We lost a special soul at Knollwood today when  legendary lesson
horse Hooper crossed the rainbow bridge.

Born at Knollwood on June 13, 2002, Hooper joined the lesson program after a brief career as a show horse.

With his flashy markings, pop eyes, and engaging personality, he
quickly became a favorite. Hoop was a star on the Midwest academy
scene and was sought after by all the Knollwood Kids.

Numerous national and world champions including Sydney
Budzinski, Ainsley Budzinski, Nick Maupin, Abby Kastenholz, and
Hailey Berget all showed him in academy. Heck, Syd even performed
a 7 loop serpentine at a show, and Hooper went along with it.

In most recent years, Hooper has enjoyed teaching small
Knollwood Kids the ways of riding a legend. With his high head, he
was a master at teaching walk trot patterns over and over.

We’ll miss his patience, his quirky personality, his fear of blankets that went on over his head, and his trustworthiness in the arena.

Peace, Hooper.

You were well loved.

Hi everyone,

Hooper here.

 Officially known in the Saddlebred registry as Hula Hooper, I’m currently on injured reserve as I recover from a playground game gone too far in the pasture.

While I’m hanging out in my stall, I’ve been thinking about how going around the sun a few more times has affected my work life. I’ve discovered that some age has brought me much wisdom in the arena.

I’m a spry 22 years old, and I adore teaching small riders. It wasn’t always that way.

I’ve been to the World’s Championship Horse Show! I competed in 2003 in the amateur yearlings in-hand division and earned an 8^th place ribbon in Freedom Hall. (Thank you, Sue Worzella for showing me.)

Hooper in 2012

 

I showed as a park pleasure horse, and a country pleasure horse. During that time, I was a typical teenage boy and acted out in the lineups. The powers that be were thinking of selling me, but cooler heads prevailed, and I went to work hard as an advanced lesson horse.

I quickly learned that staying within behavior boundaries worked out much better than acting out. I saw the light.

Since then, I’ve been a standout in the academy world. My good looks, pop eyes, and smooth gaits have helped many a Knollwood Kid make victory passes and learn lessons along the way.

Most recently, I’ve been staying home from shows and have been busy teaching our youngest show stars.

My job now is to take care of small riders learning their patterns, how to use their bridle, and to sit a Saddlebred trot. Occasionally, I get to canter with the wee ones.

Hooper in 2013

I’ve seen everything, from Freedom Hall to all the academy arenas around the Midwest. I’ve shared the arenas at home with young show horses, dogs learning arena manners, and an odd yellow and white cat that sometimes darts through the arena.

I’ve seen riders fall off, seen strange things at the show barn door, and have taught pattern camp in the big outdoor ring with weanlings running along the fence line while cars are honking at my beautiful self on Oakwood Road.

My point?

 You can’t bother me. My years of being a horse have taught me that none of that is important to me. I may be a little slower than I used to be, but I’m unflappable. And wise.

 

Hooper in 2009 with future World champion equitation rider Sydney.

 

Let me introduce you to some of my seasoned co-workers. We may not move as quickly as when we were younger, but we’re experienced, trustworthy, and full of wisdom. We no longer react to things that don’t concern us, and we enjoy working with kids.

We are priceless.

 

 

Pony Frank

No one really knows how old Pony Frank is, but we think he may have witnessed the invention of electricity.

His small size makes the tiniest riders feel safe. He has a beautiful jog trot adored by riders and instructors alike. It’s easy to learn posting, and it’s so slow that instructors can walk alongside the jogging pony.

He’s cute, hairy, and unflappable.

When he’s not teaching beginners, Pony Frank enjoys napping, pestering big horses in the pasture, and pretending he doesn’t know which stall is his.

 

Sparky

Sparky the legend may have been present when George Washington cut down the cherry tree, and he’s one in a million.

Sparky received his name when we realized quickly after purchase that he was not indeed sparky. He loves to do things slowly and can perform his patented jog trot with little or no effort.

The little gray quarter horse has been here for many years, and has taught countless Knollwood kids to trot, and to ride bareback.

He LOVES kids and enjoys spa treatments from the smallest of riders especially during shedding seasons.

In his off time, Sparky likes to hang out in the pasture with his three girlfriends, Bee, Fiona and Leona.

