We've welcomed a number of new riders to our lesson program recently, and we're thrilled to have a large number of riders joining our academy team this season.

With all this learning going on, we've been receiving many, many questions.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked. Please reach out to your instructor with any questions.  The most common questions will be answered in a future blog.

 

 

When Can I Sign Up For Summer Riding School?

We’re really looking forward to Knollwood Summer 2024.

Our currently enrolled students can pick their sessions starting on February 1. We offer ‘classic’ summer riding school sessions for our newest enrolled riders, Knollwood Show Prep sessions for our students showing at the summer Knollwood show, and Pattern Camps for our riders showing away from home in the academy division.

We’ll open camps up to the public on March 1, so enrolled students, please make sure you select your week by February 25.

Camps will be billed on your March statement.

 

Why are Some Lesson Horses Difficult to Keep Trotting?

It’s by design.

Riders are taught from the beginning that horses are living, breathing creatures, and that we must provide information to them so they know what we need them to do.

Our beginner horses are geniuses at teaching a rider to follow through with their directions. A big part of riding is to follow through with your horse until he does what you’re asking, and changes what he’s doing.

Our patient, methodical beginner horses also keep new riders safe with their patience and wisdom.

 

 

What's With All the Bareback Pads?

Knollwood is known for producing riders with beautiful, functional leg positions. Much of that position comes from the strength that is developed through bareback riding.

Riding bareback teaches balance, as a rider stays in the middle of the bareback pad without stirrups. It also strengthens core and leg muscles as a rider works to stay back on the pad and posts the trot without moving forward.

It’s really a great workout. And it’s fun!

 

 

What’s the Difference Between the Horses that Live in the Slip Stalls, and the Ones Who Live in Box Stalls?

The horses who live in the slip stalls do our beginner lessons, and most of our advanced beginner lessons. They enjoy going outside at night, and get pretty restless inside if they have to stay in too long.

During the recent cold snap, we gave them extra hay to munch on while they stayed in for some long days.

If these horses didn’t go out for ‘recess’ at night, they’d have too much energy to teach beginners in the arena.

 

The horses that live in the box stalls are our horses for intermediate and advanced riders. Most of them travel to academy shows with us, and many of them have shoes on. Because they don’t teach beginners, they don’t need to blow off as much steam every day, as their experienced riders have learned to handle a little energy.                      

These horses don’t enjoy being outside at night. They don’t handle extreme weather well, and don’t tolerate flies in the summer either.

They go out for ‘recess’ during the day, and return to their stalls for dinner and sleep.

 

 

What are Those Carts in the Arena For?

Those are jog carts, and they’re used for training the show horses.

The horses in the show barn are worked every day except Mondays, and are trained in different ways throughout the week.

Using the jog carts is an important part of show horse training. The horse can will build endurance without weight on his back while jogging for miles on the soft arena footing. It also reinforces carriage and attention to the bridle and balance.

 

 

Who Won the Horse of the Year Election?

Oh, we know, but that’s classified information. Come to the banquet on February 24 to find out!

 

 

 

When Can I Be a Helper?

Helpers are often the first contact a new rider makes in the barn, so we’re very selective about who gets to become a helper.

First of all, you must be taking care of your own horse before and after your lessons.

Helpers must be kind to all riders, answer some questions from riders, run with beginners and help explain what the instructor is saying, must interact with the rider they’re helping, and must take great care of our lesson horses.

Being a helper is a BIG responsibility, and we invite the best Knollwood Kids to be mentors to the next group of riders.

 

 

When Are the 2024 Knollwood Shows?

Our spring show is on May 10-12, our summer show is on August 16-18, and our fall show is on October 18-20.

We’re planning the same format, with pattern classes inside on Friday night, walk trot canter, 11 and over walk trot, and premier walk trot classes on Saturday, and will finish up with leadline, maiden walk trot, and 10 and under walk and trot classes on Sunday.

 

 

Who’s the Leader of the School Horses in the Pasture?

Believe it or not, Hugo runs the herd. Maybe he’s slow in lessons because he’s saving up his energy for being the sheriff of the pasture at night.

 

Please keep asking questions, and we’ll answer them in future blogs.

 

What’s coming up?

 February 1

In-house enrollment for 2024 Summer Riding School begins for currently enrolled students. Preferred enrollment continues through February 25, and camps will become available to the public on March 1.

 

 

February 10

10:00 AM

In House Consignment Sale at Knollwood.

Please have donations to Knollwood by February 3.

