Hazel Belle may have crossed the rainbow bridge, but she lived every day to its fullest.

Here are some life lessons she shared during the time we were fortunate enough to be in her world.

 

 

Make Friends That Are Different Than You

Your friends don’t have to look like you, act like you, or even be anything like you. I spent hours with cats, horses, and people. And  yet, many of them understood me better than other dogs.

 

 

 

You Don’t Have to be Loud

Sometimes, the most interesting creatures don’t make a lot of noise.  I found that when I DID make noise, everyone came running. Sure, it usually involved a sandhill crane in the pasture, but everyone knew SOMETHING was up.

 

 

Help Whoever You Can, Whenever You Can

While I never got my PHD in psychology, I could see when someone was having a tough day. The best thing to do was to sit with them in the lounge. Sometimes, I got to lean into them and share ‘Hazelness’ with them up close.

I also guided patterns in the arena by not being in the way, and kept people warm for hours by sitting in their laps.

Whatever you can do to help, just do it.

 

 

Embrace the Outdoors

People like to complain about the weather in Wisconsin, but there’s always something to enjoy. One of my favorite people, Tracy, told me, ‘There’s no bad weather, just poor clothing choices.’

Disclaimer: I've been to her house for play dates and pool parties. Her dog Rosie is a good friend.

So, my mom always dressed me for the elements so I could enjoy snow, wind or rain. I was even allowed to be naked and sleep on the toasty pavement in the summer.

You can’t change the weather, and there’s always something to enjoy.

 

 

Get Your Rest

I noticed that you horse people have to work. A lot.

Be sure to get your naps in. You’ll feel a lot better for it.

 

Be Happy and Entertaining

My mom Carol taught me tricks so I could be the life of the party in center ring. I earned a lot of mints, and had a lot of opportunities to have my butt scratched. (My wardrobe sometimes got itchy.)

I developed strong tail muscles from wagging, and I hope you all develop your smiling muscles.

 

Cheer For Everyone

I’ve been to a lot of horse shows, and I love them.

At horse shows, and everyday, remember to cheer for everyone. It’s tough out there, especially if you don’t have a boxer dog to make you smile all the time.

 

 

 

Spend time With Kids

Kids are my favorite.

Best days  ever? Summer camp days!

I couldn't get out of the house fast enough to greet the campers.

They're honest, they're fun, and everything is new to them. Enjoy their laughing, games, and love of life everyday.

And, they let me take naps with them.

 

 

Be grateful.

Appreciate your people.

Team Knollwood is full of friends who gave me years of happiness. Scott and Carol are the best, and Scott’s lap is the perfect place to spend an evening. Walks with Carol and Izzy are perfection.

Be grateful for the outdoors, your friends, the horses and pets in your life. Most of all, be grateful for the memories you have that will always make you smile and remember.

 

Memories are Forever.

 

 

 

Coming Up?

 

Knollwood Show Updates

• Gift basket donations are due Wednesday, October 15
• Show bags are available for pick up in the school barn lounge.
• We're still looking for help at the concession stand. Please help here.

Mane Event Horse Show: October 15-18

• The show horses are headed to the Illinois State Fairgrounds
• The show features the first of the 'Big Three' equitation finals, the Good Hands.
• We'll update webcast info shortly.

IASPHA Show:  October 25-26

• 19 Academy riders are making the trip
• We're traveling to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, IL
• It's our last academy show of the season. Please join us!

Halloween On Horseback:  Friday, October 31

• It's a sell out, and everyone is invited to watch
• Please feel free to wear a costume to watch the fun
• Costume creation can begin at 5:00 PM, Lessons will continue until 6:00 PM

Academy Parent Meeting: Saturday, November 8

• Parents are invited to join our informational meeting at 5:00 PM
• You'll learn why we love academy showing so much, and what it has to offer the rider in your home.
• Please sign up in the school barn lounge, so we know how many folders to prepare.

UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show  November 10-15

• The show horses will be competing for National Championships and in the UPHA and USEF Equitation Finals.
• We'll update with webcasting info when it's available.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Officer Election: December 13

• All Knockouts and their families are invited to join our annual party, and election of club officers for 2026.
• Not yet a member? We'd love to have you. Please talk to your instructor or admin to join the adventures.

Knockout Award Banquet:  January 31, 2026

• Knockout members and families, please save the date!
• We'll gather at the Legend at Merrill Hills to celebrate 2025 and take a peek into 2026.
• All Knockout members will receive invitations after the holidays.
• You really don't want to miss this!

 

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

 

Team Knollwood lost part of its soul on Saturday when Carol and Scott had to let Hazel go.

