Our favorite social event of the year was once again a night to remember.

150 members of Team Knollwood gathered to celebrate our 2019 experiences, and to look forward to new adventures in 2020.

 

When asked about their favorite part of the banquet, the Tuesday 6:30 PM class all said it was the food.

They were particularly enthusiastic about bread.

  Mind you, there are some very old souls in that class.

 

The food was delicious as usual, and the menu, planned by Knockout party planner extraordinaire Susan, was perfect for everyone.

Whether you preferred vegetables, need to eat gluten free, or, like the Tuesday group enjoyed lots of carbs, there was something for everyone.

And the mini bundt cakes ...

After dinner, Susan reviewed the group’s finances, and announced that next year will be the club’s 25^th banquet.  She’s already in party planning mode, and we’ll be reaching out to alumni in hopes they can join the big silver anniversary celebration next February.

If you’re interested in helping with party planning, please let us know!

 

After 2019 Knockout President Korinne handed over the reins to 2020 Knockout President Erika.

The new leader introduced her fellow officers, and invited some members to the front to talk about their votes for horse of the year. 

 

Most of them had voted for Dudley, but Scott said he voted for Baxter, because he can do anything, and comes from royal bloodlines. Always an original thinker, that Scott.

 

Who won? Erika announced that Dudley is the second ever school horse of the year, and he’ll try to fill Willy’s shoes during his reign this year. We then got to watch a slide show honoring Dudley, to the music from the Dudley Do Right cartoon show.

 

Awards were next, with prizes for champions and reserve champions for both in-barn and out-of-barn academy shows. 

After attending 12 academy shows away from home, the point totals were pretty close in many of the categories. Many of the in-barn races were tight, too.

We had come pretty cool prizes for the champions this year.  Made for us in Poland, our champions received scarves with "Tradition.Honor.Passion". on one side, and "Champion" on the other. 

These accessories also included the Knollwood logo, and are sure to be treasured. Leadline champion Leighton is shown wearing her scarf to her first post-banquet lesson.

 

Scott’s remarks about 2019 were, as usual, memorable. Always able to think on his feet, Scott was at his finest even after an emergency trip to the clinic in Madison interrupted his Saturday afternoon speech writing.

The state of Knollwood is, well, pretty great.

 

The slide show was a hit, with pics of everyone, their favorite horses, and memories of all the adventures we shared during the year.

 

Everything was represented, including Hazel and Laney’s choice of hats, unique uses for the shopping cart in the shed, and Richie being held up by many, many people.  

 

(We don’t really know why so many people feel the urge to pick him up, but it makes for unique pics.)

 

 

Great thanks to Wendy for the countless hours she spent timing this out just right.

 

The dancing started right after the slide show, and social time started all over again.

Once again, the dance floor was full until the lights came up, closing the 24^th annual Knockout award banquet.

Just imagine what we’ll have in store for the 25^th!

 

Coming Up?

February 14

SOLD OUT Parent’s Night Out at 5:00 PM

 

 

February 21

Entries for the Knollwood spring show are due!

 

February 28-29 from 4-6 PM

Barn clean up. Please sign up in the school barn lounge to join the project.

 

February 28 at 6:30 PM

Ladies Night Returns for our experienced riders. Sign up in the school barn to join the experience.

 

February 29  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Patchwork Pony Consignment store will be set up at Comfort Inn Johnson Creek Conference Center.

 

 

 

March 7 at 6:00 PM

Knockout parent meeting in the show barn lounge. Join us if you’d like to learn more about helping our award winning youth group.

 

And don't forget, the Knollwood Spring show is coming up on March 21 and 22.

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

Last weekend, Team Knollwood traveled to Lisle, Illinois for the MidAmerica Horse Show Association awards banquet.  The Chicago based group sponsors 3 shows throughout the year at a variety of venues, and offers classes and awards for divisions from academy to open classes.

 

We’re proud to congratulate our winners from the 2019 show season!

 

Mary won the judging award for adults.

 

 

In The 'B' Division:

Laura and Heist were Reserve Champions in

Show Pleasure for riders 18 and over.

 

Jodi and JD were Champions in Limit Horse Country Pleasure, and Reserve Champions in Country Pleasure for riders 18 and over. 

 

In The 'A' Division:

Linda and Warheart were Champions in 5 Gaited Country Pleasure.

 

Richie and Tink were Champions in Three Gaited Country Pleasure for Riders 13 and under.

 

Richie and Sophie were Champions in Saddle Seat Equitation for riders 13 and Under.

 

 

Laney and Robert were Reserve Champions in Pleasure Equitation for Riders 14-17.

