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?