It’s time to set the record straight.

It  has come to our attention that the term ‘horse girl’ is considered an insult in some circles. Anyone who’s spent any time at Knollwood knows that we are proud to raise horse girls. Not all who ride are horse girls, and that’s fine. The few who make the cut learn focus, connection, problem solving, patience, and kindness  that will serve them well in the future.

BIG NOTE: Knollwood is fortunate to have some amazing honorary horse girls who happen to be horsemen. For the blog, we'd love to treat Richie and Luke as honorary horse girls, which we consider high praise indeed.

Their mantra?  ‘Horses first, the rest later.’

 

Horse Girls are Present.

You can identify a horse girl by the lack of a phone in their hand, or worse yet, in their face.

This rare species is paying attention to the horses and riders around them. They may be taking care of a horse, often while talking to another horse girl grooming a horse. They may be in the arena watching and listening to lessons or watching Scott and Carol work horses.

 

Horse Girls are Welcoming.

You won’t find horse girls in a closed circle with their backs to others. You’ll find them welcoming new riders, especially the young ones. These riders will talk horses with anyone, at any time.

 

Horse Girls are Confident.

These Knollwood Kids know what it’s like to manage big horses and love it. They can prevent Bilbo from dragging a small child to food, and can keep Sherman from coming to the middle to see his friends.  They’re the ones who can ride Vaughn past the lounge windows even when the holiday lights are on. IYKYK.

Their confidence doesn’t scream, it’s just evident in the way they interact with horses, and people. Calm as cucumbers.

 

Horse Girls Don’t Compare.

These kids are thrilled to improve their riding skills and to learn from new horses, but they don’t brag about it or compare themselves to others. They understand that riding is challenging every day, and that everyone is on their own schedule and path.

Congratulate others? Absolutely.

Compare others? Never.

 

Horse Girls are Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable.

Knollwood Kids live in Wisconsin, so they will be cold in the winter, and hot in the summer.

They will endure tired muscles, and tired brains.

They will experiences rides of frustration, and difficulty.

Voices will be raised, as will expectations.

There will also be the triumph of finally ‘getting it,’  and becoming a true teammate with your horse.

 

Horse Girls Cannot Get Enough Horse Time.

You’ll find them connecting with horses in ways you never even dreamed of.

They have long conversations with horses while grooming.

They offer spa treatments to our retiree horses.

They provide blow dry appointments to our bay mares after lessons.

 

Horse Girls Avoid Drama Like the Plague.

They have perfected the ‘pivot on the heel,’ meaning that when they come upon people talking about others, the turn and go the other way.

Horses are challenging, so why waste time with idle, unkind chatter when there are horses to take care of?

 

 

Horse Girls Can Make Anything Fun

Whether it's looking for a lost shoe or halter or shoe in the pasture, searching for a fly boot, or dusting ceiling fans, horse girls know that it can be fun if you want it to be.

 

Horse Girls Represent.

You’ve seen it at shows.

 They cheer the small wins, and the big ones.

Cheering for everyone, regardless of barn affiliation.

Horse girls are universal.

We’re proud to raise some of the best horse girls in the land.

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Election 2025

The polls are open through December 31.

Be sure to join the Knockouts, or to renew your membership for 2026 to receive a ballot for the school horse of the year election.

The winner will be announced at the banquet. 

Who will succeed last year’s winner, Fred?

 

 

The Sale Continues

Through December 31

All things Knollwood are 10% through the end of December.

You can use promo code Holiday2025 online, or you can talk to your instructor or admin to run your transaction.

It's the perfect gift!

 

Holiday Closures

We will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Happy Holidays to all!

 

Special Shopping Event

Friday, January 9

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

Jen from Midwest Saddleseat Consignment is offering us a private 2 hour shopping time to get new outfits together for the 2026 season.

She offers both academy and suits as well as a great selection of accessories. Carol and Ann will be there to help with selections.

Best of all, Jen's customer service can't be beat.

 

 

Parent Meeting

January 17

10:00 AM

Join Melissa and other Knockout parents to learn how you can help our youth group in 2026. We need lots of help with horse shows and events, and would love to meet some new parents.

 

Knollwood Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

All Knockout members are invited to celebrate all things Knollwood. Invitations will go out shortly, and RSVP’s are due January 10.

 

Knollwood’s Used Academy Clothing Sale

Saturday, February 7

10:00 AM

If you’re looking for a new academy look, here’s your chance to shop a great selection of gently used jods, shirts, and vests. Experienced academy moms will be present as personal shoppers.

Trish Time

Saturday, February 21

9:00 AM

Tailor Trish will be on hand for alterations or measurements for new shirts and vests. We’ll set up appts in February, so save the date.

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 14

6:00 PM

All academy families are invited to join us for an entertaining and informative evening.

More info coming soon!

 

See you soon at the barn!