News
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On The Road Again
After lots of adventures at the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival last weekend, the show horses are all set up in St Louis and start showing tonight at the St Louis National Charity Horse Show.
First things first …

Futurity was a relatively quiet show for Team Knollwood. With horses leaving Monday morning for St Louis, many were busy prepping for the events in Missouri. Horses that attended the home show turned in some great performances, and some even tried different divisions.

Payton and Eli (Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist) returned to the 3 gaited division with great success, winning both their qualifier and championship classes. Richie and Sophie also crossed over and tried the three gaited division at the show to get some more classes in.

Scott showed home grown Willow (Dance Party) for the first time, and they won the Wisconsin Futurity Three Year OId Incentive Park Pleasure class.
Willow looked fabulous in her show ring debut.
Our 15 academy riders were stars of the Saturday morning performance.
The walk, trot, and canter riders shone on the rail, and really showed their skills on the championship pattern. The sandwich serpentine with a straight line through the middle was executed with precision by Maddie, Erika, Zada, and Lauren who worked hard to make the cut.

After pattern work, Maddie was the unanimous winner on Panic, and Erika was unanimously second on JD. Zada was third on Alex, and Lauren was fifth on Murphy.
Our walk and trot riders were stars as well. Showing at only her third show, Alexa dove into the deep end at Futurity, and rode really well in an experienced field of riders aged 11-13.

Our 10 and under riders were rock stars in some really big classes.
The classes for riders aged 9-10 had 12-15 riders entered, and our riders shone in the deep traffic. Those big group lessons and pattern camp sessions really showed as Mia, Maiya, and Juliet managed their ring placements like pros.
Amelia rode her way through a strong division for riders aged 8 and under, winning both her equitation and horsemanship classes. She and Eddie made bright passes, and looked like they were both having a ball.
The Tuesday Amigos made the pattern cut in the championship, and went on to finish 1-2-3. Mia was the champion, Maiya was reserve, and Amelia finished third.
We are so proud of all of our academy riders. And huge thanks to Jeni, Anna, Payton, Heather, Richie, and Maria who helped prep horses and offered their expertise and support to all 15 riders.

Biggest thanks to the best lesson horses in the world who were, as usual, fabulous.
So the horses went home on Sunday, and left for St Louis on Monday.

A favorite of trainers and exhibitors alike, the show features wonderful facilities and hospitality. It’s home to the Shatner Western Finals, the Hunt Seat Finals, the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals for both junior (13 and under) and senior (14-17) riders.
Team Knollwood is there with quite a few horses, and we’re looking forward to a great week!
Some highlights?

After a highly successful season, Kerry and Rudy (Sir Don Juan) will be competing in the Shatner western finals.

It’s a mother daughter weekend for the Schuh’s while Allison shows Eva and Kim shows Maddie in St Louis.

Country pleasure stars Garfield and TInk will be competing at the show, Gabby will be looking to continue her dream season with Charlie, Haley is showing Gwen, Finn and Leila are there for equitation adventures, Richie and Sophie will be enjoying the show, and Kerry will show Hershey in show pleasure.
Heather and Laney will be representing Knollwood in the ASHA pleasure equitation championship. The class is judged 50% on railwork, and 50% on pattern, and all participants will perform the workout.
Railwork will take place Thursday morning, and the workouts will be Thursday at 5:00.
The Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion final is split into two age groups and they’re judged the same way. Riders will compete on the rail first, and judges will pick 12-14 riders in each age group to complete pattern work. After cut downs, the Top 10 will be announced, and then placings will be awarded in reverse order.

Payton and Dos will represent Knollwood in the Junior Division, while Heather will show Tucker and Laney will show Robert in the Senior Division.
You can watch all the action free here.
What’s Next?

This weekend, we’re hosting photo shoots by Emma Utoft as she’s coming up to photograph our academy show stars. We still have several times open if you’re interested in professional pics with your favorite horse.
Next Wednesday, October 2, the Hartland Culvers is donating a % of all sales made between 5 and 8 PM to the Knollwood Knockouts. Be sure to stop by and enjoy some deliciousness and support our hard working youth group.
The following weekend, academy and ‘B’ horses are off to Woodstock, Illinois for the UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show.
Adopt a Street is coming up at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 12. Join the Knockouts as we clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Road, and stay for the club meeting at 2:30!
Knollwood Fall show entries are due on October 12 for the event on November 9 and 10.

