice may scare even the great Picasso.
Mark
Mark is a classic. He thinks he likes teaching first time riders, but he can’t remember. Don’t worry, it’s not an age thing, he’s never remembered anything. Every day is a new adventure.
Big Frank
Large Frank is an original. Never sure of where he’s going, but he’s trying to get there first.
Frank has learned his patterns, and is a favorite of our younger cantering riders because of his quick response time.
He is, however, a slob in his stall. As soon as the first horse leaves the aisle, Frank is sure a mistake has been made, and he starts circling and digging. We all have our issues, but his is a little more obvious than most.
Mac
A recent addition to the crew, Mac has quickly become a walk and trot star. He doesn’t care about much, and even worked at the Knollwood Fall show. He learned to find his own stall much more quickly than most of the horses back there, too.
Baxter
Possibly the best academy horse ever, A Champagne Toast is a legend. Really.
He’s given many academy riders their first taste of a horse who loves his job while looking through his perfectly hooked ears.
This one in a million gentleman is a dream in his stall, and even keeps a very clean house. He welcomes all kinds of treats!
Murphy
Murphy thinks he’s beautiful, and don’t you forget it.
Dexter
Dekscalibur is an unsung hero in my lesson program. He’s extremely handsome, has no attitude, enjoys teaching small academy stars to work a bridle, and loves going to horse shows. Did I mention how handsome he is?
Hooper
Hula Hooper is another star. Hooper will perform any pattern at any time, even if you’re a six year old with kind of short legs.
Note, he lives a few stalls down from me, and he believes in a very strange conspiracy theory. He really thinks that his clothes are trying to kill him. He even has to have clothes that open in the front because traditional ‘over the head’ clothing is just too scary for him.
Like I said, we all have our issues, and his is pretty noticeable.
Sadie
The only girl in my lesson program, Sadie is beautiful. She teaches advanced academy stars the ways of a show horse, and gives them pointers on how to keep her balanced. She’s very pretty!!!
Willis
A new addition, Willis is fast learning his academy lessons. Baxter is his idol, and Willis hopes to be as grand as the great Champagne Toast. He already has the stall manners down, and is learning to work in the company of other horses while keeping his concentration.
Klem
Klem is a man after my own heart. We’ve both struggled with weight issues at points in our lives, and I fear Klem may have an eating disorder. Have you ever heard him beg for food? Of course you have, everybody on planet earth has heard it.
That issue aside, Klem is a marvel. He’ll teach the youngest walk and trot star to pay attention to his minor tricks like straying off the rail, and really delights in teaching patience to his more advanced charges. Every rider on the farm has been ‘Klemmed’ on that left lead while he makes eye contact with the instructor in the middle.
Oh, and did I mention that Klem is the official mascot of Knollwood's Tuesday Amigos? He's always up for a silly photo with some of his favorite horse girls.
Pattern camps are his favorite weeks of the year when he gets to teach in the big outdoor ring. Ah, the space he can cover…
Eddie
Pure and simple, Eddie is a rock star. Hylee’s Red Fox loves his job, loves his people, and loves the challenge of patterns.
Traveling is not his favorite thing, but he endures since it means going to horse shows.
Panic
Panic has never had a bad day in his life. Riders who earn the right to ride the great CH Callaway’s Don’t Panic have a grin on their face that you’ll never forget.
He can’t do enough for you, loves to beat other horses down the rail, and enjoys the occasional yippee yahoo canter start, usually on a diagonal line.
At horse shows, Panic starts buzzing before victory passes, and tries to get those slow gaiting passes in, re-living his glory days with Lin. If he can’t get the slow gait started, he’ll just trot REALLY FAST.
Cashew
A true gentleman, Cashew has quickly become a favorite teacher. With smooth gaits, and a handsome face, Kaptain Kaos is a pro at showing his students the importance of bridle rhythm. Once they ‘get it’ that canter is smooth and slow as can be.
Heist
Heist loves Laura, and loves going on trail rides with her. He also loves living next to Agatha while she convalesces.
There you have it, the list of candidates for the 2019 election. The winner will be announced at the Knockout banquet on Saturday, February 8.
Be sure to talk to the candidates, and to do your own research. Bragging rights and a stall plaque are at stake. And the winner has big shoes to fill!
See you at the barn!
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What A Way To Finish!
Team Knollwood capped off a tremendous 2019 show season last week at the UPHA National Championship American Royal. Competing for national championships against the best in the country, our horses and riders were in the thick of the deepest of competition. We’re so thrilled with all of Knollwood's performances.
