About Us
Knollwood Farm LTD, established in 1978 by Scott Matton and now in its fourth decade, is one of the country's most respected horse farms, excelling in training American Saddlebred horses and developing riders through one of the nation's largest and most honored lesson programs.
The Mattons
Scott, a second-generation horseman, grew up in the horse business, riding and training American Saddlebred horses all of his life. He was joined by his wife, Carol in 1987.
In 1992, Knollwood relocated to its current location, a historic farm located at 2800 Oakwood Road in Hartland, Wisconsin, and is situated among century old oak trees on 16 acres in Southeastern Wisconsin's beautiful lake country.
The Mattons have gained the respect of the industry by turning out many world champion riders and horses, including:
- Three winners of the exclusive triple crown of saddle seat equitation Sarah Thordsen of Brookfield, Wisconsin, in 2001, Nick Maupin of Sussex, Wisconsin in 2010, and Haley Berget of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin in 2018.
- Kelsey Nicole Smith of Delafield, Wisconsin, 2005 saddle seat equitation World’s Grand Champion.
- In addition, Scott is an accredited USEF Large R Judge; he has judged major shows in the U.S.A. and South Africa.
The Mattons have been honored as the 2004 recipients of the prestigious Helen Crabtree Instructor of the Year award, and as the 2005 winners of the Castleman award for excellence in the industry. Scott serves on numerous boards and committees for the Saddlebred industry and is a leader in the Saddlebred world locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Coaching and Awards
Scott and Carol coached and trained Nick Maupin of Sussex Wisconsin to the 2010 Triple Crown in Saddle Seat Equitation. Nick Maupin made history by being the only boy to win the Triple Crown and also by riding the youngest horse ever, Coco Mojo, to win the prestigious and highly sought after title.
The Triple Crown of Equitation consists of winning 3 specific finals consisting of the National Horse Show Good Hands Finals, the United Professional Horseman’s Association Challenge Cup Finals and the United States Equestrian Federation Medal Saddleseat Equitation Finals.
Carol and Scott coached the U.S.A. Team to the first-ever Gold Medal won by the United States in 5 Gaited Equitation at the 2002 Saddle World Cup Competition held in South Africa.
Carol has also received the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin’s 2010 Horse Person of the Year Award.
Riding Lessons
In addition to their world class training operation, Nancy Turner, and Ann Wilt, have developed one of the country's largest and most successful riding schools.
The Knollwood Riding School has a philosophy of getting everyday people of all ages riding all different types of horses. That goal is enabled by Knollwood's remarkable stable of two dozen school horses of all breeds and sizes.
The Knollwood Riding School allows riders to enter the horse world affordably and simply enjoy riding while learning the valuable lessons of equitation and horsemanship, along with the joy and appreciation of interacting with a horse.
For those who enjoy competition but can't afford or aren’t ready to buy their own horse, Knollwood offers the affordable option of academy showing. Knollwood's academy showing program includes a broad schedule of home and away from barn horse shows.
Youth and adults are able to show on Knollwood's own beautiful and well trained horses. Academy showing teaches students how to compete, along with valuable life lessons such as sportsmanship, focus, confidence and handling criticism gracefully.
Rich in History
Historic photo of Knollwood Farm's current location has been a horse farm since the mid-1920's.
Originally known as Oakwood Farm, it took on many different names, including Pinecrest, Ross Drake Stables, MP Stables, and then back to Oakwood before the Mattons purchased the farm in 1992.
Scott and Carol relaunched the lesson program at the farm that had hosted large lesson operations through the 1970's.
Knollwood Farm continues the tradition of excellence in the training of the American Saddlebred horse. This beautiful and historic farm continues to produce some of the top performance and equitation riders in the country while still reaching out to the needs of the recreational rider looking for a safe, structured riding education.