All clothing should be marked with your name, cell number, approximate size, and price.

For shoppers, we’ll have experienced show moms to help you shop, and Jodi will be there with her fantastic ties and accessories to complete your look.

 

 

February 24

Our academy tailor will be at the barn in the morning until early afternoon. All of the time spots are full, so we’ll plan an additional day. Please talk to Ann is you’d like an appointment!

 

 

Also February 24

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

6:30

The Legend at Merrill Hills

Please join us for our annual celebration of all things Knollwood. All Knockouts will receive an invitation in the mail, and we hope to send them out next week.

Remember, help us celebrate our winners in style by following the venue’s dress code:

-No denim of any kind

-Men’s shirts must have collars and be tucked in

 

March 16

Academy Kick Off Night

6:00 PM

All academy parents and riders are invited to join us for a get together to learn how to create the perfect tie knot for your rider, and how to create a prefect show ring bun, and how to apply age appropriate make up for your rider.

 

 

April 13-14

IASPHA Spring Show

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first academy show of the year!

 

 

May 8-10

Knollwood Spring Show

Our first In-Barn show of the year!

 

 

 

See you at the barn!!

 

This storm was mind blowing.

It really wasn't the initial crazy snow and wind that tested our resolve, after all, we're seasoned Wisconsinites.

We must admit that the two days without power in subarctic temps and wind was mind numbing.

We owe debts of gratitude to everyone who lent a hand to get us through our lastest adventure.

 

Our staff was nothing short of amazing.

From toting buckets of water in Scott's truck from the show barn to the school barn (the show barn had a bigger generator), to cleaning stalls and taking care of horses in the dark, everyone pitched in to keep horses safe and happy.

 

Our customers were lifesavers.

They donated generators they weren't using, and helped us get them running.

They took Hazel Belle and Izzy to their homes for play dates.

They brought hot food and beverages to our staff.

Heck, Tracy even took Carol out for drinks on Saturday, which was just what our field marshall needed.

Great thanks to everyone who helped us through these difficult days. 

It's appreciated more than you know.

 

 

See you soon at the warm, toasty barn!

 

 

 

 

We’re all back to work and school after the holidays, and sometimes January can seem like an endless month.

We have some great ideas to help you enjoy the snowy weeks of January!

 

 

Make a Riding Resolution for the New Year!

Our bulletin board in the school barn is filling up with some great plans for 2024. Some of our favorites are to ride new horses, to learn more about horse care, and to not let emotions get in the way of a good ride.

Put your resolution on the board the next time you’re at the barn!

 

The lesson horses HAVE made their resolutions for the new year!

Some of the most entertaining are:

Pumpkin has resolved to do something wrong. He never has, and is looking forward to seeing what it feels like.

Bee has resolved to learn to stop and stand quietly when asked.

Hooper has resolved to conquer his fear of ‘over the head’ clothing.

What will yours be?

 

 

Try On Your Show Clothes!

January is a great time to make sure you haven’t grown out of your clothes. You’ll have plenty of time to arrange alterations, or to get new clothing.

While you’re at it, January is a wonderful time to re-stock your caboodle! Make sure your hair bows or accessories match your clothes for 2024, and that you have plenty of supplies for whatever the season may bring.

 

 

Yup, that's the big outdoor ring doubling as an ice rink in 2017.

Be Grateful for Heat.

As you walk through the chute on the way to your lesson, be grateful for the toasty heat that keeps us all warm. The unheated chute is a very short journey between the heated school barn and the heated arena.

And there are NO FLIES!

 

 

Become Better Acquainted With the Newest Lesson Horses!

Big beautiful Earl came to Knollwood late last summer, and is a wonderful addition.  This big gray quarter horse is a bareback riding dream, and is already teaching beginner lessons. Did we mention that he’s beautiful?

Beautiful ‘Mr. Mulligan Knows Things’ is a Saddlebred who was being rehabbed after a rescue situation. Thanks to great detective work by Nicki Duerr, we know that his real name is An American Soldier, and that he’s 19.

He’s working with experienced riders, and is working on pattern skills with Scott and Carol’s riders.

Mulligan is happy as can be, and is going to be a great addition to the lesson horse library.

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2022 ASHBA Academy Aweard winners.

Photo credit: Hanna Agathen

 

Renew your association memberships!

Show season starts in April, so you can dream of spring while updating your memberships for 2024.

All academy team riders should join the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association to be included in their ‘Academy Award’ program.