Halloween on Horseback is coming up at 6:00 on Friday, October 18.
We’ll start taking entries and payments on October 1, so start planning your costume for your favorite horse!
Our final academy show is coming up on October 26-27 when we’ll travel to Gurnee for the IASPHA Fall show.
We’re excited to have a creative entry for the costume class starring Klem, and all riders showing are invited to participate.
We hope you’ll join us for all the fun we have planned.
See you at the barn, or at the ingate!
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It's A Home Show!!!
The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival is starting tomorrow, and we can hardly wait.

Held at State Fair Park in West Allis, we consider it a ‘home show’ because we feel like we’re showing with a home field advantage.
We’re asking all of Team Knollwood to join us at the fabulous event. We think it’s so exciting that we’re even cancelling lessons on Saturday because so many of our horses and employees are involved in the event.
Why should you come to the show?

The horses are beautiful,
and their riders are pretty great, too.

With classes ranging from equitation where the rider’s skill is evaluated to Open Jackpot classes where professional trainers show the most exciting horses, there’s always something to watch.
Young Horses are A Blast to Watch.
Futurity showcases the youngest horses shown, and you haven’t lived until you watch a class of weanlings being led in the arena. They’re vocal, they’re beautiful, and they’re frequently opinionated about the whole thing.
The big Weanling Open Championship is Sunday morning at 9:30, and it’s the best.
It’s An Academy Showcase.

Futurity features the state championships for the academy division, ad Team Knollwood will be there with 15 riders ready to compete for the titles.
Academy riders will be treated to a 3 judge panel evaluating their skills, so there will be trained eyes all over the arena. Great thanks to show management for giving the riders this great opportunity.
Team Knollwood will be represented by 10 riders in the walk, trot and canter classes, and 5 competitors in walk and trot categories.
Please join us at 9 AM Saturday morning to watch the fun and cheer on all our stars.
What’s Next?
On to St Louis.

Show horses will return home Sunday night, and head south on Monday for the St Louis National Horse Show. Home to the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Final as well as the National Championship of Pleasure Equitation, St Louis is a favorite of exhibitors and spectators alike.
Held at the National Equestrian Center, the National is also home to finals for the Shatner Western Division, and the Hunt Seat Classics.

Team Knollwood will be in the thick of the action, and we’ll update with webcast info as it becomes available.
It’s Time for the Knollwood Show!

The grand finale of the 2019 academy show is coming up November 9 and 10 at the Knollwood fall show. We’re taking entries through October 12, and are looking forward to a big show celebrating the accomplishments of all of our riders.
From our competitive lead line division to the finals of the Knollwood Challenge, it promises to be a heck of a weekend.

Save the dates to support Team Knollwood with the concession stand.
The show features a silent auction, and we’re looking for donations to help the Knockouts. Please contact Nancy or Ann with donations.
The November show is also home to the helper basket challenge. Our helpers will be soliciting donations to the baskets for their day of the week, and the judge will pick her favorite entry. The winning team receives a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts.
Academy Photo Shoot
Clearly, it's time to update our photo.
All of our academy show riders will gather at the farm on Saturday, September 28 for a photo shoot for a National Horseman ad.
Professional equine photographer Emma Utoft will be on hand to capture our stars and has time for some individual sessions as well. If you’re interested in a ½ hour session for your family, you and your favorite horse, or a holiday card shot, please contact Ann at the barn. Spaces are limited, so act quickly!
Fall at Knollwood is beautiful, so be sure to spend some time watching Agnes and Ruby out playing, the lesson horses enjoying their round bales, kids riding outside, and show horses working in the clear fall air.
Or, 'do a Hazel' and catch up with a friend on the deck while watching all the goings-on.
See you soon at the farm, or at the in-gate!
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It's College Time For Knollwood Kids!
All the Knollwood Kids have headed back to school, and six special ones have started their college careers.
Here’s a look at Knollwood’s class of 2019 college kids!
Robert has been a valuable member of Team Knollwood for many years. He worked weekends at the barn, was a Wednesday helper, and rode in the 7:30 Tuesday class as well. Always quick with a joke, he was a favorite of the Tuesday Amigos, and even pushed one of them back to the centerline of their horse during one of their initial ‘saddle no stirrup’ outings.
Robert always takes great care of horses, and was proud to serve as Tony’s respiratory therapist as well. Oh, and he's famous for his dance moves at the Helper Olympics, and at the Knollwood Banquet!
He’s settling in at Carroll University, and hopes to be riding again soon, when he gets used to his new school schedule and work load.
McKailey has been a Knollwood Kid since she was a tiny 5 year old enjoying her first Tiny Tot lesson with Mary. She rode the one and only Willy, of course. Originally known 'Red Boots’ for her stellar early fashion choices, McKailey has enjoyed countless hours in the barn.

