Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thank you to all our friends and supporters who made this year spectacular for so many Team Knollwood members.

We are grateful.

Here Comes the Election!

The primaries and debates are finished, and the lesson horses are happy to announce their candidates for Knollwood’s School Horse of the Year election.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the final candidates:

Earl

This handsome newcomer has quickly won the hearts of all who meet him.

He loves to travel slowly, loves people, and thinks hurrying is a waste of energy.

Earl is known for his spectacular jog trot, his circular canter, and his repeated attempts to upgrade his living accommodations. When he first arrived, he was in the stall that now belongs to Mulligan. Earl is now happily living in the slip stall once occupied by the legendary Willy, but he frequently tries to ‘sneak’ into Mulligan’s new abode.

Nominated by 2020’s School Horse of the Year Sparky, Earl represents the Shades of Gray Party.

According to Sparky, ‘A vote for Earl is a vote for good looks and good energy.'

Earl’s slogan is ‘Why fit in when you’re born to stand out?’

Fred

Fred is a Knollwood classic.

This veteran teacher of the last stall on the left loves teaching new riders.

Fred, whose Knollwood show name is Mr. Rogers for his understanding, is well known for his perfect square trot that will teach a rider to post easily, his refusal to let anything bother him, and his love of accordion music. Fred LOVES playing games, as he likes to show his cantering skills when his competitive streak comes out. As one of the pattern campers exclaimed during a spirited game of steal the crop, ‘It’s really not that bad.’

Nominated by fellow easy going lesson horse Beau, Fred is proudly representing the Energy Conservation Party.

When reached for comment after a nap, Beau shared, "A vote for Fred is a vote for peace, love, and understanding".

Fred’s campaign slogan is, ‘What, me hurry?’

Pony Frank

Who can resist a pony? (Besides Scott.)

Pony Frank is the perfect first ride for our smallest riders. His little trot helps even the tiniest Knollwood Kid learn to post. Steering is a breeze, as he just follows his instructor.

Pony Frank loves his adorable wardrobe, especially his tiny Baker blanket which makes him look like Sherlock Holmes. He also loves small riders, loves to laugh when advanced riders try to ‘teach’ him patterns, and loves to run down to Fred’s stall when he comes in. He doesn’t think Fred notices, but he does.

Nominated by fellow pony star Bee, Pony Frank is the candidate of a new political organization in the pasture, the Fun Sized Party.

When asked about her candidate, Bee said "A vote for Pony Frank is a vote for great things that come in small packages."

Pony Frank's campaign slogan is 'Don't worry about a thing. I've got this.'

Thomas

Thomas is an academy show master.

Known in the Saddlebred registry as Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat, this standout loves to introduce new academy riders to a little speed, and a lot of star power attitude.

Thomas is known for his beautiful trot, his mastery of patterns, and his willingness to teach future stars of all sizes. He has an uncanny ability to adjust his speed and patience based on the size of the rider on his back. While he enjoys making an issue of an open door with an advanced rider, he’ll trot by with no questions asked when a 6-year-old is riding him.

Thomas loves his little riders, going to horse shows, looking out his window, and challenging riders with his right lead.

Oh, and he still can’t find his own stall after many, many years. He prefers a personal escort.

Nominated by Baxter, Knollwood’s 2021 Horse of the year, Thomas is the candidate of the Academy Superstar Party,

Legendary Baxter says, "A vote for Thomas is a vote for not sweating the small stuff when you excel at the important stuff."

Thomas' slogan? It's 'Let's get on with the show!'

The polls open on December 1, and will remain open until December 31.

Just join the Knockouts, or renew your membership, and you’ll receive a ballot you can place in the box.

Election results will be announced at the Knockout banquet January 25 at Merrill Hills.

May the best lesson horse win!

It’s Sale Time!

Black Friday starts Knollwood’s annual 10% off sale!

From Friday through December 31, you can purchase anything Knollwood and receive 10% off.

You name it, gift certificates, enrollment fees, horse shows, it’s all 10% off.

Now this year, there’s no need for a promo code at check out. Software has been updated and will automatically apply the 10% discount.

You can purchase online or in-person. Current Knollwood families, please talk to your instructor to help with enrollment payments.

As always, if you’d like to purchase six months or more of enrollment at one time, you can do that any day of the year.

What’s Coming Up?

Thanksgiving Closure

Knollwood will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and makeup lessons have been scheduled.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Parents’ Night Out

The Knockouts are gathering this Saturday from 6-8 PM to wrap gifts for our adopted family, enjoy pizza dinner, and play in the arena. We have a big group coming!

Stirrup Orders Due

Orders for holiday gift giving are due to Ann by December 1.

Knockout Holiday Party

The Knockouts are gathering on Saturday, December 7 to celebrate the season and elect new club officers for 2025. Please sign up in the school barn lounge, and let us know how many family members will be joining the fun.

Party goers will enjoy a new group scavenger hunt, pizza, campaign speeches and election of new officers as Thea and Adrienne are heading to college in August.

We’re also hosting an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift with a $25 value to exchange.

Parents are encouraged to attend, and are welcome to BYOB.

Holiday Closures

We will not be holding lessons on December 24, 25, 31, or January 1.

These lessons will be credited to your account.

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

January 25

Merrill Hills

It’s our favorite night of the year as we celebrate all things Knollwood.

 Invitations are going out soon to all Knockout members, and RSVP’s are due by January 3.

Please remember that country club dress code is in effect at this celebratory event. It means no denim of any kind, and men’s shirts must have collars and be tucked in.

Help us celebrate in style!

Academy Tailoring Appts

Our fantastic academy tailor Trish will be at the farm on December 8 to measure for spring shows. Please talk to Ann if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

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

We’re looking forward to it!

See you soon at the barn.