Every time you enter the ring, you earn 1 point. If you earn a ribbon for 2^nd place through 8^th, you receive an additional point. If you win a class, you receiver 2 additional points.

If you accumulate 15 points between September 1, 2023 and September 1, 2024, you’ll earn an academy award from the association.

And yes, Fall 2023 points from IASPHA and UPHA Fall are included in your 20241 point totals.

You can join the national organization online here.

 

 

 

 

The  Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association runs 3 shows we attend at Beyond Stable Farm. If you’re participating in any of the IASPHA shows, you can join, or renew your membership online.

 

 

 

 

The American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin runs both the Summerfun show at State Fair Park in July, and the Summer Showcase event at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds in August. If you plan on participating in either of these show, you can join the organization online.

Your instructor is happy to help you figure which organizations to join, and can help with the forms to be sure you're nominated to earn points towards end of the season awards.

And don't forget to renew your Knollwood Knockout membership!

 

 

 

Welcome a New Rider.

We’ve started 2 Welcome to Knollwood sessions this month, and our first mini camp of 2024 is coming up on Sunday, January 28.

Please reach out and welcome our newest riders. It means a lot to them and to their families to feel welcome. The barn can be a little overwhelming to new riders, and you can make them at ease with a word or two of welcome and encouragement.

Heck, you can volunteer to help at a mini camp, too!

 

What’s Coming Up?

 Camp Sign Up for Enrolled Riders

Begins February 1

Riders currently enrolled in our lesson program can sign up for summer riding school sessions starting on February 1. Our popular show prep weeks are back, as are Tiny Tot camps.

Be sure to talk to your instructor to see which camp is right for you!

Remember, camp fees are non-refundable.

 

 

Academy In-House Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 10

11:00 AM– 2:00 PM

All of our new academy riders are invited to shop the Knollwood show clothing collection. Our veteran academy team has an assortment of outgrown show outfits. Experienced show moms will be available for personal shopping, and Jodi will be in attendance with her ties and accessories. She’s the queen of show bling!

Veterans, if you have outgrown show clothes to sell, please have them to the barn by February 3, and label them with your name, cell phone #, approximate size, and the price.

 

 

Jelly Bean Jods Ordering for 2024!

February 12 – 29

It’s time to get your special Knollwood edition Jelly Bean Jods!

We’re offering the navy jods with tan knee patches and Knollwood embroidery along the bottom of the right leg.

Size samples will be available, and the great things about these jods are that they can be altered BEFORE you get them! You can lengthen or shorten, and take the waist in or out so they come to you ready to go.

The order will go in on March 1.

 

 

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 24

9:30 AM – 1:00?

Trish is coming to measure for custom vests and shirts, and to fit alterations. Please talk to Ann is you’d like to book an appointment.

 

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

Merrill Hills Country Club

Saturday, February 24

6:00

It’s time for the event of the season.

All members and their families are invited to join our annual celebration of all things Knollwood.

This evening has it all:

Friends!!!

Social Time

Dinner

Awards

Horse of the Year reveal

State of the Farm address by Scott

Treasurer Report by the one and only Susan

Slide show

Dancing

Invitations will in the mail shortly, and we hope you can all join the fun.

 

Reminder:

Country Club dress code is in effect.

No denim of any kind.

Mens shirts must have collars, and be tucked in.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our champions in style!

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 16

6:00 PM

All of our academy showing families are invited to join us for an informative evening to start the season.

Scott will share his tricks for tying the perfect tie know for small riders.

Magician Katrina will teach the ‘Carol approved’ show bun, and will help everyone understand the art of age appropriate makeup for young riders in the show ring.

Of course, we’ll have snacks!

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first academy show of the season!

 

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

Our first in-barn academy show of 2024!

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

We hope everyone had a holiday season full of good food, many gatherings of family and friends, and time to relax and enjoy the time away from work and school.

Team Knollwood is already gearing up and looking forward to another year of adventures.

Here’s a brief list of all the fun things coming up.

 

 

Private Shopping Night with Midwest Saddleseat Consignment

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

January 5

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Looking to update your show outfit for 2024? Or are you looking for a totally new look?

Let Jen and her team help you find great clothing and accessories. She stocks several lines of jods that are great for academy riders, and she’s a pro at finding the perfect fit.

Carol and Ann will be there to assist, and you’ll get to shop with your Knollwood friends before the sale opens to the public on Saturday.

 

 

2024 Knollwood Camp Becomes Available

February 1

If you’re currently enrolled in our lesson program, February 1 marks the opening day of Summer Riding School date selection.

