Team Knollwood spent a gorgeous weekend in ‘the Rome of the West’ competing at the St Louis Charity Horse Show.  Home to national finals in western, hunt, and pleasure equitation, this show offers welcoming hospitality in a beautiful facility.  Even with all the national finals, the show has its own vibe which is more relaxed than you’d expect.

 

Here are a few of our favorite stories from St Louis...

 

Payton changed things up after her successful summer showing Dos in the pleasure division, and returned to the equitation world showing the one and only Eli, officially known as Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist. These two exude charisma galore, and performed a beautiful figure 8 to win the Good Hands qualifier and put on a strong demonstration of equitation poise to win the Medal qualifier. These two are on their way to the finals!

 

It’s so true that horse friends are the best, and we proved it again last weekend with a visit from a friend.  Abby took a break from studies at Quincy College and met her horse showing friends in St Louis.

Once a Knollwood Kid, …

 

Finn made the trip from Colorado to show in the deep equitation classes in St Louis. She and Sophie won a strong qualifying class and finished reserve in the championship. This team is really meshing, and are ready to take on the challenge of the ‘Big Three’ fall finals.

 

Ainsley’s incredible riding skills were on full display last weekend as she competed in both the pleasure equitation finals and in the 5 gaited division. She turned in convincing rides on Frankie in both the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Senior Medallion Final. True horsemanship was displayed as she worked Frankie through the finals patterns, and even convinced her that dropping stirrups was OK. The patterns were masterful, and Ainsley was rewarded with a 7^th place finish in the first final, and a 5^th in the Medallion final.

Ainsley showed Millie in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited division, and rode to unanimous victories in both her qualifier and championship. Ainsley is now a quick change artist, having to switch suits after her Medallion final on Saturday night to show Millie.  It’s the second year in a row that Team Millie has been the St Louis champion, too.

 

Richie and Tink are getting better and better, and were rewarded with wins in both their qualifier and championship in St Louis.  They’re heading to Mane Event next to prepare for the finals in Kansas City.  They’ll be ready for the challenge!

 

 

Hazel had a tough week. At home, she enjoys her slow mornings, often coming to the barn when she feels like it, and napping throughout the day.  

Well, in St Louis she kept horse traners’ hours, and found the schedule pretty grueling. Luckily, there were customers with friendly laps, and even a new outfit to wear at the show.

 

 

In her first year out of our academy program, Heather is amazing even us. She and Tucker have quickly become a team and have risen to the top of the pleasure equitation division.  After finishing second in the Junior Pleasure Equitation Olympics and in the UPHA Junior Pleasure Challenge Cup, these two continued their success in St Louis.

The young team rode into the ring with 16 other riders for the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation. The class list read like a ‘who’s who’ of the current pleasure equitation world, and included junior exhibitors of all ages. Heather and Tucker rose to the challenge, and finished third in this incredible national final.

The next day, Heather rode into the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Junior Medallion Final, riding against fellow 13 and under riders this time. Team Tucker rode precise patterns to be awarded the reserve national title. 

 

 

Haley and Leila are on fire.

These two won the UPHA Senior Pleasure Challenge Cup and finished second in the Senior Pleasure Equitation Olympics at Indy, and they looked even stronger in St Louis. These two ladies rode precise patterns and were stunning on the rail to win both the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation an the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Senior Medallion National Final.  

 

Congratulations to everyone on a great show, and great thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get the horses and riders ready for the ring!

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, at the home office, the Knockouts were cleaning up the neighborhood with their semi-annual street clean up. Following their service project, they held a club meeting and put the finishing touches on the upcoming fall show.

 

What’s next?

It’s time to order your flowers for the Knollwood Show!

For only $12, you can show the rider in your family how proud you are of their accomplishments.  Our friends at Bank of Flowers make these especially for us, and they’re a fundraiser for the Knockouts. Prepaid orders must be received by October 14 to get the pre-sale price. Additional bouquets may be available at the show for $15.