 

 

Fred

2024’s School Horse of the Year is a legend among legends.

His specific age is unknown, but let’s just remember that he’s named after PBS Kids TV star Mr. Rogers. His namesake has called heaven home since 2003.

Our beefy chestnut quarter horse can do it all. He trots the speed of molasses, has a wonderful square trot, and turns easily for a big man.

Fred is the first pattern teacher for many of our smallest riders and can trot a mean serpentine.

Possibly the calmest of the calm, rumor has it that Nancy once used the Bobcat bucket to scratch Fred’s back in the pasture, and he leaned into it with delight.

Time off activities? Fred enjoys eating, napping, and snoring. Oh, and he loves accordion music and being ‘bad’ by cantering while playing games with advanced riders.

 

Hugo in 2011.

 

Hugo

Hugo was born at Knollwood on April 25, 2007.

He quickly told the training team that he had no interest in being a show horse, and he’s become an irreplaceable part of our academy line up.

Hugo is the frequent winner of ‘slowest trot’ and ‘slowest canter’ contests, and we sometimes wonder how his big body can move so slowly.

Our gentle giant is perfect for new riders both large and small. He turns easily, has a trot so smooth that we sometimes have to remind students that they’re trotting.

With the perfect Saddlebred personality, Hugo loves everyone. If he’s not sure what to do, he stops.

He stops a lot.

 

 

My experienced faculty colleagues have a wealth of experience that they call upon in every lesson and interaction with riders.

We may not be fast or flashy anymore, but know that we once were, and that all of our life experiences are helping us teach Knollwood Kids.

Don’t worry, we’re imparting our wisdom to the up-and-coming faculty members, and they’re learning well.  We elder statesmen are currently working with newcomers Leona, Sherman, and Oscar. Actually, Oscar has taught us a few things.

We love being on the Knollwood faculty and sharing our wisdom with all of you.

What’s Coming Up?

Summer Riding School

February 28 is the last chance for currently enrolled Knollwood Kids to sign up for sessions before they’re opened to the public on March 1.  Be sure to talk to your instructor or admin if you’d like to sign up before camp is open to the world.

 

Academy Kick Off

March 15

6:00 PM

New academy show families are invited to join us for our annual academy kick off. We’ll have demos of age appropriate make up with Karina, hair styling for the ring with Kerry and Courtney, packing and organizing with Bridget, and winning tie knots with Scott.

Of course, experienced riders and their families are welcome to join the event for a refresher.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

Sunday March 16

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Riders between the ages of 4 and 6 are invited to join Molly and her fabulous assistants for a fun introduction to horses and riding. The class is limited to six riders, so act quickly to secure your spot for $99.

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show Entry Window 

March 20 through April 10

We can hardly wait for our first Knollwood show of 2025!

Entries will be taken from March 20 through April 10. Please ask your instructor for assistance with riding level and horse selection.

Remember, even if your shows are prepaid in your enrollment, you will still need to fill out an entry form.

Easter Themed Parents Night Out

Saturday, April 5

Join the Knockout officers and board members for an evening of spring fun.

Signups will start in mid-March.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

Our first academy show of 2025!

Knollwood Spring Show

May 15-17

We can hardly wait!

See you soon at the barn.

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Here at Knollwood, we’re proud of the community we’ve built.  

It’s one of the things that makes the farm so special, and we have ways to help you become more involved in all the happenings around the farm.

 

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Join the Knockouts

Knollwood has a BIG, busy youth group, the Knollwood Knockouts. Our club has been involved in our community and the horse world for more than 25 years.

The Knockouts hold activities for club members such as Parent Night Out, movie nights, and field trips.

The Knockouts hold fundraisers throughout the year to support charities. In 2024, we sent donations to North Carolina hurricane relief, to a fellow horsewoman battling cancer, and to several horse shows. Their fundraising also subsidizes their annual awards banquet at The Legend at Merrill Hills, which we hosted just a few weeks ago.

With the help of our amazing parents, the club also manages our three in-barn shows at Knollwood each year. The shows are a major source of funding for activities and donations. The club also co-sponsors the ASAW Summer Showcase held at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds each August.

Finally, the club holds a food drive each May to benefit the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. Members gather food, and those who collect their goal are entitled to participate in our annual Knollwood Olympics. Held at the farm, it’s an evening of fun and sportsmanship as Knockout teams participate in Olympic type games of ‘skill.’