 

Hanna was Reserve Champion for Pleasure Equitation for Riders 13 and Under. 

 

 

Our academy stars rocked the titles!

 

Denise was Champion in both Adult Academy Equitation and Horsemanship.

 

 

Lauren was Champion in both Equitation and Horsemanship for Academy riders aged 14-17.

 

Maddie was Champion in both Equitation and Horsemanship for Academy riders aged 13 and under.

 

 

Emma was Reserve Champion for Horsemanship and Equitation for Academy riders aged 13 and under.

 

 

Tori was Reserve Champion for both divisions of Academy walk and Trot for riders 11-17.

 

 

Samara tied for Reserve Champion for Walk and Trot Horsemanship for riders 10 and under.

 

 

Maiya also tied for Reserve Champion for Walk and Trot Horsemanship for riders 10 and under as well as Equitation in the same age group.

 

 

 

Mia was Champion of Walk and trot Academy Equitation for riders 10 and under.

 

Congratulations to all our riders who earned these hard fought titles!

 

 

This weekend brings our favorite event of the social season, the Knollwood Knockout banquet.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the Legend at Bristlecone for social time at 6:30 this Saturday.

 

We have almost 150 friends coming to celebrate all things Knollwood, including most of our 'out of town' customers!

Seating is not assigned, and we will reserve seats for families with 4 or more members in attendance. Junior exhibitors are free to grab the front tables so they can sit with their friends and offer guidance to our presenters.

Highlights of the evening?

 

A delicious buffet dinner.

 

Susan’s treasurers’ report.

Trust us, it’s always entertaining and enlightening. Always looking ahead, Susan will be making a special announcement about next year's banquet, too.

 

The 2019 Knockout officers will recap the year before they turn the club over to the 2020 leaders.

 

They’ll also introduce the winner of the School Horse of the Year!

Awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn shows, and service awards to our show riders who have mentored our academy stars.  We’ll also announce all the academy riders who are receiving medallions from the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

 

Slide Show!

 

Scott’s ‘State of the Farm’ speech.  You don’t want to miss the annual review complete with jokes good and bad, recognition of performances good and bad, and well, just a lot of fun.

Dancing and more time to catch up with your barn besties!

 

See you at the barn, or at the banquet!

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

And a whole lot of fun. 

The sun is going to set after 5:00 PM, and the helpers all know that the horses are shedding, meaning only one thing… Spring is coming!

 

If the Wisconsin weather doesn’t exactly agree with our prediction, we have plenty of fun planned to keep you busy until it warms up for real.

 

Awards Season 

Team Knollwood will be traveling to the Mid-America Horse Show Association’s banquet in Lisle, Illinois this weekend. From our academy stars to our ‘A’ list show winners, we’ll be there enjoying some of the best hospitality around. We’ll try our best to win gift baskets, some silent auction items, and we’ll dance the night away with our horse show friends.  Congratulations to all the Knollwood winners! 

Pictures are sure to follow.

 

 

Our own Knollwood Knockout banquet is coming up fast the following weekend. 150 Knockouts and their fans will gather at The Legend at Bristlecone for an evening to celebrate all things Knollwood. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 8 for social time followed by dinner at 7:15 PM. We’re pretty sure Scott is already working on his ‘State of the Farm’ address, and the awards are all on their way.

 

We DO have a couple updates for this year’s gala.

The banquet works on an open seating plan, but this year we’ll be reserving seats for families of four or more. We’ll have name tags on tables to make sure these groups will be seated together.

Of course, the front tables are ‘reserved’ for our junior exhibitors who make up the loudest cheering section, and always enjoy the event with their barn besties. Plus, It makes it easier for Scott to single them out during his always entertaining remarks.

 

February Culver's Night!

Meet your friends at the Hartland Culver's on Wednesday, February 5. Any purchases made between 5 PM and 8 PM will benefit the Knollwood Knockouts.  What a great reason to enjoy some Culver's deliciousness!

 

 

Valentines Day

We’ll be celebrating Valentines Day at Knollwood by hosting a Parents Night Out. Parents can enjoy a quiet evening or dinner out while your rider enjoys crafts, games, and dinner at the barn. The event runs from 5 PM to 8 PM, and is only $10 to cover dinner.  Please sign up in the school barn lounge by February 7.

 

Knollwood Entries Due February 21

Our spring in-barn show is coming up fast on March 21-22.  Entries are due on February 21, so we can get the fun purple show shirts produced for the show.  Forms and shirt samples are available in the school barn lounge, and your instructor would be happy to help with your entry.