These week long immersions into horses are the highlights of the summer, and we offer several levels of camps to fit every rider.

Please talk to your instructor to see which weeks might be right for you.

These camps become available to the public on March 1, so be sure to grab your spot, as they fill up quickly!

 

 

In-House Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 10

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Do you have academy clothing at home that your star has outgrown? You can bring clean used show clothes to us before February 3 and we’ll offer it at our sale. All sale items should be marked with an approximate size, the seller’s name and cell #, and the price of the item(s).

Buyers, this is a perfect opportunity to find pieces for the upcoming show season! We’ll have experienced show moms as personal shoppers who can help with coordinating looks, checking for fit, and helping to make sure you have everything you need.

As a bonus, Jodi will be in attendance with her fantastic ties, and accessories!

 

 

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 24

9:30  AM – Noon?

Trish is coming!

If you’d like a custom vest and/or shirt, or need alterations on any show apparel, we’re setting up appointments now for measuring appointments.

 

 

Knockout Banquet

Saturday, February 24

Merrill Hills Country Club

It’s the event of the season!

All Knockouts and their families are invited to join friends as we celebrate all things Knollwood.

The Knockout officers and board, along with party planner extraordinaire Susan have quite an event in store for you!

They’ve planned dinner, speeches about the year of the Knockouts, Scott will deliver his always entertaining ‘State of the Farm’ address, and riders will be celebrated with high point awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn academy shows.

The school horse of the year winner will be announced, we’ll enjoy the 2024 slideshow, and then members can dance the night away with a DJ.

Invitations will be mailed to all Knockouts during January. Please make sure that the Knockouts have your current address so your invitation gets to you!

And a friendly reminder that country club dress code is in effect. This means:

No denim of any kind.

Men’s shirts must have collars, and be tucked in.

 

Please help us celebrate in style at our year end banquet!

 

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 16

6:00 PM

Show Barn Lounge

All 2024 academy team riders and parents are invited to a fun evening to start the season.

Scott will join us so we can all learn his perfect tie knot. While he enjoys helping us with his tie tying abilities, even Scott can’t be everywhere at once. SO, bring a tie and have some fun learning from the master!

Karina will join us to show everyone how to make the perfect, Carol approved bun for the show ring. She’ll also share her talent of applying makeup for young riders so they look polished in the ring with age appropriate make up.

Of course, snacks will be provided.

 

 

First Academy Show of 2024

IASPHA Spring

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Woo Hoo! We can hardly wait!

We’re heading to one of our favorite shows, and our favorite academy show venue to kick off the season. We’ll be there to learn and have tons of fun adventures. We hope you can come and cheer us on!

 

 

First In Barn Show of 2024

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

We’re planning a weekend of horse showing, and celebrating the horse show moms who make it all possible.

 

We’ll follow the traditional format of:

Friday night, patterns inside

Saturday, WTC, WT riders 11 and up, and Premier WT riders. All showing in the big outdoor ring!

Sunday, Leadline, Maiden WT riders, and 10 and under WT riders in the little outdoor ring.

Of course, Saturday and Sunday are a tad weather dependent, so we may have to adjust times if rain comes our way. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

 

Other things we’re thrilled about?

13 riders making their debut in the academy division!

Leighton learning her way through the 10 and under Walk and Trot Equitation with Prince

New riders leasing horses in the show barn.

Watching Izzy grow up. But not too much bigger!

Knollwood Summer 2024. There's nothing better.

Our fantastic families that make up Team Knollwood. 

2024 is going to be grand!

 

 

 

See you at the barn.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 has been a year of adventures, accomplishments, friendships, laughter, and teamwork.

Here, in no particular order, are our favorite stories from the year. Please feel free to add your own in the comments!

 

 The Return of Halloween on Horseback

After an absence of a few years, we brought back the craziness of costuming horses. The sold out event was a blast, and was impressive in a couple of ways. The design and execution of the costumes were beyond creative, and we were reminded once again just how much our lesson horses will put up with!

Seeing Hooper transformed into a Hula Dancer, and the always patient Pumpkin changed into a pumpkin spice latte with a barista aboard made the evening non-stop entertainment.

We owe great thanks to the special group of Knockouts who assisted with costume execution and kept the evening of games on horseback fun for all the riders.

 Scott’s Lesson

At the Fall 2022 Knollwood Show, Knockouts were able to bid for the chance to give Scott a riding lesson. It was so popular with friends from throughout Scott’s career that we had to limit the bidding to current Knollwood Kids.