She showed Mark in her first Knollwood show in the Leadline division, and went on to achieve a successful academy show career. She particularly enjoys the Summerfun Show, as it’s outside so her Dad can come and watch her show.

This past season, McKailey was fortunate to be able to lease Maddie, officially known as Tura Lura Lura in the Country Pleasure division. She enjoyed success in her first year out of the academy division
She’s been a Sunday helper for many years, and her mom Judy says that mucking stalls has made her an accomplished snow shoveler as well.
McKailey considers Knollwood her second home, and is taking a gap year working a number of jobs while she decides on her next move.

Judy adds, ‘As a parent, you have to decide if your child is serious about riding and if you can invest in sitting in barns. That moment their perfectly executed pattern brings tears to your eyes is when you know this IS the right decision.’
Kailee is another accomplished Knollwood Kid off to college. She’s been a Wednesday night helper for years, and has been active in academy shows as well. She’s also a Saturday stall cleaner, and spent last summer working full time in the barn.
Kailee is now settling in to the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, where she's studying nursing, and we’re looking forward to seeing her on breaks.
Jordan started riding at Knollwood when she was 8, after some trail riding on vacations, and fell in love with Ethan at her first lesson. She’s been a constant presence at the farm ever since, and has progressed to many roles along the way.
Jordan started out as an enthusiastic helper, and made friends with every new student she met. She was very involved with the Knockouts, rising to the office of president. Jordan has been a camp counselor, a valued assistant at pattern camps, and even became a Tiny Tot instructor after presiding over some great camps.
Oh, and Jordan can ride. Really well.

She had a fun filled academy career, starting with her first show on Brinkley, who she thought was perfect, even with his ‘funky trot.’
Jordan moved on to the ‘A’ Show Horse world, first showing Maddie last year in the Country Pleasure division. All the lessons learned there prepared her for showing the legendary CH Freaky Links this season. It’s actually hard to see whether Jordan or Freaky was having more fun in the ring.

Jordan’s favorite Knollwood memories are Friday nights at the barn when school was over for the week and she got to go to her favorite place and ride with her friends. She especially loved summer nights, taking horses out for their baths while the sun was setting.
She’s also loved teaching lessons and seeing her riders progress. Jordan finds inspiring to see their enthusiasm and watch them learn to post and steer on their own.
Jordan’s Mom Kimber says , ‘ Riding and working at the barn have taught Jordan so many valuable life lessons. She has learned that it takes practice and persistence to learn new skills, and that the privilege of riding comes with great responsibility to care for our equine friends. She has learned good sportsmanship – as a gracious blue ribbon recipient, and when not placing after a nice ride. Most importantly, though, Knollwood is where Jordan has made life-long friendships and has found a barn family that supports and encourages her in everything she does.’
Jordan is attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison where she’s planning to major in neurobiology with hopes of becoming a dentist or orthodontist.

