Team Knollwood runs a competition based lesson program.

That means that we value hosrse showing and all the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Our in-barn shows are designed for even the most inexperienced Knollwood Kids enjoy a weekend of horse showing with friends.

Knollwood shows offer leadline classes for riders who are very young and aren’t ready to be turned loose, especially in front of a crowd.

We offer maiden classes for riders who have never shown off lead. Our most experienced lesson horses fill maiden classes to safely teach the ins and outs of showing. These seasoned professional equine teachers will complete the class even if riders are a little distracted, which frequently happens at the first show.

After the maiden division, we group the riders by age and show experience. Our goal is to give the judge a similar group of riders to evaluate in each and every class.

What’s gained by riding in the show?

Problem solving.

While we teach problem solving in each and every lessons, these skills are even more in demand in the show arena.

Horses are in a different situation, with audience members on the rail. There may be traffic on a nearby road, slower riders ahead on the rail, or small people running near the arena. These all require a rider to be scanning and planning ahead of events around them.

Goal Setting

Our instructors work on goal setting for our competing riders. For inexperienced riders, the goal may be as concrete as getting the correct diagonals.  As riders advance, the goals may include how to use the arena to their advantage, to ride more challenging horses, or to have beautiful transitions.

 

Resilience

Working with horses teaches us about resilience.

Riders learn quickly that they don’t control everything, that weather, movements in the audience, dog and cats, and horse brains are unpredictable. Horse people figure out how to communicate well with their horse as they watch the environment around them.

They also learn that errors will be made, ribbons will vary, there are good days and not so good days, and none of it is personal.

Hug your horse, and move on.

Sportsmanship

Team Knollwood is known far and wide for their sportsmanship.

All Knollwood Kids cheer for everyone, congratulate winners, compliment fellow competitors, and love their horses.

The judge’s decision is what we ask for, and we accept it.

We don’t question or criticize placings. The judge saw what they saw, and placed the class accordingly.

Handling Pressure

Anyone who enters the show ring on a horse is a brave soul.

It’s not easy, and it’s full of uncertainties. We applaud our riders who further their education by riding in a more challenging situation for both horse and rider.

Real learning thrives when you head out of your comfort zone.

Joy

You’ll see plenty of joy on the faces riders on horses in the arena. The smiles can be from reaching a goal, like a new rider getting all their diagonals. The happy face might be from meeting challenges head on and getting great places in the ring by looking ahead and organizing thought. Probably the biggest reason for joy is the cheering from friends and relatives. 

You’ll see riders lining the rail, and cheering on the competitors.

This is what it’s all about.

 

Entries for our spring show on May 15-17 are closing on March 20. Please talk to your instructor and admin for help competing the form.

We believe horse showing builds many, many skills, and some of them even involve riding.

We hope to see you coming through the in-gate.

What’s Coming Up?

It’s New Application Month!

We’re asking all Knollwood families to fill out new applications for each current rider. The new and improved apps will help us update contact information, as well as to clarify some policies.

 

 

Academy Kick Off Night

This Saturday at 6:00 PM

We’re excited to welcome our new academy families to learn the ins and outs academy showing. Scott is joining us to teach tie knots, Karina is showing hair and makeup tips, and Ann will be covering packing and show ring prep.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, March 28 at 5:00

Knollwood Kids are invited to join club officers and board members for a fun night at the barn.

For only $25, you can join the fun and enjoy a pizza dinner, too.

Please sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

Easter Sunday

April 5

We will not holding lessons on Easter, and lessons have been rescheduled.

 

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 9-11

The show barn is off to St Louis for the first show of the year.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 10-12

Our academy team is off to Woodstock for our first show of the year. Please join us!

 

Street Clean Up

Saturday, April 25 at 1:00

All Knollwood Kids are invited to our first service project of the year. Teams of Knockouts will clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the spring.

We’ll start signups the beginning of April.

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Spring Show

May 1-3

Join the academy team at Beyond Stable Farm for our second show of 2026.

 

See you soon at the barn.

So, last week, admin Wendy was giving a tour to a family with 2 small future riders. One of the girls noticed that all the horses in the arena were ‘brown,’ and asked if we painted the horses so they were all the same color.

At that moment, a rider brought big gray Earl through the chute door. The younger sister said, ‘It looks like they missed one.’

Welcome to the third installment of how to identify our lesson horses. This week, we’ll meet all the horses that we ‘missed’ with the brown paint.

 

Bee

Bee is a powerhouse.

Registered in the Hackney society as Honey Bee, she’s a character through and through.

She was a tad, well, feral when she arrived, and has learned the Knollwood way. It’s easier to be agreeable than to offer your own version of how things should go.

She now gladly teaches walk trot lessons, teaches riders how to slow up her energy, and will even canter in a teacup with the right direction.

A favorite of Knollwood Kids, Bee is friendly, addicted to mints, and is a fierce competitor of ‘musical towels.’