An all star group of Scott’s riders pitched in $450 for the right to ‘teach’ a lesson to the master. Shelby, Richie, and Brooklyn banded together to create a lesson plan for the event.

Those who wished to audit the lesson paid their tuition for the right, and all fees went directly to the Knockouts. Yes, people paid to watch this.

The teaching panel brought Murphy to the arena along with Scott’s helmet for the lesson.

The lesson plan quickly went out the window.

Scott was that adult student that instructors dread. He asked a million questions to test his teachers, but he couldn’t rattle the panel, as all three of the teachers have learned from Scott.

While Scott acted like he had no idea what to do, and Murphy looked  like he might have a mental breakdown, the instructors remained calm and perhaps a bit sarcastic.

Of course, the lesson ended with Scott riding intricate patterns and offering advice to his instructors.

The Knockouts are looking forward to doing something similar next year. Who has ideas for an experiential auction prize?

 The Performance Riders Were Stars

Knollwood’s performance show riders kept getting better and better throughout the season.

 

Margit and Charlie trotted and racked their way through the season with wins at Madison, Summerfun, and Mane Event.

She also showed big, handsome Robert in the show pleasure division. Margit and her charismatic Robert, who rarely makes a mistake, were in the ribbons at every show they attended.

 

Finn and Jade are a pair of fierce ladies in the amateur 5 gaited division. This is arguably the toughest division out there, and Finn and Jade fought their way into the ribbons. Heck, they even earned ribbons at the Kansas City Royal in the 5 Gaited Amateur 5 Gaited National Championship.

 

Tori and beautiful Stella  continued to make a splash in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure division. This stunning bay mare and Tori are a great match, and they earned ribbons throughout the season at Louisville, FASH, and Summerfun to name a few. She accomplished all this during her first year at college!

 

 

Alexa and Joe were a duo to watch in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure division. Calm Alexa and ramped up Joe are a great match, and enjoyed great success in 2023.

This team  earned wins at FASH, Summerfun, and the Monarch Championship Show. They were in the ribbons at the big shows, including Louisville and the Royal!

 

Lifelong exhibitor Tancy enjoyed a great season with her expressive three gaited mare Mia. With good ribbons all season, Tancy and Mia finished their season with a win in the Amateur three gaited stake at Mane Event!

The Honkamps had quite a season. Kerry was busy showing the one and only Henry in show pleasure classes to great success.

Kerry also had the pleasure of showing Uno while her niece Tatum was out with a basketball injury. Lucky Kerry!

 

Tatum was able to return to the show ring in the fall to show her show pleasure horse, Hershey.

 

Knollwood Kid Tess joined the ranks of show riders this year, and looks fabulous in a suit.

Tess has been fortunate to gain experience on several horses this season, and is looking forward to a grand 2024!

 

 

 

Senior Equitation Stars

Knollwood’s Senior Equitation riders rode a heck of a season.

Maiya and Riddle enjoyed a successful first year in the senior division. These two were in the ribbons all season, and were very successful in the pleasure equitation national finals.

Maiya and ‘Rescue Riddle’ rode to the silver medal in the Senior Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and won the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final for senior riders.

It’s quite an accomplishment for a 14 year old!

 

 

Mia has a very zen way of being around horses, and Thaylee doesn’t own a zen bone in her body. The match is perfect.

Mia and wild woman Thaylee have become quite an equitation team in 2023, with great performances earning wins at Mid America Signature, and Reserve Equitation Championships at the Monarch National Championship and at Mid America Mane Event.

 

Natalie has always wanted to be an equitation rider, and spent her offseason working really hard.

She worked through many three lesson a day Saturdays, lunge lessons, and riding every chance she could.

She and Mariah became a team, and earned many good ribbons in deep company, including winning the Pleasure Equitation Championship at Summerfun.

Natalie worked super hard to win the Horsemanship Challenge at Summerfun as well. She had to ride horses new to her and compete against others while exhibiting their show skills.

Natalie rocked it, and received the trophy from last year’s winner, Richie.

 

 

 

Payton and Gigi were meant for each other. The fiery mare and the dynamic cowgirl in a riding suit present a picture you can’t take your eyes away from.

While they both had days when things didn’t click quite right, when it did click at the end of the season, they were glorious.

Payton and Gigi were 5^th in the USEF Medal National Final, were 4^th in the Good Hands National Final, and were reserve national champs in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Final.

 

 

Richie is a horseman.