Most importantly, the Knockout activities allow Knollwood Kids to meet other horse lovers and develop friendships at the barn.

Once you join the Knockouts, we’ll add your email address to our Sign Up Genius list so you can be aware of and can help the kids with events.

Annual dues are only $5 for kids, and $10 for adults. We’re always welcoming new members, and we’re always looking for parent volunteers!

Talk to Your Instructor

Instructors know all about each of their students and keep close track of their progress. Instructors should be your first point of contact, and will advise about camps, shows, and activities.

We are a competition-based lesson program and expect all of our students to participate in the three Knollwood shows. Your instructor knows which classes are right for each student and are happy to help each rider with an individual plan.

 

 

Watch Lessons

When you sit in the lounge to watch lessons, you’ll see the signs about upcoming events. After each lesson, your rider’s instructor will come to the lounge to update you on the lesson activities. The’ll also update you on upcoming events and can answer questions about farm happenings.

Plus, you’ll meet some amazing kids and parents!

 

Spend some time in the school barn lounge.

 The school barn lounge is full of information.

Many days you’ll find an admin working behind the counter.  These lovely ladies have the answer to almost any question on your mind.

Admins can tell you about upcoming events like horse shows, club meetings, merchandise orders, summer camp sign up, and so much more.

While you’re there, you can read all the notices on the bulletin boards, and maybe even add your input to the boards.

And be sure to pet the cats!!

 

 

Follow us on Facebook

While we prefer live in person interaction over social media, we DO post events and fun pictures on our page which are informative and entertaining.

What’s Coming Up?

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day

Be sure to treat your favorite horse!

 

February 15

Trish is here to measure academy riders.

We have a couple of open spots. Please reach out to Ann if you’re interested.

 

March 15

Academy Kickoff

New academy riders, join us at 6:00 PM to learn all about the adventures of showing. You’ll enjoy presentations on hair and makeup, how and what to pack, and how to tie the perfect tie.

We’ll also have used clothing available if you weren’t able to make the sale in February.

Of course, we welcome our more experienced riders who may like a refresher.

 

March 16

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

We’re welcoming young riders between the ages of 4 and 6 who’d like to learn all about horses.

March 20

Entries begin for the Knollwood Spring Show

The first Knollwood show of the season is coming up on May 16-18, and we can hardly wait.

Show shirts are cosmic blue, and entries will be taken until April 10.

April 5

Easter themed Parents Night Out

All Knockouts are invited to join club officers and board members to enjoy Easter themed games, dinner, and fun with friends. We’ll start signups in the middle of March.

 

 

April 12-13

IASPHA Spring Show

Our first academy show of the year!

 

May 15-17

Knollwood Spring Show

Our first In-Barn show of 2025

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

Our 27^th annual banquet was a glorious evening for the 178 guests who joined the celebration.  Held at the beautiful Legend at Merrill Hills, the spectacular venue was the perfect place to celebrate Knollwood’s memorable 2024 and to look forward to the new year.

2024 was an outstanding year for Knollwood. The farm coached riders and horses to 17 world and national titles, while riders learned countless lessons and became better horse people and more understanding humans in general.

Our lesson program continued to welcome new riders to the enjoyment of horses and of Saddlebreds in particular. Who can’t fall in love with lesson horses like Hooper, Leon, and newcomer Oscar?

Our riding school’s strong academy program continues to produce strong riders with a great understanding and respect of the horses they ride. You only need to walk through the school barn to hear and see that process in action.

We’re thankful for the friendships we’ve made, and are looking forward to 2025 as we hope to build our Knollwood community.

Here are some highlights of banquet evening:

 

Knockout treasurer and party planner extraordinaire Susan gave us her annual treasurer report, and gave the Knockouts a stellar financial rating. The club’s fundraising efforts at Knollwood show concessions, the ASAW Showcase, and the annual car wash feed the coffers that allow the club to donate to worthy causes and subsidize the annual banquet.

She also reminded us of how far we've come, with memories of the first ever banquet that hosted 65 guests at a small venue.

 

We awarded 69 champion and reserve champion awards in the academy division. We recognize riders who are starting out by showing at our home shows, and the riders on our academy team who enjoy showing away from home.

