Thank you to everyone who dropped questions into the tin about Knollwood, about horses, or about whatever else was on your mind!

We've received many questions, and here are responses to the inquiries received so far.

Please keep your questions coming!

 

Why does Little Frank sleep so much?

Is he really sleeping, or just pretending?  Pony Frank really enjoys his nap time partially because he spends most of his pasture time engaged in only 3 activities. If he’s not eating the round bale, he’s either sleeping in it, or he’s acting like a pony and bothering all the horses in the pasture with his games.

Next time you think he’s napping in his stall, try rattling a peppermint wrapper or snap a carrot and see how asleep the imposter pony really is!

 

 

Why do horses sleep standing up?

Horses sleep standing up because they are prey animals. To survive in the wild, horses need to make a quick getaway from predators.

Our lesson horses can sleep practically anywhere, and in any position because they feel safe in their surroundings. Well, except for that pesky yellow and white cat who enjoys his rounds through the stalls.

 

 

 

Why do some horses use tongue ties?

Horses are odd. Many of them like to move their tongue around a lot. In order to prevent them from getting their tongue over the bit, or to prevent some of them from sucking their tongue WAYYY back in their mouth, we tie their tongues.

It’s painless, and keeps the horse comfortable and happy in the bridle. And, it’s a great skill for our helpers to learn!

Horses wearing double bridles always have their tongues tied to prevent interference with the bits.

 

 

How many lessons can Sparky do in one day?

Sparky can do as many or as few lessons as he wants.

Because Sparky is a rather low energy fellow, and his students tend to weigh less than his tail, he can jog through a greater number of lessons than our higher powered academy horses.

Sparky always knows best.

 

 

Which horse likes to go to shows the most?

Baxter.

The son of two world champions, Baxter has never been on an outing he didn’t enjoy.  Horse shows give him a chance to earn extra attention as the show techs play the game of moving away from Baxter and seeing which of them he touches first.

Baxter stands ready at the ingate, and enters like he owns the place. Every.single.time.

He always knows how much ‘Baxter’ he can be with each individual rider, and adjusts his enthusiasm to match the situation.

 

 

Who loves staying home the most?

Retired gentlemen Willy and Brinkley.

Both of them have attended exactly one academy show in their careers, and they did not enjoy it. At all.

These homebodies spent their careers teaching lessons at home and enjoying every minute of it.

 

 

Are there any horses on a special diet right now?

All of Knollwood’s #bestlessonhorsesintheworld are on individual diets.

Their diets are based on their age, their metabolism, and their energy level. In addition to their unique diets, many of the  horses are also on meds to treat chronic conditions, and of course, receive other meds when injury or illnesses crop up.

They also enjoy dental care, chiropractic treatments and joint injections as needed.

They can have whatever they need!

 

 

Which horse likes outdoor recess the most?

That’s a hard one. Hugo, who appears to be lazy when he’s in the arena is a terror outdoors. His play group includes Vaughn and Picasso. Big Frank and Thomas can also get into it, while Sparky tries to stay out of all the action.  Sundance, of course watches over his staff and issues coaching notices as needed.

Willy enjoys life in the retired pasture, and especially likes it when there’s a mare in the next pasture.

The academy horses enjoy their daytime outings on sunny days. While they all get along, Klem is the one who instigates nonsense out there with Heist often joining the shenanigans.

 

 

How many acres is Knollwood?

The farm is just under 16 acres of delight.

 

 

What are those carts in center ring used for?

The jog carts in center ring are used for the show horses. Their training involves a number of different activities with jogging being a really important part.

Horses jog several time a week to get exercise without having weight on their back. It develops stamina and balance as some of their training jogs are intense or long, depending on where the horse is on the training schedule.

Show horses have to be incredibly fit to compete against the best in the heat of the summer. Each horse has its own training regimen depending on age, show schedule, and physical condition.

 

 

What horse was your all time best horse ever?

OK, this one is impossible to answer, so let’s talk about two rock stars of the past.

CH-EQ Oh What A Feeling was the winningest pleasure equitation horse of all time. Known for his charisma, intelligence, and love of his ‘people,’ Cartman carried four Knollwood riders to the top of the equitation world. Oh, and Carol loved him because he was a little bit of a punk.

 

CH Lexmark is a legend in the Saddlebred world. An incredible example of everything a five-gaited horse should be, he competed in division for an unbelievable 22 years. He was tough, strong, and loved being a horse.  ‘Hootie’ taught many a Knollwood Kid the ways of a wiley old gaited horse, and even hosted a party for his 30^th birthday.  All Hail Hootie!

Thank you again for your questions.  Please keep them coming!

 

What's coming up?

All of our summer riding school sessions and our Tiny Tot camps are sold out for Knollwood Summer 2021. Thank you to everyone who signed up so early!

 

 

 Thank you  to everyone who came to our academy kickoff meeting last Saturday night. If they haven't already gotten in touch, please reach out to your instructor to set up a meeting about schedules and association memberships for the 2021 season. We can hardly wait!

 

March 22

The second full day of spring is the first day of entries for the Knollwood Spring show on May 22 and 23.  The show will again be held outside with walk, trot and canter riders and walk trot riders aged 11 and up showing on Saturday. Our 10 and under and green walk trot riders will show in the little outdoor ring on Sunday. The lead line riders will join them as well.

Please talk to your instructor to sign up.

Entries close April 22.

 

April 4

We'll be closed for Easter Sunday.

 

 

April 15 - May 15

Knockout's Annual Food Drive

It's time to restock the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and to have some fun. Each Knollwood Kid (of any age) who collects a minimum of five food kits will be eligible to compete in the Knollwood Olympics on May 15.

 

April 17-18

IASPHA Spring Show

Join us at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the first show of the season. Entries are now being accepted for one of our favorite shows which features a full slate of academy classes including a 'green' division for first year show riders.

 

 

April 30 - May 1

Academy Palooza

Join us in Woodstock for an all academy show with a little different schedule. The walk, trot, and canter riders will show on Friday evening, and the walk and trot stars will show on Saturday morning.  Entries are currently being accepted.

 

 

May 1

Street Clean Up

1:00 PM

The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka roads as one of their annual service projects. Sign up will be available soon in the school barn lounge.

 

May 15

Knollwood Olympics

For the finale of our food drive, donors are invited to participate in 'games of skill' pitting the different days of the week against each other. Make sure to get your five food kits in, and sign up for a team. You won't want to miss this!

 

 

May 22-23

Knollwood Spring Show 

 

 

May 29

'Madison Classic' Academy Classes

Wisconsin State Fair Park

 

May 31 

Memorial Day

Knollwood is closed.

 

 

See you at the barn, or at the ingate!