It was exactly a year ago today that Team Knollwood’s life changed.

New lesson horse Leon went around our arena for the first time, much to the delight of the Tuesday Amigos.  They couldn’t wait to have a turn on him in the days ahead.

And then a stay-at-home order was issued for the next day, and everything changed.

We could no longer give lessons, and our customers couldn’t visit the farm. In true Knollwood fashion, we made lemonade out of the lemons handed to everyone.

Everyday, after horses were cared for, we put our heads together to keep everyone informed about their favorite horses. Facebook and Instagram posts of horses, dogs and cats flooded our feeds, the Knollwood cocktail hour was born, and we even hosted a school horse Olympic day and interviewed Scott for his wit and wisdom.

In the middle of all this, we took a look at ourselves, and used extra time to update our curriculum, processes, and overall lesson experience. The creative think tank came up with new programs to welcome students, and streamlined some existing categories.

Knollwood customers were so very understanding of our situation. They walked the bridle path, and the lesson horses were beyond grateful to see their kids. Customers drove a car parade through the farm, and they donated more than generous amounts to Merton Feed to support all the unemployed lesson horses.

When we reopened in early June, we modified camp with masks, hand sanitizer, and hand washing stations custom built by our own Mr. Berget.

We moved our in-barn shows to the great outdoors, and discovered that everyone likes them better that way.

Our show season was shortened, but it sure felt good to get to State Fair Park for Summerfun!

We are ever so thankful to all who have been by our side through this challenging year. We extend our gratitude to these fine folks:

Our customers. They went through the shutdown and crazy show season with grace. Masks couldn’t hide the smiles when they returned, both from staff and customers alike.

Our helpers. They created a new system for keeping the barn humming when students had to meet their horses in the arena, and then made another when the kids could be in the barn, but all the lessons became private lessons.  Please thank a helper the next time you see one.

The horses. In a world gone awry, horses kept spirits up. They were happy to see staff each and every day even when they missed their special people. School horses ran to the fence in the pasture when their kids would arrive, and show horses missed their peeps in a big way.

Richmond. He came to the farm in February, and his kitten days kept everyone laughing, even on the crazy days. When we were going through lesson withdrawal at its worst, we attempted to teach him to ride. Most of it didn't work.

Actually, we’re still laughing at his antics.

We're looking forward to a healthy, vaccinated, unmasked show season ahead.

What’s Coming Up?

Monday, March 22

Entries for the Knollwood Spring Show accepted!

We’re accepting entries through April 23 for the Knollwood show on May 22-23.

Walk, trot, and canter riders as well as walk trot riders aged 11 and up will ride on Saturday. Sunday will feature 10 and under walk trot riders, green riders showing for the first time, and our leadline stars.

New this year? All show payments will be processed on your ICP account!

Ongoing

Academy Show Planning Meetings

Our instructors are holding parent meetings to tailor show schedules for each academy rider.  If you’d like to meet, but we somehow missed you, please talk to your instructor!

April 15

Knockouts Food Drive Kicks Off

Each year, the Knollwood Knockouts hold a spring food drive for our local food bank, the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. Every Team Knollwood member who collects a minimum of five food kits by May 10 will be eligible to join a team in the Knollwood Olympics on May 15.

April 17-18

IASPHA Spring Show

Our first academy show of the season is happening at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois.

May 1

Knockouts Spring Street Clean Up

Join your fellow Knockouts as they clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the spring. We welcome Knollwood Kids of all ages, including parents. A permission slip from the City of Delafield is required to participate, and they’ll be available in the school barn soon.

May 15

Knollwood Olympics

Let the games begin! All Knollwood Kids who collected a minimum of five food kits will compete in ‘games of skill,’ none of them serious. Previous events have included blanket races, helmet tosses, ‘Guess that Saddlepad,’ blind buggy races, and school horse charades.

Trust us, you won’t want to miss the fun!

May 22-23

Knollwood Spring Show

Saturday’s events will be in the big outdoor, and Sunday’s will be in the little outdoor.

We’re always looking for help at the concession stand, with the gift baskets, and other parts of the show.

Please join us!

May 29

Academy classes at the Madison Classic Horse Show

Because the world is still crazy, the Madison Classic Horse Show is being held at Wisconsin State Fair Park this year.

It’s a great show, running May 27-30 with show horses from all over the Midwest. Academy stars will ride on Saturday, and classes are expected to be DEEP.

See you at the barn or at the ingate!

And remember, please arrive at your lesson 15 minutes early. We want you to enjoy the most time on your horse as possible for maximum learning!