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.