Hazel was a therapist for anyone having a rough day. How many of you enjoyed Hazel leaning into you when she knew you needed her?

Hazel loved all the Knollwood Kids. Scott and Carol’s house couldn’t contain her during camp, as she HAD to be in the barn when the campers arrived. Hazel’s summer days were spent with the camp kids. When they laid in the sun for naps, so did Hazel.

Hazel knew patterns in the arena. She kept of the way as she counted serpentine loops and circles. When riders were working on crazy patterns, we created safe places for her highness to enjoy the sun.

Hazel raised Izzy to be a good Matton. With patience and the occasional reprimand, Hazel helped Izzy grow from a crazy puppy into a proper horse show dog. Of course, Izzy loves everyone, as Hazel taught her.

 

Most of all, Hazel loved Carol and Scott. The look in her eyes when it was time to go back to the house with them as all you needed to see.

For a dog found running the roads of rural Arkansas and sent to a Boxer rescue, Hazel lived a heavenly dog life with Scott and Carol. She had the freedom of life on a farm, parents who adored her, horse show dog friends around the country, dog friends at home, and a tribe of people who adored her every day. And kids. Millions of kids.

 

We wish her peace, sunny naps, and play with her friends who went over the bridge before her.

 

There will never be another Hazel Belle Boxer Matton, but we’re all better people for having been in her world for a while.

The St Louis Charity National Horse Show is always a favorite stop on the show schedule, and this year's show did not disappoint

Knollwood Kids of all ages rode like rockstars, and brought wonderful memories home as well as some serious accomplishments.

Leighton and Teddy are a force.

Leighton and Teddy completed their first year of junior pleasure equitation finals with a bang. Leighton enjoyed learning all about the walk trot and canter show world this year and was Reserve National Champions in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final, won the silver medal in the Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and earned the reserve national title in the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion final at St Louis.

Congratulations to this personality plus team on their exciting year.

 

Avery and Maddie were walk trot royalty.

Knollwood’s walk and trot equitation riders are both in their first year of competition in the show horse world, and they’re having a grand time learning the ropes and making friends.

Both of these Knollwood Kids are dedicated horse girls, and work very hard in their lessons. Their efforts were rewarded in St Louis with some high ribbons and great fun.

 

 

Senior Pleasure Equitation Riders? Super Strong.

Maiya, Natalie, and Sophie represented us well.

In her final year as a junior exhibitor, Natalie won the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association National Championship of Pleasure Equitation. Teammate Maiya was reserve on Riddle, and, in her first year of competition in the show horse world, Sophie and Gamora finished a strong 5^th.

The Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final is always a deep competition at St Louis.

After railwork and patterns, the skills of the riders was evident.

Maiya and Riddle turned in consistent, dynamic performances to win the event. Natalie finished in fourth, and Sophie was 9^th.

Shaye was reunited with her partner Lady, and performed a great pattern in the Medal qualifier to finish second.

 

College man Richie came to compete in trimmed equitation, and barnmate Brooklyn joined him at the show.

These two riders show beautiful, talented horses with lots of energy. Richie and Brooklyn rode them beautifully in some wonderful competition.

Richie finished up by winning the equitation championship, while Brooklyn and Gigi finished 3^rd.

Addison and Robert continued their first season together with impressive rides in the show pleasure division, while Tancy and Mickey were stars in the Veteran Pleasure division.

Handsome, Arthur, and Jaydee continued their winning ways for the Schuhs and Nicole.

Next up for the show horses?  They’re off to the Mane Event Show in Springfield October 15-18.

What’s Coming Up?

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show

Beyond Stable Farm

October 4-5

We’re off to Woodstock with 19 riders  this weekend, and we can’t wait.

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, and we’re showing in the big outdoor arena.

Come on down and cheer us on!

 

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 17-19

It’s time for the grand finale of the in-barn show season.

This fall show is a big one, and we’re looking forward to showcasing all of our riders and the best lesson horses in the world.

Please consider donating your time and talent to support the show. You can sign up here.

We’re thrilled to announce that Versiti is sponsoring our concession stand at the fall show. They have a fun contest planned for Knollwood parents who sign up for blood donation. Here’s your chance to help the community and earn prizes.

 

Show bags will be ready for pick up early this week.

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 15-18

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals is up for grabs at Mane Event.

Equitation riders from all over the country will be in Springfield to compete in the Good Hands final, the oldest of the three that make up the Triple Crown of Equitation.

The show also features highly competitive performance horse classes, all held in the beautiful coliseum.

We’ll update with streaming info as soon as we can.