Her advice to young riders? ‘Get involved with anything and everything you can. You won’t forget the memories you make doing new things and meeting new people. I’m so glad I chose to get involved in the Knollwood Knockouts and met so many great people.’
Knollwood college Kid Haley enjoyed her first lesson at Knollwood when she was seven, and showed Willy in her first Knollwood show.
Haley has been a beloved ‘barn rat’ from the beginning.
Her mom Sue says, ‘Riding horses allowed her to relax and be one with the horse. I don’t know how to explain it, but when riding she has a connection with that horse, which I believe allowed her to be more relaxed and allowed her to be more free. Picture after picture we have is of Haley standing with a horse head to head making that connection. Anyone who knows her now and not then would be scratching their head saying, ‘Shy??’ Her tenacity, drive, discipline, patience, and confidence have come from her dedication to horses.’
Haley has been a helper, an active Knockout member, and has shared her unique perspective as an equitation star to mentor many riders.

Her favorite Knollwood Kid memories? Haley lists working as a Saturday helper, lessons with Ann, moving up to lessons with Scott and Carol, lunge lessons, the first time riding Batman and Leila, the first time she showed in a suit, and winning the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.
That’s quite a list!

It was evident early on that Haley had lots of talent. She had a very successful academy career, with many adventures along the way.
Haley was fortunate to show several horses along her show career in the ‘A’ division, including Batman, Nugget, Felix, Robert, and Fergie to name a few. She won many of the 13 and under equitation finals on different horses before she was paired with the one and only Leila.
New to the equitation division, the game mare and the talented girl enjoyed a legendary year in 2018, becoming the 13th rider ever, and the 3rd Knollwood Kid to earn the coveted Triple Crown by winning the Good Hands Final, the UPHA Challenge Cup Final, and the USEF Medal Final.
Haley is currently working on her core college requirements locally, and in planning to become a Sports and Entertainment lawyer.
Mom Sue’s advice to Knollwood parents?
‘Support your child whether it be as a hair dresser, scheduler, confidant, dry cleaner, nutritionist, or psychologist. We have grown to work as a partnership while away at horse shows. Be your child’s biggest cheerleader, not their critic. Allow them time with their trainers after a class as it’s the best time for their partnership to flourish. Don’t expect your child to win – it truly is about them doing their best and learning from each ride.’

Haley adds, ‘Knollwood has been instrumental in who I am today as a rider and a responsible young adult. Knollwood is my home away from home!’

Ainsley is a legacy.
Her older sister Sydney was riding when 3 year old Ainsley started coming to watch. She was an avid listener, and was quickly imitating all the instructors in the middle while lessons were in full swing.

Fearless from the start, Ainsley's own riding career started at age 5, and the rest is legend. She bonded with horses from the beginning, and progressed really quickly. Ainsley was showing academy at age 7, and made an impact even then.
Mom Tina says, 'Knollwood has helped to build her character, taught her the true meaning of compassion, and has given her an amazing work ethic.'

Mom Tina adds, 'Knollwood has been our second home for 15 years. It's a place filled with impeccable instruction, guidance, and support. I can't imagine our family anywhere but Knollwood.'

While she was learning, Ainsley hung in there with older kids, even attending pattern camps with them. She was the first rider to figure out that a helmet stored in the cooler was super comfortable on a hot morning in the big outdoor ring.
And, when the days got too long, she enjoyed spending quality time with her friend Dozer.

Ainsley was fortunate to show the legendary Cartman (CH-EQ What a Feeling) to a National Championship in the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup.

She partnered with him to win the Reserve World's Grand Championship of Equitation for Riders 13 and Under, TWICE.
(And once with a broken wrist.
SSHHH, her doctor still doesn't know she rode with the cast!)

Ainsley decided to go on a different path than sister Sydney, and showed the beautiful Ashlyn's Only Charm in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division. This charismatic team was a memorable team in their years together.
Ainsley is also honored to have been a member of the gold medal winning 5 Gaited World Cup Team in 2018 as well as the USEF Young Riders Team where Scott was one of the coaches.
Ainsley is a Knollwood Kid through and through. In addition to her riding skills, Ainsley had been a mentor to so many hard riding kids, and served as a Tiny Tot Instructor in her high school years. She adds. "I'm grateful for being trusted and given the opportunity to each Tiny Tot lessons. There's nothing better than turning a Kid into a 'Knollwood Kid.'
Ainsley is attending Edgewood College in Madison studying business, and hopes to take on a key role and work with her Dad at the family business, Wild Impact Marketing.