 

Halloween on Horseback is coming up on Saturday, October 20.  Sign up with your instructor soon if you’d like to design a costume for a horse and participate in the fun. It’s only $40 and includes games on horseback after the costume judging.

Oh, and there's food. Always food.  Please bring an appetizer to share after the events. Parents are welcome to bring adult beverages, as well.

 

Our fall show features the Helper Basket Challenge.

Helpers are asking for your help in creating the best gift basket, and our judge will pick her favorite creation. The winning helper team receives a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts.

 

 

 

 

The show horses are home until the Mane Event show at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on October 18-21. It’s a big show, and features the first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals, the Good Hands.  There will be a free webcast so you can watch all the excitement if you can’t make it to the show.

 

Our academy and ‘B’ horses are off to Woodstock, Illinois for the UPHA Chapter 10 Fall show this weekend. We always enjoy shows at Beyond Stable Farm, and we’re looking forward to the weekend.

 

 

Hope to see you soon at the barn or the in-gate!

Team Knollwood enjoyed a glorious fall weekend at the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival last weekend. With everything from weanlings to performance classes to the state championships of the academy division, it was a weekend full of great performances, great friendships, and great fun. Here are a few of our favorite stories from Wisconsin State Fair Park!

 

Gabby and Charlie, officially known as Ken Follett, continued their wonderful year of competition in the 5 gaited show pleasure division.  With wins in both their qualifier and championship, these 2 are having a blast, and are quickly becoming the standard of excellence in the competitive division. Best of all, they’re having a great time!

Speaking of having a great time, Susan and Geronimo came to the show and enjoyed every minute of it.  This grand gelding and Susan enjoy every class they enter.

 

Maria made her debut on Belles a Poppin at Futurity, and turned in beautiful rides with this game mare. This new team was consistent, and even rode to a reserve championship in their final class!

 

 

Amanda and Emma represented Knollwood in the equitation divisions, and did us proud.  Emma and Fergie won their UPHA Challenge Cup qualifier and were reserve in the Good Hands class while Amanda and Pixie were reserve in the equitation championship on Sunday.

 

Our weanling Robin, now officially known as Day Dream Dancer, showed for the first time in the Limited Breeder’s Stake, and finished 6^th in a strong field of 17.  She made her debut with Sue and Carol, and the ‘girl power team’ looked great in a ring full of very pretty weanlings.

 

The Academy division was a big one at Futurity, and Team Knollwood came ready to compete. With 16 riders and 10 horses, we were in the thick of the competition.

Our star-studded support team makes it possible for so many of our stars to compete at a show like this.Our equitation rockstars that weren't showing at Futurity got up really early to mentor our academy competitors.  Did you know that our dream team of Haley, Hanna and Heather has won a total of 10 national or reserve titles? These three grew up as Knollwood Kids and like to give back to the up and comers. They prep horses, warm up horses, and support the riders with their knowledge and experiences. We couldn’t do it without them, and we appreciate all their help.

Sue and Laura were also in the aisle at 6:30 to put 16 buns in to make sure riders looked fabulous. After walking the wonderful patterns created by Judge Cates, Team Knollwood was ready to compete.

This final big ‘A’ academy show of the season gives us all a chance to reflect on the progress of our riders. We can safely say that each competitor has made terrific progress since the spring shows. Riders are showing horses who are a little more creative in the ring, or who are stronger in show situations. Several riders were showing at their first BIG show in front of a three judge panel, and absolutely looked like they belonged there.

The championship workouts to determine the state champions were challenging, and were appropriate for the strong academy riders competing for the titles. Call judge Cates asked all competitors to perform the additional work so they could have the experience of working individually in the beautiful, big coliseum. And the work? It was impressive!

We are so proud of our riders and the progress they’ve made over the past season. Our standouts of the day?

