Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

Last Saturday, Team Knollwood enjoyed it’s first in-person banquet in three years. While we were a little out of practice, the evening flowed beautifully. We can safely say that everyone was happy to be together in person to celebrate all things Knollwood.

We’ve done some thinking after the big event, and several big things came to mind.

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts Build Leaders.

The 2022 officers presented the year in review to more than 150 guests before handing the mic over to the 2023 management team. They presented their remarks with humor and composure.

In addition to their speeches, the teams met guests as they entered the ballroom and helped them find seats with friends, or introduced them to new friends, so everyone felt welcome.

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts build life-long friendships.

The Knockouts mission statement is ‘To support and promote equitation, horsemanship, and friendship through service to others.’

The banquet showcased riders of all ages for their accomplishments. The evening also showed how the older riders mentor the younger ones, and make everyone feel welcome, especially on the wild dance floor.

Several of our instructors were Knollwood Kids and remain friends with the riders they grew up with at the barn. Wedding parties are full of Knollwood friends, and many riders come back to the barn as friends when they’re finished with their college careers.

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts are Fierce Competitors

The Knockouts compete in the arena, but cheer for each other’s successes, and support each other in their struggles.

Competitors who rode hard against each other all season were cheering for everyone, and those who aren’t yet competing away from home were there screaming for the winners.

Everyone, from our in-barn leadline champs to our world champion equitation riders, was cheering for everyone else in attendance.

The Knockouts Are A Family Affair.

The banquet was a celebration of Knollwood families. We have the greatest parents around helping the club. Whether they’re grilling at the brat bash, running the concession stand at Knollwood shows, or cheering for all the Knollwood Kids at shows, they all contribute to the great opportunities for all the kids.

We’re glad we were able to offer them an evening of food, drink, and dancing for all their help.

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knockouts Know How To Have Fun

Shocking, isn't it? Not!

After the awards presentations, the dance floor came to life with Knollwood Kids of all ages. If dancing wasn't your thing, or you wanted a little quieter amosphere for conversation, the bar area was full of parents mingling.

The DJ had to shut down the still full dance floor at the 11:00 PM closing time. 

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

Here’s a Brief Rundown of the Banquet by the Numbers:

158 people attended the banquet

 23 In-Barn High Point Championships were awarded

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

 20 Academy Awards were presented from the American Saddlebred Breeders Association

 14 Out of Barn High Point Championships were awarded

 11 Knollwood Challenge Finalists were recognized

  3 Overall High Point award winners were presented with embroidered vests.

  1 Horse of the Year Award was presented to Klem in absentia.

What's Coming Up?

We’re currently looking for indoor homes for some lovely cats whose owner has passed away. They’re from one of our instructor’s families, and we can vouch for the cats. Please talk to Ann if you can offer one of these pets a soft landing for an indoor life.

Knollwood Spring Show Entries Begin

March 13

We begin taking entries for the Knollwood Spring Show. We’ll take entries through April 1. If you don’t have the shows included in your enrollment, we’ll bill your account in April or May.

The Knockouts Go Curling

March 26

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

All Knockouts age 10 and older are welcome to come to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club for a curling lesson. The club is right across the street from Knollwood.

Knockouts under 10 are welcome to come over and work on crafts while the older riders are on the ice.

The event is limited to 20 spots, so please sign up soon in the school barn lounge.

The Knockouts are paying for the event, so if you sign up, please be sure to come. We’ll have to bill any no shows, as we’ll be paying for 20 spots.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 15-16

Our first show of the season!

Photo by Hanna Agathen Photography

The Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

Spring Street Clean Up AND Knollwood Olympics

 June 10

See you soon at the barn!