Horse shows create stories, and we have some great ones to share.
The always enthusiastic pair of Gabby and Charlie lit up the ring in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure division. These two enjoy every step, and always look like they don’t want the class to end. The dynamic duo finished third in their qualifier, and a fabulous 5th in the championship.
Another charismatic pair, Bella and Garfield, turned in impressive rides in the deep Country Pleasure division. These two have been working hard all season, and it showed in KC, finishing 5th in their qualifier, and 4th in the highly competitive national championship.
Carol and Allison both had a chance to show Eva at the Royal, and the mare has made great progress. Eva finished 8th in the Ladies Three gaited under 15.2 class with Carol, and Allison showed back in the championship and finished 6th in the Ladies 3 Gaited National Stake. Look for great things next season from Allison and Eva!
Payton had the chance to show Eli in the 13 and under Three Gaited division, and they rocked the their classes, finishing 4th in both their qualifier and in their National Championship. These two have a special bond, and it shows in every step they take.
Richie and Tink had a ball in the Country Pleasure division for riders 13 and under. After a little too much enthusiasm and an 8th place ribbon in the qualifier, the one and only TInk and her young man rode to a reserve title in their national championship.
The Royal showcases equitation like no other show, as it hosts the UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, the USEF Medal Final, and National Championships in Saddle Seat equitation. Team Knollwood brought serious contenders in each division they showed in.
In her first year in the senior division, Heather made an impact showing Tucker. 14 Year old Heather made the cut to Phase II in both the Senior Challenge Cup and the Medal finals. It was quite an impressive finish to her first senior year.
In her first year showing saddlebreds, Laney also finished strong. After showing Robert in the Senior Challenge Cup and Medal Finals, Laney debuted her new horse Aaron in the national championship. The new team made the cut to do the pattern, and finished 8th in the senior national championship. Keep your eyes on this new combination next year!
Richie and Payton were stars in the junior equitation division. Both made Top 10 in the Junior Challenge Cup Final, and showed well in the Junior Equitation National Championship. Richie turned up his performance and finished third in the final, and Payton and Dos rode to a good 7th as well.
Finn and Leila finished the year in fine style. Leila is beautiful, powerful, and has a high opinion of herself. She and tall, calm Finn make a beautiful combination of power and grace, and caught the eyes of the judges. These two made the cut in both finals, and finished 4th in the prestigious Medal final.
Some of the best horse show memories happen outside the actual show ring, Besides the show arena, Team Knollwood enjoyed the sights and dining in KC, shopped for new horses, (we hope to have some announcements soon!) and celebrated Scott and Carol’s anniversary.
The farm is a little quiet this week, with Scott and Carol enjoying some down time, and everyone is working on organizing and cleaning after the 2019 campaign. Huge thanks to the show horses' personal assistants who take such terrific care of the stars, and to Lin and Parker for holding down everything at world headquarters while the show string is on the road.
It's been a marvelous season of learning lessons, meeting goals, and enjoying the process of progression. Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way.
Just imagine what we can do next year!!
What's coming up next?
Our Annual Sale!
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, you can purchase lessons at 10% off through December 31. That's right, group lessons, private lessons, summer riding school, even horse shows! It's the one time of the year that 'the good stuff' goes on sale, and you can ask your instructor for details.
Voting is Starting for School Horse of the Year
Starting on December 1, you can vote for school horse of the year when you renew your Knockout membership for 2020. The winner will be announced at the Knockout banquet on February 14, 2020 possibly introduced by last year's winner, Willy.
Ornament Making with Soul Fire
Our friends from Soul Fire Art Studio will be in the show barn lounge on Saturday, December 7 from 11 AM through 3 PM. They'll help you create your own unique holiday design. No reservations needed, just drop in!
Parents' Night Out
Leave your Knollwood Kid with us on Saturday, December 7 from 5-8. While you go out for dinner or do some shopping, your rider will be entertained by the Knockout officers and board members making posters for the school horse of the year contest, eating dinner, and playing in the arena. And it's only $10! You can make your reservation in the school barn lounge.
Knockout Holiday Party
Join us at 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 14 to celebrate the season with the Knockouts. Enjoy the scavenger hunt, dinner, an optional gift exchange, and help us elect Knockout officers for 2020.
Members can sign up in the school barn. Not yet a member? Talk to your instructor to join, and you'll get a ballot to vote for school horse of the year!
Knockout Award Banquet
High points have been totaled, and preparations are underway for the Knockouts annual award banquet on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Legends at Bristlecone. You won't want to miss it!
See you at the barn!