Emma was showing at her first big show, and was showing the one and only Baxter for the first time. This team was impressive and gained confidence with each ride. What a way Emma has come from the early spring shows! We couldn’t be happier, and it looks like neither could Baxter!

Mia and Murphy have learned so much from each other since their debut in the same arena at the ASAW Summerfun. These 2 have become a team, and they looked like they’ve known been doing this forever. Mia was named the state champion in 10 and Under Walk Trot Equitation for the second year in a row.

 

Zada and Panic were a sight to behold in their championship, and got better as the class progressed. And their workout, which was a variation of this year’s senior Louisville workout? They nailed it to be named state champions of Walk, Trot, and Canter Equitation. Erika and Alex were reserve in their debut together, and Syd was third on Eddie.

We’re so proud of our 16 competitors, and of the lessons we learned at Futurity.  With two more academy shows this season, we’re ready to finish strong and to keep having fun.

 

What’s next?

The show horses left Monday morning for St Louis where they’re competing at one of our favorite shows. Ainsley, Heather, and Haley are competing for 2 Pleasure Equitation Finals, and our show horses are competing against some of the best in the country. You can watch all the events live at www.SeeHorsevideo.com.

The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads at 1:00 on Saturday and will hold a club meeting at 2:30 in the lounge.

 

The Knollwood Fall show in coming up fast on November 10 and 11^th. This show features the Helper Basket Challenge, and the donation sheets are going up on Thursday. Help support your favorite helpers with a donation to their cause. The winning helper team will earn a pizza party from the Knockouts!

 

 

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

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

 

 

Team Knollwood lost a valuable faculty member when Amos was laid to rest today.

Officially known as Famous Asset, Amos made his mark on many Knollwood riders. Known for his small stride and speedy legs, he was affectionately called ‘Happy Feet’ by many who learned from the Amos experience.

Never one to walk straight down a rail when he could get crooked, he enjoyed challenging riders of all levels. He taught many a rider to remain calm, especially on patterns, and to let his body catch up with his always active brain.

In his later years, Amos became a valuable walk trot and canter horse for our 10 and under riders, and enjoyed his senior role.

Our riders are better after learning from the challenges he offered them and the confidence he instilled in them.

Peace, Amos.

We’re all enjoying fall horse show season, so it’s a good time to save some dates for upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!

 

First of all, time is running out to order your classic Knollwood jacket. These beauties are the perfect weight for spring and fall shows, and they’re personalized with your name for only $110.  You can try on size samples and place your orders in the school barn. The last day to order is Saturday, September 22!

This weekend, let’s all meet up at Wisconsin State Fair Park for the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival. It’s a well attended horse show at a beautiful facility that features some of the best horses in the Midwest. In addition to beautiful show horses and accomplished equitation riders, the show showcases young horses with the Limited Breeders Stake on Sunday morning.

Stop by at 9:30 on Sunday morning to see a ring full of weanlings being shown for the first time. It’s a sight you won’t forget, and Knollwood’s own Robyn will be there for the festivities.

 

The show also features a full schedule of academy classes on at 9 on Saturday morning.  Championship winners at Futurity are state champions for the year, and Knollwood will be there with many talented riders. With 8 riders in the walk, trot and canter division and 8 riders in the walk and trot classes, we’ll be in the thick of some deep classes.  Please come to cheer us on, and join us back at the aisle after the performance. And be sure to grab a root beer float at the post performance party!

 

Show horses hit the road again on Monday and head to Missouri for the St Louis National Charity Horse Show, the second stop for equitation finals, 2018 edition. After great success at Indy, our pleasure equitation riders will compete in 2 finals in St Louis, the ASHA National Championship of Pleasure Equitation and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals. The show runs September 26-29.

The show also features the National Finals for Western and Hunt Seat horses in addition to a complete slate of show horse classes for all divisions. It’s a marvelous event, and you can watch all the action live and free on Seehorsevideo.com.

