So, we haven’t done this for a while, but we’re going to let the lesson horses endorse candidates for the big election this month. While their reasoning may seem a little off, it is heartfelt.

Earl

Earl is representing the Shades of Gray Party and was nominated by Sparky.

Sparky says, ‘We funny colored horses have to stick together.’

Mac will be voting for Earl, stating, ‘What Sparky said.’

Fellow Earl supporter Sherman says, ‘He looks like he might be the black sheep of my family, so I’d better vote for him. Families must stick together.’

Last year’s election winner Pumpkin says, ‘I admire his chilled-out mindset, and I think I can help him represent my party, the Master of All Trades party by next year.

Vaughn, of the second stall on the right, offered his ringing endorsement, ‘Earl … Is he the new grey guy?’

Fred

A Knollwood institution, Fred finds himself supported by many long term faculty members.

Fellow institution Hugo says, ‘I fully endorse Fred, and all that he stands for: relaxation, low energy work, and his love of games on horseback. Plus, he promised us all daily naps during summer camp.’

Beau opines, ‘A vote for Fred is a vote for consistency, and peace in the world.

Hooper loves Fred from afar. ‘While I don’t know him very well, as we don’t have the same recess schedule, I like the cut of his jib.’

Voting absentee from his retirement home, Duke is a full-throated Fred supporter. ‘I’m enjoying retirement at Hanna's house! A vote for Fred is a vote for living like you’re retired before you are. He sure knows how to relax and take each day as it comes.’

Pony Frank

Our unusually well behaved pony has the support of mares and fellow pony Bee.

Nominator Bee says of her fun-sized friend, ‘We ponies have to stick together. Even though he’s not a Hackney, he’s still a good guy. He represents all that ponies stand for: mental brilliance, love of attention, adoration of good clothes, well developed senses of humor, and plenty of sass.

Bilbo supports Pony in this election, adding ‘A vote for Pony is a vote for short men everywhere. They may call us little Napoleons, but we’re just demanding the respect we deserve as short, wide equines.’

Poppy is throwing her support to Pony Frank, saying. ‘I have a lot of time to think while I’m in my private paddock. I’ll be voting for the funny looking little fuzzy guy because I like his plaid coat. People have voted for candidates for less important reasons, haven’t they?’

Fiona is supporting Pony this election, saying ‘I like his cute little sass, like his pulling on his bridle. And pretending to be afraid of the heater. He’s a great pony,’

Thomas

Thomas had the support of the academy horses and several who long to join the exclusive team who represent Knollwood away from home.

Nominator Leon says. ‘Thomas is everything you’d want in an academy horse. He’s handsome, he loves to travel, loves teaching and performing patterns, and will be whatever you want him to be. His nimble brain will challenge experienced riders at doors, but he’ll wear his halo when teaching the tiniest stars.’

Mulligan endorses Thomas saying. ‘He welcomed me to Knollwood, and taught me a lot about how things work around here. When I grow up, I want to be like Thomas.’

Baxter will be voting for Thomas. ‘Thomas represents all that an academy star should be. He enjoys travel, teaching new riders, and loves his summers of pattern camp.’

Leona is casting her vote for Thomas, saying ‘I’ve only been here for a short time, but I recognize star power when I see it. Plus, he’s so dreamy…’

Academy legend Dexter says, ‘He’s an academy show star for the ages, but the dude can’t find his own stall in the morning. Really??

 I guess we all have different gifts…’

Please remember to join the Knockouts or renew your membership in the school barn lounge. Just place your dues in a membership envelope, fill out the front of the envelope so we can update contact info, and place your completed ballot in the box.

We’ll announce the winner at the banquet on January 25.

It’s going to be a nailbiter, and election turnout is essential.

What’s Coming Up?

The Big Sale

Through December 31

Don't miss out!

From now through December 31, you can purchase any Knollwood lessons or shows and receive 10% off your purchase.

You can use the discount on enrollments, horse shows or extra lessons - if it's taught at Knollwood, it's 10% off.

Gift certificates are a great gift for Grandparents and family friends, too!

Please talk to your instructor for details.

Knockout Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 7

6:00 PM

All Knockouts and their parents are invited to join our gala where we’ll have a team scavenger hunt, pizza, and officer elections for 2025.

We’re also hosting an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift of $25 value to join the fun.

Parents are encouraged to come and are welcome to BYOB.

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

Knollwood will be closed for the holidays.

All lessons will be credited.

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

Saturday, January 25

6:30 PM social time, 7:15 PM dinner

The Legend at Merrill Hills

You don’t want to miss this.

The annual celebration of all things Knollwood features a delicious buffet dinner, social time with friends, awards for in and out of barn shows, a slideshow, and a DJ.

All Knockout members should have received their invitation. If you’re a current member and did not receive an invite, please talk to your instructor or admin. We have extras in the school barn lounge.

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

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment Shopping

Friday, January 3

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn

Oconomowoc

Jen and her staff will be in our neighborhood with their great selection of show clothes. Knollwood’s private shopping time gives us a chance to shop her store before it’s open to the public on Saturday.

Plus, the customer service is terrific!

Academy Tailoring Appts

Saturday, February 8

Starting at 8:30 AM

Fantastic Trish is coming to measure academy riders for spring shows. She’s measuring for new outfits, and refitting last year’s outfits.

Please talk to Ann if you’d like an appointment.

Trish is coming back on June 7 to measure for Showcase and fall shows.

Congrats to Maddie and all of our IASPHA high point winners!

And great thanks for bringing all the awards home!

See You Soon At The Barn.