 

We also announced 24 riders who earned Academy Awards from the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association by earning a minimum of 15 points during the 2024 season.

 

In addition, we awarded 4 riders with overall high point awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn competitions.

Congratulations to all who showed with us this season!

 

In a hotly contested battle, we were thrilled to announce Fred as the school horse of the year for 2024. Known around the farm as Mr. Rogers, Fred is a foundation of our lesson program.

This relaxed quarter horse isn’t bothered by anything. He enjoys sharing the arena with show horses, although he wants to know why they feel the need to go so fast.

He trots a mean circle and serpentines for the smallest of riders, and has been known to let his enthusiasm get the best of him when playing games with the advanced riders. Whan you hear riders laughing and saying ‘Whoop Fred,’ you know he’s decided to show his cantering skills. Of course, he never does this with little riders.

We celebrated with a Fred slideshow with the theme to ‘Mr Rogers’ as the soundtrack.

Fred is smart, and we’re  grateful he’s part of our faculty.

 

Scott took to the podium for his annual ‘State of the Farm’ address, and did not disappoint. He reviewed show barn successes, poked fun at some of the riders, and one of them answered him back.

Obviously proud of all that the Knollwood team has achieved, he praised Lin’s work, and the efforts of the lesson program which continues to send well prepared riders to the show barn and the horse show world.

The slide show was a fun visual review of the year, capturing all the success and some of the funny moments of the year.

The dance floor opened, and the party continued until it was time to  go.

Richmond’s doppelganger was washed and dried prior to his return to Merrill Hills. He enjoyed a busy night on the dance floor.

 

Our youngest riders gathered together and played horse show, hide and seek, and met some of their show barn heroes.

 

Many attendees were probably sore on Sunday from laughing so hard with Knollwood friends.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event, attended the event, and who made it a memorable year. Team Knollwood continues to be a vibrant community, and we have plans in  to make it even better in 2025.

Great thanks to Wee Irish photography for covering our banquet. Kim and her team provided breathraking coverage. WIth the exception of Fred's photo which is by Hanna Agathen Photography, all other banquet shots are Kim's work.

Here's a link to her gallery of the evening.

What’s Coming Up?

 

Summer Riding School Selection for Enrolled Riders

Starting February 1

All riders currently enrolled in our lesson program are invited to choose their dates for summer riding school before the dates are released to the public on March 1.

Your instructor can help you choose the best camp for your level, and to fill out a form as well.

We offer weeks for newer students who have not yet participated in camp, and separate weeks for riders preparing for our summer show.

We’d love to help you find the best week tor you to learn  with the best lesson  horses ever.

 

Used Clothing Sale

This Saturday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us in the show barn lounge to shop our wide assortment of academy clothes for the show ring. We also have a good selection of practice clothes for daily wear.

It’s a great chance to get everyday items to fulfill your clothing requirements after 3 months of enrollment.

Jodi will be set up with all of her show accessories, and we’ll have experienced moms on hand to help with sizing and selection.

 

 

Trish Academy Tailoring Appts

Saturday, February 8

Amazing Trish is coming to the farm to measure for new academy clothes, and to alter clothes from last season. We have a couple of spots left, so please talk to Ann if you’d like one.

 

 

Valentines Day

February 14

Be sure to fill out your heart for the bulletin board, and to wish your favorite horse(s) a Happy Valentines Day!

 

Academy Kick Off

March 15

6:00 PM

All new academy families are invited to join us for a n informative and fun evening. Experts will be on hand to demonstrate hair and makeup skills, tie tying skills from master Scott, and how to get that polished look in the show ring.

Of course, more experienced academy families are welcome to join the fun for a refresher course. You can never have too much practice for the perfect bun!

 

 

Entries Begin for the Knollwood Spring Show 

March 20

Entries will close on April 10.

 

 

Parent’s Night Out

April 5

All Knockouts are invited to participate in a night of barn fun with the new Knockout officers and board members.

Signups will begin in March.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

Our first academy show of 2025!

 

Spring Street Clean Up

April 26

1:00

Save the date to help the Knockouts clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Road. It’s a great way to get your service hours in.

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

It’s the night we’ve been waiting for. 