 

IASPHA Fall Horse Show

October 25-26

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, Illinois

The academy team is off to their last show of the 2025 campaign. Our 19 riders will be competing in the cozy indoor arena, and many of our first year show riders are finishing off their season at the show.

If you’re thinking of joining our academy team next season, this would be a perfect show to attend. We’ll have both experienced academy stars, and riders who are showing for only the second time.

Come down and see why we love academy showing so much.

 

Halloween on Horseback

October 31 at 6:30

It’s a sell out!

Everyone is welcome to watch the costume judging and horse games in the arena at 6:30.

Participants are welcome to start costume creation at 5:30 while we finish lessons.

You won’t want to miss the fun. Please wear a costume if you’re coming to watch.

 

Academy Parent Meeting

November 8 at 5:00

We can’t say enough good things about academy showing.

Thinking about joining our academy show team in 2026?

Please join us in the show barn lounge at 5:00 on Saturday, November 8.

We’ll talk about why we love academy showing. Parents will learn about lesson commitment, clothing requirements, the different types of academy shows, our tentative show schedule, and all the upgrades available to academy riders. These include advanced camps and rescheduling of missed lessons. We’ll also talk about the financial picture, so this is an adult-only meeting.

We’ll have a kid friendly meeting with horse demos later.

 

 

 

Save the Dates!

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

December 13 at 6:00

All Knockouts are invited to join the holiday celebration and election of Knockout officers for 2026.

Not yet a member? We’d love to have you!

Your admin or your instructor can help you join the fun.

 

Knockout Awards Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

You don’t want to miss this!

We’ll celebrate all things Knollwood, and enjoy social time, dinner, awards, speeches, a slide show, and dancing.

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the ingate.

You’ll often hear our instructors talking about the unique personalities of different lesson horses, and that your child is learning valuable lessons for life. Your rider will indeed meet people just like the lesson horses that are teaching them not only how to ride, but how to deal with their different outlooks. Read on to hear about some of our favorite characters…

 

Hugo

Your Lazy Co-Worker

You know the guy. He nods off at his desk, misses calls, and always talks about how busy and tired he is.

Behold Hugo. Born at Knollwood, and born to be a lesson horse.

He’s perfect. He reminds each and every rider that he’d rather have been born a slug.

Yet, he’s safe as can be, has a beginner trot to die for, and quite frankly, even RIchimond the yellow cat could sit his trot.

His valuable lessons include:

·         Never give up. If you follow through long enough and firm enough, you’ll get whatever you’re asking for.

·         Lazy can be overcome with hard work.

·         Lazy isn’t about everything. If you’ve ever played games on Hugo, you know that there’s speed in there. You just have to work to get it.

·         Lazy frequently equals smart. Hugo is a pattern master if you refuse to give in.   Did you ever think how hard it must be to move that slowly?

Bilbo

The “There Must be an Easier Way to Do This’ guy

You know this one. He argues about how to do everything as he complains about being overworked and underpaid.

Don’t get us wrong, we all love Bilbo, and he provides countless hours of entertainment to all the instructors.

Bilbo dreams of cutting lessons short when he stops at the chute gate and stares longingly up the chute.

He makes a lot of eye contact with the instructor running his lesson, especially if it’s Molly. He keeps close eyes on Molly so he can poop at the farthest corner to make her travel to clean up after him.

Always looking and trying to find a moment to rest, slow up, or make that circle a little smaller.

His important lessons:

·         Keep your reins short. You never know when his head may come up and re-shape your circle.

·         Watch his adorable fuzzy ears. Their attached to his very active brain.

·         If you’re riding with Molly, there WILL be poop breaks.

 

 

Fred

The Secretly Competitive Co-Worker

To look at him, you’d think that Fred was just another slightly overweight middle aged man. He does his day in,  day out job fantastically well. He’s taught countless Knollwood Kids how to walk and trot, taught them circles and serpentines, and emergency dismounts.

You’ll get a glmpse of secret Fred when Honey Bee is in the arena. He speeds up and tries to keep up with the Hackney. She, of course, completely ignores him.

Truly competitive Fred comes out when its time for games on horseback. He thinks relay games are enjoyable, but he can’t contain himself when it’s time for ‘Steal the Crop,’ or the latest variation, “Steal the Carrot.’

This walk trot superstar just can’t hold it in, and frequently canters. The experienced riders who have experienced this have all said, ‘It’s really not that bad.’

Whup, Fred.

The lessons of Fred:

·         Like people, horses often have hidden competitive streaks

·         Be ready for anything

·         Even the steadiest of horses and people like to have fun on the job

Pony Frank

 

The Guy Who Watches Everyone Work

You know the guy.

