Hello Everyone, Fred here.

I’ve been doing some serious listening in the barn and in the pasture to listen to the conversations about the upcoming school horse election. Heck, I've even employed Sparky as a spy to listen to the girls. He hangs out with them some nights, and gathers lots of information.

In case you didn’t know, the Knockouts, those glorious kids who give us mints and hugs and spa treatments hold a yearly election. They all vote for their favorite school horse of the year when they pay their annual dues.

Because there are so many of us beauts, we hold primary elections each November before the polls open in December.

Caucusing has begun, coalitions are forming, and there’s lots of talking in the pasture and in the barn.

Because I’m the reigning school horse of the year, I cannot win again. You know, you can only be Miss America once or win an equitation final once. I have won neither yet, so I have goals to reach for.

My friends and former winners Baxter, Sparky, and Pumpkin have contributed to this article.

There appear to be four distinct groups at the moment.

The Girly Group

Composed of Bee, Leona, Fiona, and Poppy, these four mares believe that they should rule the barn.

They’re in favor of strong women like the ones who work at Knollwood, enjoy teaching their riders to stand up for themselves, and keeping everyone guessing.

They’ve elected Poppy as their leader for sheer intimidation power in negotiations. Have you seen what she can do to a fence? The grand geldings say, ‘Yes, ma’am.’

The Academy Horses

A relatively small group, Thomas and Leon miss a lot of nights in the pasture because of their travel schedule. Of course, while on the road, these two enjoy nights in, big boy box stalls, unlimited naps on comfy shavings, and pampering galore.

In addition to the extra care, they get to show and take care of their riders away from home. They meet fellow teachers from other lesson programs and learn the latest news from them. It’s networking at its finest.

They’re in favor of longer trips, more spa treatments, and a little more respect from the beginner horses.

The Sleepers

By far the largest group of nominators, the sleepers are a force to be reckoned with. They may be quiet, except for Vaughn who snores like a freight train, but their numbers carry a lot of power.

They are consistent violators of school horse lesson number 1: Horses are not to nap lying down after they have been groomed.

Heck, some of them even hit the shavings with their saddles on.

The silent majority are in favor of more shavings, more ‘lights out’ time, and pillows for all.

The Box Stall Boys

Former winner and corner office owner Baxter is the spokesperson for this interesting group. Murphy, Oscar, and Sport are bargaining for cool matching jackets with their names embroidered, just like the academy kids. They’d also like their own Freedman backpacks to carry their essential show items.

No one really listens to them, but everyone humors them.

These groupings are changing frequently, depending on the day. The final primary elections will be held during Thanksgiving week, and the official ballot will be released shortly thereafter.

Voting for the final four candidates will begin on December 1, and will the polls will close on December 31.

Whether you’re joining for the first time, or renewing your membership, you’ll receive a ballot when you pay your 2026 dues. Please put your envelope with dues and completed ballot in the ballot box provided.

Please don’t be shocked if Richmond pretends to be an exit poller. He’s just out for extra food and attention. You do not have to tell him who you voted for. He’s a scamming yellow cat.

Election results will be announced at the banquet on January 31.

What’s Coming Up?

The UPHA National Championship American Royal

November 10-15

Kansas City, MO

Team Knollwood is deep in competition at their last show of the 2025 season.

Home to big equitation finals and national championships, the Royal is a major event.

We’ll update results as we hear them.

Enrollment Meetings

Ongoing through December 10

Your instructor will be talking to their students during the coming weeks to plan enrollments for 2026.

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 22

5:30 PM

For those families who attended our first academy info meeting, we’re hosting a night of academy show demonstrations.

Several of our academy riders will be show ring ready and will show attendees what showing is all about.

Academy parents will be there as well to answer questions, and the riders are happy to tell you about it as well.

Please sign up in the school barn in you’d like to join us.

Thanksgiving Closure

Thursday, November 27

We will not be holding lessons on Thanksgiving Day.

Your instructor will arrange a make up lesson.

Please keep us informed if you’ll be missing lessons around the holiday. Our college kids will be back in town and would love to grab any openings.

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, November 29

5:00 – 7:30

All Knockouts are invited to join club officers and board members for an evening of fun. Knollwood Kids will wrap gifts for our adopted family, will enjoy dinner, and games with their barn friends old and new.

Not yet a member? We’d love to have you! Please talk to your instructor or admin about joining the fun.

Plus, it’s a great chance for parents to enjoy dinner out, or a few hours of shopping.

Please sign up and pay your $25 in the school barn lounge.

Knockout Holiday Party and Elections

Saturday, December 13

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are encouraged to attend this free event for them.

Members will enjoy a team scavenger hunt and pizza dinner from the Picnic Basket. 

After dinner, members will listen to campaign speeches, and elect officers and board members for 2026.

We’ll also have an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift of approximately $25 value.

You can sign up in the school barn.

If you haven’t already joined the joys of being a Knockout, please do. You can sign up with your admin or instructor. Remember, when you sign up, you’ll receive a ballot to vote for school horse of the year, and you’ll receive an invitation to the banquet on January 31.

Happy Holidays

We will not be teaching lessons on December 24, 25, 31, or January 31.

Your lessons will be credited to your account.

Happy Holidays to all.

Knollwood Knockout Award Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

Save the date for our celebration of all things Knollwood.

It’s a night of friendship, dinner, awards, entertaining speeches, a slide show review, and dancing.

Plus, the 2026 School Horse of the Year will be announced and celebrated.

Invitations will go out to all members during the holidays.

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!