We have classes for everyone from lead line to maiden riders participating in their first show to our most advanced stars riding in the Knollwood Challenge. It’s a relaxing, fun atmosphere to enjoy the horse showing experience, and you won’t want to miss it!

 

 

Friday Passport Classes 2020!

They’re back! After a quiet January, passport classes start up again at 6:30 PM on Fridays. These classes are $45 each, or you can buy a passport good for any four classes for $160.  The upcoming line up is:

  February 7    Tiny Tot Group

  February 21  Academy Strategy

February 28  Ladies Night

  March 6          Mother Daughter

  March 13       Tiny Tot Group

  April 3             Pattern Class

 

We’ve added some new offerings, such as Mother Daughter nights, and Bring a Friend events.  You can check out the whole year here.

 

Barn Clean Up

It’s spring cleaning time! Join us February 28 and 29 from 4 PM to 6 PM while we clean tack and the barn before the spring in-barn show.  As our helpers can tell you, chores are lots more fun when you’re working with your friends, and we’re looking forward to having a great time.  You can sign up here, or on the paper sign ups in the school barn lounge.  Of course, these service hours will fulfill your requirement towards your 2020 Knockout awards!

 

Patchwork Pony Update

Our friends from the Patchwork Pony consignment shop in West Virginia are making their trip to Wisconsin on Saturday, February 29.  They’ll be setting up at the Comfort Suites Conference Center in Johnson Creek, where they will offer a terrific selection of gently used show clothes.  We’ll update with more details as they become available!

 

Parents Meeting

Would you like to get more involved with the Knollwood Knockouts, but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an informal parents meeting at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 7 in the show barn lounge.  We’ll talk over appetizers and beverages and help you learn how you can help a great bunch of riders.

 

Knockout Meeting

All members are invited to attend their March club meeting on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 PM. President Erika and her officers will put the finishing touches on the spring show, and will update everyone on the perfect kaboodle.  They always have more planned, so don’t miss the fun!

 

Knollwood Spring Show

The season kicks off Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 PM with the start of the Knollwood Spring Show. We’ll enjoy two full afternoons of horse showing, with the walk and trot riders taking over on Sunday, March 22 at noon. We’re thrilled to have Brandi Bushard of Hanrahan Stables to judge both days of the show.  Don’t forget to get your entries in by February 21!

 

We hope you can join us for all the fun we have planned as we work our way to spring.

See you at the barn ... or at a banquet!!

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

And a whole lot of fun. 

Team Knollwood has released their academy schedule for 2020, and it’s full of opportunities.  Some people think we’re crazy for participating in 15 shows a season, but we have a blast every step of the way. We’ve laid out a dream schedule for academy riders of all levels to enjoy the experience of showing the best lesson horses in the world.  Here’s a brief introduction to our schedule and the thought behind it.

 

Three In-Barn Shows

  Interested in tasting the horse show experience, to return to it, or in just having an entertaining weekend with your barn friends?  All three Knollwood in-barn shows provide a wonderful way to start your experience.

We offer shows on March 21 and 22, July 13 and 14, and November 8 and 9 in Knollwood's own arena with riders showing all of our lesson horses. (Well, with the exception of a couple who just really aren’t into this horse show thing…)

Our first time show riders compete in their own classes, the maiden division. This entry level division lets our new stars compete on a level playing field against other rookies on the most experienced lesson horses in the barn. At their first show, riders get to compete in a pleasure class, equitation class, and an equitation championship.

We make the process super easy to try, as riders at these relaxed shows compete in their jods and boots and a shirt designed for the event. Riders receive their own shirt at each show to remember the event.

Competitors get to enjoy a horse show atmosphere complete with concession stand, gift baskets, demonstrations of American Saddlebred show horses, and plenty of fun.

 

Entry Level Academy Shows

 

We travel to four shows away from home that offer the perfect environment for the first ‘out of barn’ experience,  These shows are nearby, and offer special classes for our inexperienced riders.

The IASPHA series (run by the Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association) in nearby Gurnee, offers a Green Division for riders currently in their first year of competition. They get a chance to compete for an entire year against riders from other barns who are also showing in their first season.

The newbies get to compete in horsemanship, equitation, and their own equitation championship at these shows, and even feature end of the year high point awards for the division.

In 2020, the Green classes are held on April 19, August 2, and October 25.

These shows are famous for their comfortable atmosphere with the barns and arena all under one roof,  a terrific concession stand, exhibitor parties each night, junior judging opportunities, and the friendliest staff around. It’s the perfect place to fall in love with academy showing.