He watches everyone work, and has an opinion on everyone. Oh, and he has to stop working to watch.

Our legendary pony is a master watcher.

Pony Frank can be trusted with the smallest of riders, and is a small box of perfection. If he sees something interesting, he’ll stop and watch. He doesn’t stop fast, or start up again quickly, he just watches.

He especially likes to watch Scott’s ‘discussions’ with show horses who don’t always agree with Mr Matton’s plans for the moment. Of course, he silently passes judgement.

Pony Frank’s life lessons:

·         Communication is key. If you keep the pony brain occupied, he’s much less likely to stop and enjoy the view.

·         Life isn’t a spectator sport.

Earl

The Guy Who Hates Change

Everyone loves Earl. Especially instructor Court.

However, he is your future co-worker who dislikes change, and rages against it.

When he first came, Earl lived in the stall currently occupied by Mulligan. He has never forgotten this fact.

A few months later, we needed  a red box stall for a show horse, so Mulligan moved to Earl’s box stall.

Fast forward a year or so, and Earl still has days when he trots into Mullligan’s current stall.

Earl’s unique lessons:

·         Embrace change. You’ll meet new people or horses. Earl is now good friends with next door neighbor Sherman.

·         You’ll learn things!

Murphy

The dramatic one.

You’ve all met this fella.

If something happens, they ignore the facts and start telling their version of events and make it bigger each time they tell the story. Murphy would be on social media all the time.

In lessons, he teaches riders to chill out and reassure the runaway brain that, in fact, the screen door is not a killer. Neither is the show barn.

Did you ever wonder why he’s better outside? There’s too much going on out there to obsess on any one thing.

Murphy’s lessons:

·         Drama begets drama. If you answer drama with short, sharp responses, the instability escalates. When you answer it with cool, calm, slow firmness, you become the drama antidote and it disappears.

·         Most dramatic creatures aren’t the most intelligent, so be slow and give them a chance to process the message.

When you give your child the opportunity to spend time with horses, you give them so much more than physically technical riding lessons. Knollwood Kids learn communication, problem solving, empathy, respect, and the lesson of never giving up.  These are just a few of the life lessons imparted by our unbelievable string of lesson horses and our talented instructors who translate and teach the knowledge.

What’s Coming Up?

Bring a Friend Day

5:00

This Saturday

It’s a sell out.

Participants, please be sure to have a signed, completed release form for your friend. No rider can get on a horse without a release form signed by a parent.

St Louis Charity Horse Show

September 24-27

National Equestrian Center

The show horses are heading to St Louis for a favorite show. In addition to being a hospitality plus show, it features 2 pleasure equitation finals, the ASHBA National Championship for riders 17 and under, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals. The medallion features a 13 and under division in addition to the final for riders aged 14-17.

We’ll update webcast info shortly.

 

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Fall Show

October 4-5

Beyond Stable Farm

20 Academy stars are heading to Woodstock for the Octoberfest themed horse show. We’re showing in the big covered outdoor arena, and we’d love a fan club!

 

Mid America Mane Event

October 15-18

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The show team is heading back to a favorite arena for the Mane Event show. Home to the first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals, the show attracts riders from all over the country.

We’ll update webcast info when it’s available.

Knollwood Fall Show

October 17-19

Can you believe it’s time for our final celebration of the in-barn season?

We’re planning on showing outside Saturday and Sunday after  an indoor pattern night on Friday.

It takes many hands to put on event of this magnitude, and you can support in many ways.

Gift basket donation lists are up in the school barn lounge. Please check out and donate the next time you’re at the farm.

Sign up genius is up for the concession stand and associated activities. We are always looking for hands-on help here. Please???

You can sign up here.

 

Horses' Day Off

Monday, October 20

We will not be holding lessons, and lessons will be credited to your account.

 

IASPHA Fall Show

October 25-26

Beyond Stable Farm

Our final academy season of 2025!

Please come and cheer us on as we complete a successful academy season. We’ll be showing in the indoor arena.

 

Throughout December

Enrollment meetings

Academy show riders will meet with their instructors to plan 2026, and instructors will touch base with all families to confirm plans and new policies for 2026, too.

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate.

Team Knollwood just returned from the Monarch Show Series National Championship in Springfield, Illinois. The show is run by a terrific team that is organized, friendly, and welcoming to all competitors. The Monarch show series allows riders to love their horses who aren’t going to the World’s Championship in Louisville. They qualify throughout the year at smaller shows, and gather in the beautiful arena at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Monarch group welcomes saddlebreds as well as horses who compete  in open ‘all breed’ classes. Their full compliment of classes even includes ranch riding.