You may remember Richie working with the great Leila, who always had opinions about everything. He took what he learned from the queen and applied the lessons to his new horse Doc.

As with everything involving horses, Richie’s season didn’t move in a straight line.

Doc turned up lame on the way to the ring in Louisville and a trainer friend offered a horse so Richie could qualify for the championship. On a horse he’d never ridden, and who had just finished a class, Richie pulled off a 5^th place ribbon to qualify.

Doc needed some more time, and couldn’t compete in the championship, and Brooklyn’s family offered Gamora to Richie. Still an equitation work in progress at the senior level, Gamora and Richie were up for the challenge.

Then she pitched a shoe in the ring.

After searching and searching, the shoe couldn’t be found. Richie rode in the World’s Grand Championship of Senior equitation on a horse graciously shared with him, and who was only wearing a pad on one front.

Richie made the workout, and displayed pure horsemanship to work through a difficult workout and exit the ring with an 8^th place ribbon.

In addition to his Louisville horsemanship demo, Richie and Doc  finished 8^th in the USEF Medal Final, 3^rd in the UPHA Challenge Cup Senior Final, and won the Good Hands National Final.

He will also travel to South Africa in January, 2025 to represent the US at the Saddleseat World Cup.

 

New Lesson Horses

2023 brought us two new wonderful lesson horses.

Earl is a beautiful, HUGE gray quarter horse who we have named Earl Grey.

He is calm as can be, gets along with all the boys in the pasture, and is pretty perfect.

 

Mulligan is an approximately 19 year old registered Saddlebred that a Minnesota trainer rescued from a kill pen in Kansas.

Thanks to great detective work by Nikki Duerr, we now know that his registered name is An American Soldier. He’s getting stronger every day, loves his new life, is addicted to mints, and adores everyone he meets.

 

A Knockout Year to Remember

The Knockouts have been busy, really busy.

The annual banquet was held at a new venue last year. Merrill Hills welcomed the group, and the party was grand.

Members enjoyed a trip to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club to learn a new sport, adopted two families for the holidays, and held a super successful food drive in May.

The Knockouts donated many, many food kits to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and enjoyed the Knollwood Olympics to celebrate the accomplishment.

Club members elected new board members at their holiday party, and are currently voting for School Horse of the Year. The winner will be announced at the banquet.

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

 

Knollwood Summer 2023 

There's no better time to be a Knollwood Kid than in the summer. No school, long sunny days spent with the horses, riding at camp, immersion in pattern camps, horse shows, and helping with camps. What could be better?

Knollwood Summer 2023 featured sold out camps from Tiny Tot Camps to advanced pattern camps.

Kids rode bareback, played games on horseback, learned many many things about horses, and improved their riding skills.

We can hardly wait for Knollwood Summer 2024!

 

Junior Equitation Riders Rule

Wow.

Our 13 and under equitation riders earned their rewards for the hard work they have put in.

Amelia, Brooklyn, Maddie, and Shaye made Team Knollwood proud over and over again.

At the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final, Shaye and Teddy finished first, Brooklyn and Gamora were second, Amelia and Garfield were third, and Maddie and Eva were 4^th.

At the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final, Shaye was the champion, Brooklyn was reserve, and Maddie was 4^th.

At the Pleasure Olympics,  Shaye was the gold medal winner, Brooklyn took home the silver, and Maddie earned the bronze medal.

These ladies are great competitors and teammates, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

 

 

 

Academy Show Fun

Yup, we traveled to eleven academy shows, and what a time we had.

In addition to learning countless lessons about sportsmanship and competition, we enjoyed every minute.

We held a beautiful kitten for ransom, but returned him after the owner laughed at our $10,000 ransom note! We also fashioned a bib for Nacho so he wouldn’t eat his reins, we hugged inflatable unicorns, and even ate tacos in the warm up ring while mounted.

We also learned a lot about horses and ourselves, made friends from other barns, and learned the importance of good sportsmanship for all.

We can hardly wait to kick off the 2024 season, and introduce nine new riders to the joys of academy showing.

 

Izzy Joins the Matton Family

Scott and Carol adopted a beautiful boxer mix puppy in the fall, and named her Izzy. Currently in training with the one and only Hazel Belle Boxer Matton, Izzy is currently learning how to be a lovely dog.

She’s a gem.

 

 

All of Team Knollwood enjoyed a fun filled, action packed 2023, and we’re so grateful to our friends and customers who joined us for the ride.

Here’s to an even better 2024. Is that even possible?