 

Meanwhile, back at the home office, the Knockouts will be performing one of their favorite service projects, their semi annual street clean up on Saturday, September  29. Join us at 1:00 to tidy up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads, and stay for the Knockout meeting at 2:30.  We’ll be working on the fall show, planning fall activities for the club, and planning our costume entry for the fall IASPHA show.

 

The following weekend,  the academy team and ‘B’ horses are off the Woodstock, Illinois for the UPHA Chapter 10 show.  We love visiting Beyond Stable Farm any time, and are looking forward to fall horse show weather!

Equitation final season continues at the Mane Event Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois on October 18-21. The best equitation riders in the country will gather at the Illinois State Farigrounds for the first of the ‘Big Three’ finals, the Good Hands.

Of course, Mane Event is also quite a horse show for all divisions, so look for some deep competition at this classic venue.

 

The tradition of Halloween on Horseback is coming to Hartland on Saturday, October 20. Costume creation can begin at 4:30 with judging in the arena at 6:00, followed by games on horseback and a potluck in the lounge.  We’ll start signing up on October 1, so start planning your costumes now…

 

We’ll head to Gurnee for the last out of barn academy show of the season on October 26-28. Held at one of our favorite venues, the IASPHA show features a costume class and a fabulous Halloween party on Saturday night.

We’re bringing many, many academy riders including two maiden riders, and we can hardly wait!

 

The show horses are off to Kansas City for the UPHA National Championship American Royal Show which runs November 5-10. The final show of 2018 features the last 2 equitation finals which make up the last ‘jewels of the triple crown’ as well as National Championships in many divisions. Team Knollwood will be competing against the best at this one, and it should be a great show.

 

While our equitation riders are competing at the USEF Medal Final in KC, we’ll he holding the final Knollwood academy show at the home office. Save the weekend of November 10-11 to see some wonderful competition from our up and coming show stars. The walk, trot, and canter riders show on Saturday, and the walk and trotters hit the ring on Sunday at noon.

The show closes each day with the Finals of the Knollwood Challenge. Riders have been qualifying at our spring and summer shows, and some more lucky riders will have the chance to make the final at the fall event. Winners of the challenge final receive a custom show shirt from our friends at deRegnaucourt as well as a beautiful traveling bronze trophy with their name engraved.

We’re excited to have all events judged by one of our ‘home grown’ Triple Crown winners. Sarah Thordsen Agrawal won all three Big 3 finals in 2001 and is currently a cardiologist in Milwaukee. We’re thrilled she cleared off her crazy schedule to join us for the weekend.

 

 

We hope you can join us for all the activities and shows we have planned for the fall.

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

 

Back to school season is upon us, and Team Knollwood is proud to present our five riders who have started their college careers this fall.  All five of these ladies have grown up at Knollwood, and while we’re missing them already, we know they’re going to shine in their new challenges, just like they did growing up with us. And we’re looking forward to seeing them in the middle of the arena over the Thanksgiving break!

 

Abbie, also known as ‘Bubbles’ started riding  at Knollwood when she received a gift certificate from her aunt and uncle for Tiny Tot lessons. Little did her parents know that’s how it starts!

Abbie has risen through our academy program after showing Willy in her first Knollwood show.  She grew into one of our ‘go to’ helpers, and has served as a camp counselor for the last three years.

Her mom Cathy says,’ The Knollwood lesson horses have taught Abbie every life lesson she needs to succeed. These amazing horses taught Abbie that you can never be too loud of forceful and to always ask for more. They have taught her to not let anyone push you into a corner, even if it is a humor-filled Norwegian. (Yes, Forest, that means you!) The horses at Knollwood have taught Abbie how amazing it is to run (from her first cantering lesson on Trigger to her first WTC show on Hooper), and running is the way to approach life.’

 

Abbie graduated from Divine Savior-Holy Angels in May, and is attending the University of Louisville where she’s studying Industrial Engineering. She’d love to work for Disney after graduation because it’s her second love after horses, of course.

