Our academy team stayed warm and dry at the UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show in Woodstock, Illinois last weekend. Held at beautiful Beyond Stable Farm, the show is relaxed and social in the new, peaceful facility. Team Knollwood rode strongly and learned many things.

The star of the weekend was Cashew, officially known as Captain Kaos. Thanks to lots of hard work by Scott and Carol, he has become an academy star, and is enjoying his new role. He and Maddie won several classes in the walk, trot, and canter division before Juliet showed him in the Sunday walk and  trot classes. Team Cashew even won the 10 Walk and Trot Horsemanship Championship!

 

 The big news coming up is the Knollwood Fall Academy Show on November 10 and 11. The last show of the season gives us all a chance to appreciate the progress all our riders have made throughout the year. It’s going to be a big show with lots of opportunities to help the Knockouts, so we’ve put together a checklist so you don’t miss any of the chances provided at the show.

 

Not sure how to make a perfect horse show bun that will stay in, and look great under a helmet? Let our bun experts help you out for only $5. Appointment signup sheets are available in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Whether it’s your first show or your 50^th, our practice rides offer great instructions on the ways of the show ring. We highly recommend them for first time show riders and anyone else who would like a refresher. We’re offering these classes on Friday, November 9 at 5:30 or 6:30. They’re a bargain at $35, and you can sign up with your instructor.

 

 

Want to congratulate the rider in your family for their beautiful rides? The Knockouts are selling bouquets from our friends at Bank of Flowers for only $12 during our presale.  Purchase them now with order blanks in the school barn to guarantee availability. We may have some available at the show for $15.  Proceeds benefit the Knollwood Knockouts.

 

Does your rider have a favorite song that they enjoy and that motivates them? Our benefit for Saddlebred Rescue lets you purchase a song for only $5 to be played during the class of your choice. Act fast to get the class(es) you want! DJ Maria will be playing songs all weekend! You can purchase your songs with cash, or checks made out to Saddlebred Rescue.

 

The concession stand will be rocking all weekend, and is looking for Knockout members who would like to volunteer for a shift or 2.  You can meet fun people, watch the show before or after your shift, and fulfill your club service requirement. This is the last event of the year for service hours, so be sure to get yours in so you can be eligible for high point awards at the banquet on February 9. You can sign up here.

 

The best helpers in the world are competing at this show to see which night can create the best gift basket, and they need your help. Please check out the sign up sheets in the school barn lounge, and donate some items to the basket(s) of your choice.  The helper team that wins will receive a pizza party courtesy of the Knockouts, so please show your helpers how much you appreciate their efforts.

 

Most of all, we want you to have fun. The best lesson horses in the world will be showing their skills, and you’ll be able to enjoy watching riders from our record setting lead line class all the way to our most experienced riders showing in the finals of the 2018 Knollwood Challenge. The horses are amazing, the riders are amazing, and we love what we do.

 

Sit back and enjoy the show!

 

 

 

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!