How to recognize Bee in the arena?

She’s a tiny bay mare.

With her short legs, she takes many, many steps.

Bee still lacks patience, and stopping for long is a challenge.

After her lessons, there’s usually a child hugging her.

Bilbo

Where to begin?  Let’s state the obvious, he’s yellow.

Bilbo is a round Hafflinger and is a comedic genius. None of the instructors would be shocked to see him on a late night talk show doing stand up.

Our favorite yellow lesson horse came to us from a lesson program in Rockford, Illinois.

He does yoga in his stall to maintain his flexibility.

Bilbo will take care of the smallest riders in the arena, and will even make cornering decisions when needed.

He may not canter, but he’s a mainstay of our beginner program, keeping all riders safe and challenged just a little.

Now to recognize Bilbo in the arena?

He is adorable.

Bilbo has a thing about instructor Molly. He likes to pee in the arena during lessons she’s teaching. Of course, he does in in the furthest corner so she can’t stop him.  Only Molly.

Bilbo will challenge little riders by stopping. That’s him being ‘bad.’

Mostly, you’ll see very wee riders trotting around on him with big smiles on their faces.

Earl

Earl  is a thing of beauty.

Our huge gray quarter horse catches your eye the minute he saunters into the arena.

Not built for speed, he closely resembles a battleship, a whale, or an elephant depending on who you ask. (For Halloween this year, he was a Knollwood school bus. You get the idea.)

Instructor Court is in love with Earl, and the feeling is mutual. Maybe it's because they share an almost unbelievable calmness?

Earl is smooth, slow, patient, and kind. He’s a mainstay of our minicamps, ‘Welcome to Knollwood’ sessions, and summer riding school.

He has a jog trot to die for, and our experienced riders have helped him develop a nice canter. He’s a bareback god.

Earl has one drawback: He’s no good for games. That slow speed we cherish for beginners? That’s his only gear. But he’s sooo handsome going at the speed of a turtle.

How to spot Earl in the arena?

He’s gray, he’s huge, and he’s slow.

Earl is frequently trotting around with a small child aboard.

This handsome guy teaches the smallest of riders how to circle and how to stop.

He is the best.

Fiona

The second member of our ‘bay mares club,’ Fiona is Bee’s best friend.

Fiona came to us from a lesson program in Kentucky.

This pretty ½ Morgan and ½ Arabian mare is a step-up ride. She pays close attention to what her rider asks for, and does it.

Fiona has beautifully smooth gaits, is cute as a button, and teaches riders who are ready to learn about a horse’s brain.

How to recognize Fiona in the arena?

She’s a taller version of Bee’s coloring.

She’s not particularly slow and is frequently teaching patterns to her riders.

Fiona likes to talk to Bee when they’re both in the arena.

She doesn’t have a great sense of humor, and doesn’t enjoy games. She enjoys following the rules.

 

Sherman, as in 'Sherman Tank"

Sherman is the beautiful black ½ quarter horse ½ Morgan you see moving around the arena teaching small riders all about posting, diagonals, and steering.

Sherman came to us from a lesson program in Kentucky.

If you believe in reincarnation, we had a very similar fellow named Tony in the past. Their physical and mental similarities are spooky.

Like Earl, Sherman is a tank. Almost as wide as he is tall, Sherman is an ideal beginner horse who is steadfast, slow, and smart. He’s also a wonderful bareback horse since he’s like riding your dining room table.

Our advanced riders and helpers have helped Sherman develop a really lovely canter.

 

How to recognize Sherman in the arena?

Not to be sarcastic, but he’s our only black lesson horse.

He’s wide and slow.

Sherman loves people, and sometimes stops to chat with instructors.

 

Sparky

School horse of the year in 2021, Sparky is a bona fide legend.

Sparky lives in the coveted last stall on the right near the screen door where he enjoys a clear view of the great outdoors. He also enjoys breezes on warm nights. He deserves all his benefits.

Sparky has taught every current Knollwood Kid at one time or another.

Named ‘Sparky’ because he’s not, he loves his people, pets,  and his life.

This little gray quarter horse came to us from a fantastic horse dealer who ‘saw a kind look in his eyes’ and brought Sparky to us.

Sparky is a tiny tot star, can instill confidence in the most timid of riders, and is his own man. When he comes in for the day, he has to trot past his stall and check out the entire barn before he eats his lunch.

Sparky loves mints almost as much as he loves his spa treatments. He refuses to be tied up, and we’re happy to allow him his one rule.

Sparky surprises us with his competitive streak, even in beginner games of ‘Red Light, Green Light.’ There are days when he HAS TO WIN.

How to spot Sparky in the arena?

He’s the little gray quarter horse, not the huge one.

He doesn’t canter, is frequently accompanied by an instructor in the arena because Sparky’s riders are frequently very small. Oh, and he has big beautiful brown eyes.

