The campaigning and the debates are over.

While you were enjoying a quiet Thanksgiving at home, primary ballots were being counted in the school barn pasture.

We’re happy to announce the four horses who were victorious in the primary elections and will run for School Horse of the Year 2026.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the candidates.

Representing The Pony Party, we have Bilbo.  This fuzzy Hafflinger stands up for fun sized people and horses everywhere. (Although, Bee is not endorsing him at the moment.)

Bilbo believes that small is strong, and that rules frequently don’t apply to him. In particular, Bilbo feels he should be able to urinate at any time in any location, including the arena.

Voting for Bilbo is a vote for adventures, a little bit of passive aggressiveness, lots of humor,  yoga sessions that are rewarded with food, and self-confidence. He did nominate himself, after all.

Representing The Sleeper Party, we have candidate Earl. Our giant gray quarter horse stands (or lays down) for quiet days in the barn with lights out, maybe some soothing music, relaxing between lessons with or without tack on, and pillows for everyone.

Earl is representing the biggest party on the farm, and is nominated by his next-door neighbor Sherman. Sherman is frequently so well rested when he comes in from outside that he goes to Earl’s stall instead of his own.

Other notable members of the Sleeper Party include Vaughn, Pumpkin, and Hugo.

A vote for Earl is a vote for lower wattage bulbs, meditation, and pillows. Big pillows.

Representing the Girl Power Party, we have Fiona. This beautiful bay half Arabian and half Morgan is a true feminist. She believes that riding mares makes for strong, creative thinking riders who understand that things are rarely what you think they are.

Fiona was nominated by fellow party member Poppy, purely for her intimidation factor. The geldings all fear Poppy because of her fence destruction skills, and for the stories she tells to neighbor Vaughn. Did you ever wonder why Vaughn is always in such a hurry to go outside?

A vote for Fiona is a vote for creative teaching of patterns, learning how to make the people and horses in your life believe that what you’re asking them to do was actually their idea, and for looking into her beautiful brown eyes and seeing the wheels spinning.

Our final nominee, Thomas, represents the Academy Award Party.  This registered Saddlebred known in the registry as Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat, is a legend in the academy world.

Thomas was nominated by fellow party member Leon, who is also a unicorn. (Extra points there)

Thomas is a pattern genius, a confidence booster to our newest academy show riders, and has just enough tricks to make more experienced think twice about that right lead.

A vote for Thomas is a vote for promoting academy showing, for learning that patience is a virtue, and that even the nicest people and horses can have crabby days. Thomas says, ‘Just deal with it.’

All Knockouts are invited to pay their 2026 dues in the school barn lounge. You’ll receive a ballot when you pay for the upcoming year.

Please place your competed ballot in the dues envelope and place it in the ballot box provided.

DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THE YELLOW CAT!

Even if he says he’s running a write-in campaign, or is conducting an exit poll, do not make eye contact.

He’s a scammer, but we love him anyway.

The election winner will be announced at the banquet.

May the best horse win.