We’re in the thick of the holidays here at Knollwood, and we’re loving it.

Some poor soul took a trip around the barn and asked the lesson horses what they’d like for presents, and we got some really eye-opening answers.

Here in no particular order are the wishes of the best lesson horses in the world.

Bee, our Hackney Pony who currently looks like a wooly mammoth, would like salon time to make her very long hair under control She does, however, really enjoy her nightly blow dry sessions at home.

Bilbo is our resident yogi, at least when the goal is food instead of enlightenment. He’s in need of a BIG yoga mat. He’s worn his old one out while digging under his feed bin. He has not found enlightenment there. Obviously.

Speaking of supersized gifts, Earl would like a BIG pillow for use during his daily naps.

Fiona is dreaming of teaching more students their patterns. She SO enjoys those lessons with circles as she sashays through various shapes until riders find their outside leg.

Being a true Wisconsinite, Fred would like accordion lessons. He fell in love with the music while swaying to Brenda’s holiday stylings, the annual highlight of the Tuesday night holiday celebration. Fred sways while listening to accordion tunes, but he’ll have to stay still while learning. Can he do it?

Hugo is hoping for an all expense paid trip to Egypt. He identifies with camels, a fact you’ll know if you’ve watched him walk for very long.

Leon says he doesn’t need anything and just wants everyone to be happy.

Leona would like a high stall partition so her neighbor Murphy will stop bothering her.

Murphy would like the partition removed.

Poppy would like a metronome for her stall so she can even sleep to the rhythm of her perfect tiny tot trot.

Pumpkin wants peace on earth.

Sherman would like a wider stall to make napping more comfortable.

Thomas would like a subscription to a relaxation app.  Would anyone like to share their ‘Calm’ app with him?

Vaughn would like an imaginary friend to keep him company after other horses have gone out for the night.

Baxter, king of the corner office with two windows, would like a monthly window cleaning service.

Beau would like more tiny riders.

Oscar really wants a portrait of himself in his stall. He needs someone beautiful to admire.

Sport is hoping for a monthly delivery of Taffy Town’s flavor of the month.

What do you think your favorite horse would enjoy?  Please share your ideas on our new bulletin board!

What’s Coming Up?

Election 2025!
Through December 31

The polls are open, and all Knockout members are invited to cast their votes for school horse of the year.  Members can pay their 2026 dues and mark their ballot.

Not yet a member? You can join at any time, and we’d love to have you. Your instructor or admin can help.

2026 Enrollment Meetings

Meetings are winding down, and enrollments are due to your instructor by December 17.

We’re looking forward to an exciting new year.

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, December 6

5:00 – 7:30

Rescheduled after last Saturday’s snow day, we’re going  to have a ball wrapping gifts for our adopted family, eating a pizza dinner, and playing games in the arena with barn friends.

If you’d like to join the adventure, you can sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 13

6:00 – 8:30

All Knockouts are invited to join us as we celebrate the holidays.

The gala includes a scavenger hunt, pizza, games in the arena, and best of all, we’ll elect officers and board members for the Knockouts.

If you’re interested in running for office, please talk to Kylie, Kali, or Ann.

The event is free to all Knockout families. If you’re not a member, you can become a Knockout in the school barn lounge. As a bonus, you’ll receive a ballot for the horse of the year election!

Please sign up in the school barn with the total number of attendees so we have enough treats for everyone.

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We’re not holding lessons these days, and all lessons will be credited on your January bill.

Knollwood Award Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

As if you need one, here’s another great reason to pay your 2026 Knockout dues.

All current members will be invited to our annual celebration at the end of January.

We’ll have a delicious dinner, social time, awards, speeches, a slideshow, and the big election reveal before we dance the night away.

Invitations will go out in December.

IASPHA champs Hailey and Vienna.

Winners not in attendance incude Amanda and Thea in academy. Show barn riders include Jane, Shaye, and Tatum.

See you soon at the barn!