Abbie is lucky to continue riding while she’s in college! Louisville has a saddle seat college team, and she’s already riding with them.

 

 

Emma started riding at Knollwood when she was eight.  She readily admits that she was obsessed with horses, and begged her mom for lessons. Of course, mom Becki thought it was a phase, but Emma is still riding and loving every minute of it, 10 years later.

Emma grew up with us, and enjoyed quite a distinguished academy show career for many years. Emma won championships at every major show, often riding our newer lesson horses to further their educations.

For her last season of junior exhibitor eligibility, she has moved up to the show horse world, and is showing Fergie, officially known as Impressive Asset, in the pleasure equitation division.  In just a year, Emma and Fergie are at home at the prestigious national equitation finals. At the All American Horse Classic, Emma made it to the Top 10 of the Senior Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and won the Sportsmanship Award in the UPHA Senior Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final as voted by her fellow competitors.

Emma has been in integral part of our lesson program, too.  She’s been an important helper always known for her patience and kindness with the most timid riders. She’s served as a camp counselor, held several Knockout offices, and most recently taught Tiny Tot lessons.

Emma’s favorite Knollwood memories? ‘I always looked forward to pattern camp the most. That’s where I met so many of my best friends, and I learned so much! Plus, it meant that you got to go to the barn every day AND ride! I’d also have to say that I enjoyed all the fun times Forest and I have shared over the years!’

Emma’s mom Becki says, ‘Knollwood has helped learn life lessons.  Many new friends were made, and social skills developed. Teaching lessons has enabled Emma to develop dedication to work, and to share her talents and skills with younger riders.’

Emma graduated from Oconomowoc High School in May, and is attending Edgewood College in Madison. She’s studying business and plans on attending flight school after college and becoming a commercial pilot.

You’ll still see Emma at the barn on weekends while she’s competing through the fall equitation finals!

 

 

 

 

Maria started riding at Knollwood when she was 7, and never left.  Her mom Wendy had a friend who lives on Horseshoe Bend, and said how amazing Knollwood is.  Maria took her first lesson and was hooked.

 

Maria says pattern camp was one of her favorite barn activities because she got to spend the whole day at the barn and make friends with other riders.

Maria enjoyed a long stint as one of the 'World Famous Saturday Helpers,' often prepping horses for 50 lessons on busy days. She's also held several Knockout offices. photographed events for us, and has helped with countless birthday parties and girl scout troops! 

Wendy says, ‘Riding has helped Maria be organized and manage her time so she could do homework and ride. She learned that hard work is a good thing and that getting your hands dirty was OK, too. She understands the value of having the chances to ride so many beautiful horses and never take anything for granted’

Wendy adds, ‘Riding is such a special thing to share with your child. Knollwood takes the whole person and takes them to a place where, as a parent, we could never get them by ourselves. Don’t take your time at the barn with your child for granted. The years go by so very fast!’

Maria graduated in May from Wauwatosa East High School and is studying at Edgewood College in Madison. While she’s undecided on a major, Maria is very interested in business. She plans to continue riding at Knollwood while she figures it all out!

 

 

 

 

 

Parker started riding at Knollwood at the tender age of 3 and started her show career early as well, riding Wedgie the Fresian in leadline with her brother and fellow rider Keegan as her personal assistant.

Parker’s mom Jeni says, ‘It was her destiny. I rode at Knollwood, and so did Parker’s brother. Also, Is there anywhere else to ride?’

Parker grew up a Knollwood, and is practically an institution as a Wednesday night helper. She enjoyed a very successful academy show career, and was fortunate to lease some nice show horses the last 2 years as a Junior Exhibitor.

Parker’s favorite memories of being a Knollwood Kid include pattern camps, Oshkosh show cookouts, and of course, riding.

 

Jeni says she could go on for days about all the things riding have taught Parker, but here are a few:

‘’Horses teach you to live in the moment and have thoughtful and appropriate reactions to what is happening NOW…not what happened in the past or what could possibly happen in the future. This leads to greater self-awareness and accountability.’