We are grateful and honored to have played a role in raising these fabulous young adults.
Horses and Team Knollwood raise great kids.
We wish them all the best, and look forward to seeing them in the arena at Thanksgiving break!!

Tradition. Honor. Passion.
It's what we do, and we love it.
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It's Finals Season!
Sure, most of the Knollwood Kids are just settling into a new year of school, but to our equitation stars, it’s the start of Finals Season!

It all starts this week at the All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis where team Knollwood is set and ready to show. This iconic show is home to two finals for Pleasure Equitation stars. These riders have worked hard all season showing pleasure eq horses, and it’s time for the best to gather.

On Friday morning, the stars will gather for the Pleasure Equitation Olympics. Run by the Illinois American Pleasure Horse Association, (IASPHA) the same organization that produces three popular shows a year in Gurnee, this final offers gold, silver, and bronze medallions to the top three riders in both the junior (13 and under) and the senior (ages 14-17) divisions.
Team Knollwood will be represented and in the Senior Division by Laney showing Robert, and Heather showing Tucker.
The UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final starts Saturday morning, and is also a big part of this show. Pleasure equitation riders who have qualified at shows across the country are gathering in Indy for a chance at a national title.
Riders have qualified by competing in a qualifier, completed a set pattern of a 4 loop serpentine at a trot, and finished the top 4 in their class.
The best will compete in this final sponsored by the United Professional Horseman’s Association. It’s judged a little differently than some of the older finals, with showmanship being paramount throughout the process. This final is judged 60% on railwork and 40% on individual work.

The ability to show a horse will set a rider apart in this final which is also split into Junior and Senior divisions. Payton, Laney, and Heather will be competing for Team Knollwood, and we can hardly wait to watch.
You can catch all the action on SeeHorse Video for free, and here’s the link.
In addition to all the pleasure equitation excitement, this show offers the All American classes for weanlings through three year olds, the Indiana futurity, and the American Hackney Horse Society’s futurity. Oh, and there’s a heck of a horse show for all divisions as well!

Our Pleasure Eq finals competitors may be the ‘riders of the hour,' but in addition, Haley will be showing Gwen in Show Pleasure, and Finn will be showing Leila in equitation.

It’s going to be an exciting start to finals season, and we wish all competitors the best.
What’s Next?
Our fall ‘home show’ is coming up! The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival runs September 19-22 at Wisconsin State Fair Park. It showcases young saddlebreds in the futurity classes, show horses in the performance divisions, and even hosts the state championships in the academy division.
Team Knollwood will be there with numbers, and we hope you can join the fun! We’ll publish a schedule, and the academy performance is Saturday morning starting at 9 AM.
Finals season will continue the following week in St Louis where the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion and the ASHA Pleasure Equitation National Finals will be held.

In addition, the show is home to the Western and Hunt finals. We’ll keep you updated with schedules!

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!
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What A Weekend It Was!

Last weekend was just so much fun.
The show horses were finishing up at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, and they were in the thick of the best competition there is. Finn and Frankie were 7th in their Show Pleasure World Championship, and Gabby and Charlie were 8th in a stacked Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Show Pleasure final.
Classes were crazy deep, and any ribbon won was an accomplishment for a lifetime.
We’re so proud of all our riders on their strong performances in Freedom Hall.
Meanwhile, at the home office, the Knollwood Summer Academy show was in full swing. Here are a few of our favorite stories of the weekend!
Short staffed? No problem.
Many of our usual show crew was in Louisville watching or participating in the show, so we re-organized and got the jobs done. Some great new Knollwood moms and their Knollwood Kids put gift baskets together, and manned the concession stand.
Some of our younger riders had a chance to step up and contribute in the barn, helping riders enter the ring. Without as many ‘personal assistants’ as usual and a big show to run, we created a new system to make it work, and had a blast doing it.
Thank you to everyone who leant us their creativity and positive attitude to make the show so fun for so many riders.
Our Esteemed Judge