The academy classes on Saturday and Sunday are large, and super competitive.

Did we mention that the ribbons are bigger than Louisville’s?

Monarch is also home to two pleasure equitation national finals.

The Pleasure Equitation Olympics started the equitation calendar on Friday.  In their first season showing at the canter, Leighton and Teddy were the silver medalists in the junior division.

Knollwood Kid Maiya was the silver medalist in the senior division riding Riddle

 

 

These finals were well stocked with talented riders who showed like pros both on the rail and in workouts.

Saturday brought the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final, which is also split into age divisions.

In a repeat of the Olympics, Leighton and Teddy finished reserve champion in the junior division.

Natalie and Garfield finished reserve national champion in the senior division.

This final is run by the trainers organization, so the judging is a little different than the other finals. In the UPHA finals, 60% of the score is based on showmanship, and 40% is on the pattern. The other finals are 50/50.

 

 

Mia won the equitation qualifier at the show and finished reserve in the championship. Barnmate Maiya won the championship

These two grew up together at Knollwood and are both competing at the highest level now.

The Monarch show recognizes the power of kids growing up with horses, and with people competing in any way they can.

Many of the top equitation riders had ridden with the same barn that they started riding with. Leighton, Mia, Maiya, and Sophie all started their lessons with us, and enjoyed the process. Knollwood Kid Natalie may not have started her lessons at 2800 Oakwood Road, but she has embraced the unique program at Knollwood.

We are fortunate to be in an area with fabulous academy programs feeding into their show barns. In fact, the rider who won both of the junior finals started her lessons at Highland Ridge and just started her show horse career with them this year. What a way to start!

 

 

 

Seven Knollwood academy riders attended Monarch this year, and showed like rockstars.

Thea, who’s off to Stanford to start college this week, finished first or second in all of her adult division classes. We’ll miss her while she becomes even more brilliant, if that’s possible.

Jules, Samara, and Sophia showed in the tough 14-17 divisions while Charlotte, Dilly, and Jilly were fierce contenders in the 13 and under classes.

 

 

Jilly, Dilly, and Charlotte finished first, second, and third in their equitation championship to finish the show!

Look for these up and coming riders as they continue their educations.

We love the process.

 

 

If you think you might be interested in joining our academy show team for 2026, please join us on Saturday, November 8 for a parent meeting. You’ll learn about riding requirements, schedules, clothing, and the financials of showing. We ask that this be an ‘adult only’ meeting since we will be discussing fees. We’ll host a follow up meeting later in the month.

 

The Knollwood community recently sent a $550 donation to Saddlebred Rescue in memory of Knollwood Kid Hanna. Thanks to everyone who donated.

 

 

What's Coming Up?

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

September 11-14

New Holland Pavilion, Madison

Show horses are all set up in Madison, just waiting for the show to start tomorrow.

The show focuses on young horses, but also hosts a full schedule of performance horse classes.

 

Adopt A Street

September 13

1:00 PM

The Knockouts' fall service project is coming up fast!

There’s still time to join the club as they clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads. You can sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Bring a Friend Day

September 20

5:00 PM

Knollwood Kids, here’s your chance to show a friend all the things you love about horses and riding.

For only $50, you can serve as a helper for your friend from school, church, or ??

You can sign up with your instructor or admin in the school barn lounge.

 

St. Louis National Horse Show

September 24-27

National Equestrian Center

It’s a really competitive show, and Team Knollwood will be there with numbers.

The show is home to two more pleasure equitation finals, the ASHBA National Championship, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final in both the junior and senior divisions.

 

Photo Shoots With Collective Grace

September 28

(Rain Date November 2)

 Here's your chance to have a mini photo shoot at Knollwood. Kim and Karina will be there to capture memories with a horse, or without if you prefer.

You can sign up here.

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 3-4

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is showing outside one more time this summer. Come cheer us on in the big outdoor arena at Beyond Stable Farm.

 

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 15-18

Illinois State Fairgrounds

It’s a great show, and the first of the ‘Big 3’ equitation finals that make up the Triple Crown of Equitation.

Team Knollwood will be there for all the adventures.

 

 

Raffle Basket Donations Due

October 15

Be sure to have your donations in for the fall gift baskets!

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 17-19

Our final in-barn show of 2025 is coming up. Come and enjoy the weekend celebration of our academy program.

IASPHA Fall Show

October 24-26

Beyond Stable Farm

Please join us for our last academy show of the season!

 

 

UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 10-15

National championships, the UPHA Challenge Cup finals, and the USEF Medal final, the Royal has it all.

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn or at the in-gate.