‘Showing has taught her grace. Grace when she received a blue ribbon and grace when she did not get a ribbon.’

Parker says, ‘Knollwood has meant everything to me. It is a second home and has taught me so many invaluable skills as well as given me unforgettable memories. Whether I was cleaning stalls, riding or even just doing chores with my pals, I loved every minute of it.’

Jeni adds, ‘The Knollwood community has offered support and kindness without being asked. Sometimes life takes a left turn when we had aimed for a right turn and having a group of friends and other ‘moms’ to connect with has been comforting to Parker. Working at Knollwood as a helper was Parker’s first job. She learned how to interact with adults and how to delegate tasks to others. And sometimes she learned things the hard way, and that’s OK.’

‘Parker had literally spent her entire life as part of Team Knollwood and neither one of us regret a single second we’ve spent at the farm.’

Parker recently graduated from Waukesha North High School, and is currently attending WCTC while still working at Knollwood when her schedule allows. She’s majoring in human resources with a minor in communications.  She hopes to become a counselor or advisor for students or children.  She’d also like to have a home for rescued animals, especially horses, and start a family of her own.

Parker’s final words of wisdom? ‘Never stop pushing! Ride without stirrups, take the pass off the rail, run with the beginner, learn how to do leg wraps, help with camp, and savor every second because it goes by way too fast! You’ll get there!’

 

 

Payton is a legacy, the third generation of her family to be a member of team Knollwood. She started riding when she was 4 and rode for a couple of years. After taking a break, she returned to riding at age 13, and says she has loved every minute since.

Payton jumped right back into riding, and showed academy for a year or so before she broke into the show horse world where she’s been a fixture ever since.

Payton is a competitive rider, and says that one of her biggest challenges was mental. She says,’ I think that learning how to lose gracefully was one of the most challenging skills for me. As anyone who has ever met me knows, I love to win. Winning is fun! For this reason, it was easy to becomes discouraged when, even after a practically flawless ride, I exited the ring without a ribbon. There is a certain degree of subjectivity regarding ribbons and judging when it comes to riding, and sometimes this can be frustrating. However, I learned that it truly is the ride and not the ribbon. While external gratification is most definitely an added bonus, internal satisfaction is more important.’

Payton’s favorite memories include summer camp and bonding with horses and people. She says, ‘Believe it or not, I used to be a pretty shy kid, and riding at Knollwood has allowed me to open up and be myself. The first summer pattern camp I did at Knollwood was undoubtedly one of the best weeks of my life. I bonded with the other girls at camp in a way that I had never really felt confident enough to do before, and I got to spend hours and hours with the one and only Hugo prepping for the Summerfun Horse Show!’

Another favorite? Riding in a pairs class with her grandma at the Knollwood show! ‘One time we dressed up as clowns, and another as peas and carrots! Unfortunately, the judge of the show didn’t really get the message on that one, and thought my grandma was an orange gourd…’

Knollwood has been ‘life changing’ for Payton. She adds, ‘Riding has taught me so much about myself and who I want to become. During hard times in my life, my Knollwood family has always been there, and riding has been a source of motivation for me to do the right thing for my own well being. It has not always been easy, but if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.’ 

 

Payton graduated in May from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and is now studying nursing at the University of Michigan.  She is currently interested in specializing in pediatric nursing, and she’s hoping to return to school to earn her Masters so she can be a nurse practitioner.

No matter what  she decides to do after graduation, it’s a pretty safe bet that she’ll be riding in her spare time!

Final words of wisdom?  Payton says,’ Tough love is a part of life. No one who ever did anything worthwhile did it without first failing, and riding is no exception. ‘

Susan adds, ‘Our family has been riding at Knollwood for 25 years. No reason to go anywhere else, They’re the best. Keep riding – it’s a life long sport!’

 

We wish our latest class of college girls the best, and we can't wait to hear all about your adventures when you get home for break!!