We were beyond fortunate to have former equitation star Shelby return to judge all classes. Her well trained eye for detail and sense of fun kept the show running on a light note. Shelby offered constructive feed back to many of the riders, and was really able to personalize it as she’s ridden many of our best lesson horses in the world.
Shelby was also brave enough to join the game division riding the one and only Mark. Despite not riding in about three years, Shelby was a contender in all events, winning the ‘Slowest Canter,’ and being reserve champ in the ‘Musical Towels’ event.
She really wants Scott to know that she also won the ‘Ride a $5’ after leaving the saddle for three years. Shelby still has it!
And she donated her winnings back to the Knockouts!
Adults in Numbers

The adult division was impressive, and quite possibly the most entertaining division. With riders who have enjoyed horses their whole life to riders who have started this adventure as ‘grown-ups,’ this age group offered a little bit of everything.
Best of all? These riders seem to enjoy the experience a lot, and are very vocal in their support of each other.
Leadliners are Huge

On the other end of the spectrum, our leadline division was almost as big as the adult classes. As a testament to our hard working tiny tot instructors, these littleist Knollwood Kids looked fantastic, and many are ready to move into group lessons this fall!
First Show Adventures

Our maiden division for first time show rides was split into divisions to accommodate the number of entries. These newbies looked poised and ready to show, and they were even all on the correct diagonal. The future looks bright!
Back from Louisville!
Richie returned from the World’s Championship Horse Show late Saturday night, and was kind enough to join us at the barn to ride a demo on Sunday. His Country Pleasure mare Tink didn’t make the trip to Louisville, and was happy to see Richie and to ‘turn it on’ for the audience Sunday afternoon. There’s nothing like a beautiful Saddlebred enjoying their person and their job!
Game Time!

Following the ‘serious’ part of the show on Saturday, we like to take a short break and then play games on horseback. Seven brave souls joined the division last weekend, including our judge.
We had lots of laughter, lots of cheering, and lots of sore legs. It took a lot of work to end the ‘Ride a $5’ game, as there were plenty of strong legs in the arena.
Knockouts Fundraising

Thanks to the efforts of Knockout members who volunteered their time and effort, the club raised over $1000 with their gift baskets and concession stand. We were especially thrilled to see so many new Knollwood families joining the fun of the youth group.
Special thanks to Merton Feed for sponsoring the concession stand for the show. They’re terrific partners in making all of our horses look so good.
These Unbelievable Horses

The lesson horses out did themselves this weekend.
They behaved themselves perfectly (well, maybe except for the time that Sparky tried to tell Shelby when it was time to reverse, or the time he led 3 of his friends into the line up. Early.) with both experienced and leadline riders.
Nothing deterred from their mission of being the best lesson horses in the world, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
School horses start their vacation this week.
Hard working Sparky is enjoying a week off, and the rest of the boys will get a chance to rest up after a busy summer. They'd love extra treats during their vacations, so check the calendar in the school barn lounge to see who's off each week!
Here’s to sportsmanship, friendship, and horsemanship.
Save the dates for the fall show on November 9 and 10!
What’s coming up?

The show horses are heading off to Indianapolis for the All American Horse Classic. This show marks the beginning of equitation finals season with the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final, and the Pleasure Equitation Olympic Final.
Team Knollwood will be there in numbers, and we’ll update with schedules and webcast info soon.
Our first Knockout night at Culvers is coming up this Wednesday from 5-8 PM. Enjoy some delicious treats at the Hartland Culvers, and they’ll donate a portion of the proceeds to the Knockouts.
This is a monthly event, so mark your calendars for the first Wednesday of every month through May!!
We’re ordering our timeless navy Knollwood jackets for fall show season!
Size samples are available in the school barn lounge along with order blanks. Please place your orders by September 22!

Both the academy and show horses will be heading back to State Fair Park for the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival. Join us September 19-22 for a terrific show right in our own backyard.
Academy classes start at 9 AM on Saturday, and we’ll be battling for State Championship titles.

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



















