 

The ASAW Summer Showcase in August is another terrific place to start your academy experience. Held at the nearby Ozaukee County Fairgrounds in Cedarburg, the show features its own maiden division. On Sunday afternoon, the newest competitors show in a cozy indoor ring against other first time show stars. The classes are small in the little arena, and the atmosphere is really controlled for safety.

The two-day show offers a park like atmosphere, and the other show performances are held outside, weather permitting. The maiden riders get to show inside so their first show ring experience is free of distractions for horses and riders. They can focus on fun!

Team Knollwood features a special camp leading up to the show, so our riders can learn all about horse showing before their debuts. Riders will enjoy camp at Knollwood for Monday to Thursday July 27-30, and will actually hold camp at the showgrounds on August 7 before they show on August 9. We even offer a $100 show credit for those riders participating in both events.

 

The UPHA Chapter 10 Shows in Woodstock offer a wonderful opportunity for our inexperienced show riders in a fun environment as well. Held at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois, these shows offer both Maiden AND Novice classes. So whether it’s your first show, or you haven’t yet won three blue ribbons, this beautiful facility is a perfect spot for the rider starting out. 2020 dates for walk and trot classes are April 26 and September 13.

The facility is new, all heated and under one roof. The show features great judging, a friendly atmosphere, and includes pattern classes in the academy division.

 

Mid-Level Academy Shows

 

After riders have competed at a couple of entry level shows, they’re ready to travel to some of our mid-level competitions. The IASPHA, Showcase, and UPHA shows all offer divisions for more experienced show riders, and some other classes become available to our show stars.

The Prairie State Classic show held at Beyond Stable Farm on May 30 and 31 offers a full schedule of academy classes, and is unveiling a new schedule for 2020.  Sponsored by a Morgan Horse association, the show offers competition against some different stables, as the Morgan programs attend this show as well as our usual Saddlebred friends.

 

For you Klem fans in the blogosphere, it's his favorite show.  In fact, he's kind of a big deal in the Morgan world .......

The show features LOTS of hospitality and a really fun atmosphere.  Morgan competitors like to have fun at their events, and it shows!

 

The Mid-America Signature Horse Show is held outside at the Ledges facility in Roscoe, Illinois. Showing outside is a new challenge, and the ring is beautiful. Our riders enjoy the atmosphere, the events for exhibitors which usually includes a water fight after the academy performance, and plenty of free food after other sessions. It’s a blast!

 

Big Time Academy Shows

 

After some experience, many of our academy riders like to show with the best, and compete at the academy classes featured at the ‘A’ level shows.

These shows offer stiff competition against the best academy riders in the Midwest, and gives riders the chance to show in the same big arenas and in the same ‘big time’ atmosphere as our show horses. Actually, our show horses compete at the same shows, and our show horse riders are there to serve as mentors to our academy stars.

 

We’re fortunate that Scott and Carol are at these shows as well to offer their experience and expertise to us, making it a real team event. Some of Knollwood's most seasoned academy riders who ride with them at home even get to step up and show our lesson horses from the show barn for an upcharge, allowing these riders to enjoy a really advanced education in a real horse show situation.

These shows are wonderful experiences for our whole team. We all enjoy spending time and cheering each other on throughout the weekend. Our academy riders benefit from the experience of our show riders who came up through the program, and from Scott and Carol who have coached many national and world champion riders in their careers. Heck, our riders sometimes have a triple crown winner helping in their academy classes!

 

For 2020, the Madison Classic academy classes are on May 23, Oshkosh Charity is June 27, ASAW Summerfun is July 11, and Wisconsin Futurity is September 19.

 

If you're a Baxter fan, know that these 'A' show are his favorite.  Nothing beats a victory pass in a big arena ...

 We may be crazy, but we love what we do. For more information on how to join our adventures in 2020, please talk to your instructor. We’ll be holding meetings soon with our current academy stars to plan a season of fun and learning. 

 

 

If you’re new to the process and interested in learning more, please let us know.  The lessons of academy showing extend beyond the riding part, and we’d love to share them with you.

 

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

....and a whole lot of fun.

Anyone who knows Team Knollwood knows that we’re always up to something.  The new year is no different, and we have some great things planned.  We hope you’ll join us for many of the fun events we’re looking forward to!

 

Academy Show Seminar

Saturday, January 18 at 6:00

We love academy showing, and it shows. We’ll be traveling to 12 academy shows with our riders and the best lesson horses in the world.  Of course, we’re a little bit biased, but can you argue with the likes of Baxter and Panic?