The storied Knollwood banquet is coming up this Saturday and we can hardly wait.  We are expecting a record number of guests, many of whom are attending for the first time.

Here are some helpful tips to enjoy the festivities like a seasoned attendee.

 

Country Club dress code is in effect. This means that no denim of any kind is allowed, and that men must wear shirts with collars, and all shirts must be tucked in. Please help us celebrate in style.

 

We're pleased to welcome Wee Irish Photography as our official event photographer. Kim and Karina will be capturing memories at the banquet.

 

 

Timing

We start the party with 45 minutes of social time starting at 6:30. It’s the perfect time to catch up with friends and introduce yourself to some new ones.

It’s also a good time to find seats, as well. Seats are not reserved, so you can sit wherever you’d like. Knollwood Kids can choose to sit with their families, or at a table of other young riders.

A tasty buffet dinner will start at 7:15 with different stations to choose from.

Towards the end of dining time, our 2024 Knollwood officers and board members will greet the crowd and recap the year that was. They’ll introduce our new officers and board members for 2025 who will lay out their plans for the upcoming year.

The group of officers and board members will then introduce the winner of the Horse of the Year Election. The winner will even have his own slide show!

Will it be Earl, Fred, Pony Frank, or Thomas?  You’ll have to wait until Saturday to find out!

After the results are announced, everyone will receive a memento of the election winner.

The awards portion of the banquet comes after the big reveal. We give out A LOT of awards.

There are winners for in-barn Knollwood shows, out-of-barn academy shows, and Academy Awards from the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association. We finish the awards presentation by revealing the grand high point champions and reserve champions for both in barn and out of barn divisions.

We finish the presentations with Scott’s ‘State of the Farm’ address and a slide show recapping 2024. Always entertaining, Scott will try to recap the show barn’s amazing year, and look forward to 2025.

 

Following these, the dance floor will be open, and desserts will be served just inside the bar. And yes, the bar remains open all through the banquet. Kiddie cocktails are best sellers at this party!

To make it a great event for all, please remember to

   Welcome new riders and families

  Clap for everyone.

  Get to know some new riders on the dance floor.

 It’s a great chance to meet your riding heroes. National and World champion riders will be attendance, and would love to meet you!

Have a ball celebrating your home away from home!

What else is coming up?

Used Clothing Sale

Saturday, February 1

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We have a giant assortment of academy clothes for your shopping enjoyment. We’ll have experienced moms and some instructors in attendance to help you put together an academy outfit that matches your personality.

Jodi will be there with her full assortment of accessories.

We also have a nice collection of work jods and shirts available!

Payment if via cash or check. Some of the consignees also accept venmo.

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 8

Trish has a couple of appointments open on Saturday the 8^th for either alterations or measuring for new clothing. Please talk to Ann if you’re interested in booking a slot.

Trish will be back on June 7 to measure riders for late summer and fall shows.

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 15

6:00

New academy families are invited to join us for a fun informational evening as we prepare for the first shows of the season.

Knollwood experts will offer instruction in hair and makeup for the ring, how to get clothing right, what to pack for the show, and how to tie the perfect knot in your tie.

Of course, experienced academy families are welcome to join the event for a refresher as well.

We’ll have sign up sheets in the school barn in mid February.

 

Knollwood Spring Show Entries Begin.

March 20

Entries begin for the Knollwood Spring Show on May 16-18.

Entries Due for the Knollwood Spring Show

April 10

Entries close for the Knollwood Spring Show which is happening May 16-18.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

Our first academy show of 2025.

 

Mom’s Day Ride

May 10

6:00

Where would we be without Knollwood Moms?

We’ll celebrate Knollwood Moms with a special ride. With their Knollwood Kid as their helper, moms will enjoy an introductory lesson full of fun and photo ops.

Sign ups will begin in mid-April.

 

Food Drive Starts

May 16

We’ll start accepting food kits on show weekend. All food collected will benefit the Food Drive of Waukesha County.  Riders who collect a minimum of 5 food kits will qualify to participate in the Knollwood Olympics on June 7.

You won’t want to miss the games!

 

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 16-18

Our first in-barn show of the year.

 

 

 

See you at the banquet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a classic shot from the 2014 banquet.

Three of these then 10 and under riders will be in attendance on Saturday.

Can you guess which three?