Knollwood Farm’s lesson program concluded their 2009 show season with their in barn academy show on November 14 and 15. Eighty riders of all levels competed under the watchful eye of Dennis Verschelden in events ranging from Leadline to advanced pattern classes. Mat Bastian was on hand to photograph the action.
Saturday was for the more experienced riders competing in the walk trot and canter division. Pleasure classes were followed by some hotly contested equitation contests, with the top ribbon winners advancing to championships to be held later in the day.
In addition to the more serious pleasure and equitation divisions, riders had a chance to lighten up and compete in bareback and pairs classes. The pairs classes have evolved into a costume parade as and are a highlight of the afternoon for audience and judge alike! Following the pairs competition, the riders changed back to a more serious side and competed in some tricky pattern classes.
The equitation championships finished the day with Skylar Briant winning the advanced championship, Ramsey Skrepenski beating 4 other adult equitaters to win the adult championship, and 10 year old Sydney Budzinski besting eight competitors to come out on top of the 17 and under championship.
The Sunday performance showcased the newer riders who competed in walk and trot classes. Pleasure classes were followed by equitation, pattern, and Leadline classes with some really stiff competition throughout the day.
The newer riders and their audience got a chance to watch some demonstrations of the American Saddlebred in action. Demos included a 5 gaited pleasure horse presented by Kara Waitek, a country pleasure horse ridden by Angela Darrow, and finally, Emily Mayer presented correct form and attire for the pleasure equitation division.
After some deep qualifiers, Deirdre Garcia was the adult champion, and Rachel Kreiter was the champion in the 11-17 age group. Lizzy Janikowski topped the 8 – 10 year old group, and Ainsley Budzinski was the 7 and under champion.
In addition to the horse show, the Knollwood Knockouts ran a busy concession stand for both days, and ran their first ever bake off. 9 contestants submitted cakes for tasting, and show spectators and riders bought tasting plates for charity. Half of the money raised went to the winner, and half to the charity of the winners choosing. Melissa Maupin won the contest with her extra delicious chocolate frosting, and chose to donate the proceeds to the Waukesha County Humane Society.
Congratulations to all the competitors, and thanks to the small army of dedicated parents who make this large event enjoyable for so many.
The next show will be March 13 and 14, 2010!