Anyway, we compete against other professionally run lesson programs in the Midwest in a variety of venues. Some shows are wonderful for riders new to the show ring, and others are well suited for academy riders who have honed their skills for some time.

 

Please join us at this informative session at which we’ll explain the where's, how's, and why's of academy showing, and we’ll have demos from some of our experienced academy stars.  They’ll be happy to answer any questions from parents or riders about the process, and what they’ve learned from it.

If you’d like to join us, please sign up in the school barn so we have enough information packets for all of our attendees.

 

Knockout Fundraiser at Culvers

Wednesday, February 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Bring your friends to the Hartland Culvers during ‘Knollwood time,’ and the restaurant will donate a percentage of all sales to the Knollwood Knockouts. This has been a terrific fundraiser for the group, and it’s delicious, too.

 

Knockout Banquet

Saturday, February 8 at 6:30

The invitations are out for the best party of the season, so please be sure to get your payment and RSVP form in the box in the school barn by January 25.  The banquet takes place at the Legend at Bristlecone, and features a wonderful buffet dinner, social time, high point awards, a slide show, the ‘State of the Farm’ speech by Scott, and a DJ to top off the evening. You won’t want to miss this!

 

Parents’ Night Out

Friday, February 14 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Parents, you can drop your Knollwood Kid off at 5:00 on Valentines Day, and we’ll entertain them with dinner, crafts, and games while you enjoy dinner, or just some quiet time. Best of all, it’s only $10, and you can sign up in the school barn to join the party.

 

 Barn Clean Up Days

Friday February 28 and

Saturday,February 29

from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

 

Help us get the barn ready for spring as we clean all the school barn tack, and clean up the barn as well.  It’s a fun way to earn your Knockout service hours, and hang out with your friends.  You can sign up here.

 

 

Patchwork Pony Comes to Wisconsin

Saturday, February 29

Patchwork Pony Consignment  is coming all the way from West Virginia. and will be setting up at a hotel in Johnson Creek to offer their wide selection of show clothes with terrific customer service.  We’ll update with times and the exact location as soon as it’s available.

 

Knockout Fundraiser at Culvers

Wednesday, March 4  from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Bring your friends to the Hartland Culvers during ‘Knollwood time,’ and the restaurant will donate a percentage of all sales to the Knollwood Knockouts. This has been a terrific fundraiser for the group, and it’s delicious, too.

 

Parents’ Meeting

Saturday, March 7 at 6:00

Are you interested in helping with the Knockouts, but aren’t sure how to start or what you can help with? Join us at this quick meeting in the show lounge to discuss your options for helping out. We’ll offer drinks and snacks too while you learn how you can work with this great group of kids.

 

Knollwood Spring Show

Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22

We’ll start the show season with a bang in our own arena.  Saturday classes feature our walk, trot, and canter riders and the entire adult division while Sunday features our walk and trot riders including the leadliners.

You’ll have opportunities to help at the concession stand, with the gift baskets, or with the 50/50.  Please stay tuned for more info.  We expect to start the entry process next week!

 

Spring Food Drive Begins

April 15

Team Knollwood is a big supporter of the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and we’re starting our spring drive on April 15.  If you collect a minimum of 5 food kits, you’ll be eligible to participate in the Knollwood Olympics on May 16.

 

Knockouts Street Clean Up

Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 PM

Join your Knockout friends as you beautify the barn neighborhood.  We’ll clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads, and then return to the farm for a club meeting.  We’ll be looking for parents to supervise our cleaning crews, too!

 

Helper Olympics

Saturday, May 16 at 6:00

Let the games begin! Knollwood Kids who have collected a minimum of 5 food kits will compete in ‘games of skill’ while the food kits are counted.  The day of the week that collects the most food kits over their goal will receive a special prize, AND all participants will have a blast competing.

New this year, each day of the week will field both a Senior and a Junior team so some of our younger participants can compete against a field of their own age.

 

 Summer Camp Starts June 8

Our first session of camp June 8 – 12 is a special one for our riders participating in the summer show on June 12-13.  This week is only for current Knollwood riders who will be showing, and isn’t listed on the website.  Please see your instructor if the rider in your house is interested in spending lots of time learning about horse showing.

Plus, we offer 4 additional weeks of 'Classic Camp' as well as 4 sessions of TIny Tot camp for riders aged 4-6.  Our academy show riders will also enjoy their special weeks of pattern camp.  We can hardly wait for summer!

 

 

 

We're looking forward to all the fun, and hope you can join us.  Be sure to ask your instructor any questions you may have.  They'd love to help you join in!

 

 

See you at the barn.