He’s one in a million.

 

You’ve now met all of our lessons horses.

We’re sure you agree with us that we have an outstanding group of equine faculty members.

They’re the best, and we cherish each and every one.

What’s Coming Up?

 

March is New Application Month

Please be sure to fill out your updated application form for 2026. We want to make sure we have current contact info, and have updated wording about payment, cancellations, and photo releases.

Your admin and instructor are happy to help.

Knollwood Show Entries!

We’re accepting entries March 6-20 for our Spring show happening May 15-17.

Please talk to your instructor to see which classes are right for your rider(s).

We believe that in-barn shows are an important part of each rider’s continuing education, and hope all of our riders embrace the chance to learn new skills.

It’s not the ribbon, it’s the ride.

 

Clocks Move Ahead Saturday Night March 7

 

 

Sold Out Mini Camp March 15

Mini Camp leader Molly  is teaching another sold-out mini camp Sunday, March 15 from noon to 3:00 PM.

If you know of riders who might be interested in future mini camps, check out our website, www.knollwoodfarmltd.com. We have monthly event for riders ages 4 and up.

Parent’s Night Out

All Knockouts are invited to join club officers and board members Saturday, March 28 at 5:00. Knollwood Kids will enjoy a few hours of fun, games, and pizza dinner.

Sign ups and $25 cash payments will start on Friday.

Easter is May 5

We will not he holding lessons on Easter. Your instructor will be rescheduling your lesson.

Happy Easter!

Bridlespur  Horse Show

April 9-11

The show horses are off to the National Equestrian Center in St Louis for their first show of the 2026 season.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 10-12

Our academy team’s first show of the season.

Yes, we’ll be in 2 states to start the season.

Street Clean Up April 25

Come join the Knockouts for their first service project of 2026!

We’ll clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka and Oakwood Roads for spring.

We're looking for parent volunteers to help the Knockouts with this event.

Signups will start at the beginning of April.

 

Congratulations to Knollwood Kid for Life Richie on being named Horseperson of the Year by the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin, the only junior exhibitor to have earned the honor.

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

 

Our educational journey continues.

Last week, we offered a guide identifying our ‘brown’ lesson horses who live outside at night. These are our priceless fellas who teach beginners and advanced beginners as well as being stars of the Knollwood in-barn shows.

This week, we’ll help parents and friends identify our brown box stall horses. These horses are all registered American Saddlebreds, and many of them have been shown at the ‘A’ level. They are all well-educated, although they don’t always look like it.

These brownies live inside at night and go out for recess during the day before lessons. (Only when the weather permits, of course. They don’t like rain, snow, or wind. Don’t even mention bugs!)

So here, in alphabetical order are our rarified lesson horses that serve our academy riders and above.

 

Alex

Known in the registry as Perilous, this giant chestnut is a sight to behold. He’s big going, smooth, bold, and is perfectly ‘Mattonized.’ (For those unfamiliar with the term, 'Mattonized' is the utmost compliment. It means that the horse knows his boundaries, can do any pattern at any time, and has a great respect for Scott and Carol.)

He has a couple of imperfections.

He’s prone to sore backs, so he’s carefully padded, and doesn’t carry big people.  Alex LOVES his small, accomplished riders.

2013 baby pic at the Royal

Alex is not smart. He’s lovely, but frequently is unaware of what day it is, what he did yesterday, or what he had for breakfast, even though he has the same thing every day.

He frequently thinks the arena has been remodeled and that new doors have been added. The chute door is particularly challenging.

How to identify Alex in the arena?

He’s a big beautiful ‘brown’ horse. All brown.

He’s frequently teaching small riders patterns.

He may have ‘that look in his eye’ as he approaches the chute door. No worries, it’s just his few brain cells trying to contact each other.

He’s a great guy and a good teacher.

 

Baxter, AKA the GOAT

Known in the ASHBA registry as A Champagne Toast, Baxter is a legend through and through.

Both of his parents were World Champions, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

He’s lived at Knollwood since he was four years old, and has been teaching ever since. He’s been an integral part of the education of all our  equitation champs ever since.

Future Triple Crown winner Nick winning with Baxter at Madison Classic

He’s the school master who’s safe in any situation, and LOVES going to a horse show.

Fully Mattonized, he’ll perform any pattern for the tiniest of riders, and will throw a few wrenches into patterns for more advanced riders who think ‘it’s just Baxter.’  It’s never ‘just’ Baxter.

This once in a lifetime horse has few faults.

He doesn’t like his ears clipped for shows, but that’s about it.

He’s smart as  a whip, loves mints more than anything, and loves his people. We think he identifies as a human.

How to spot Baxter in the arena?

He’s the one with a small person on him, teaching patterns with a smile on his face.

Beau

Beau is the rare combination of an inside and outside horse. Beau is used by all of our riders but lives the ‘inside’ life.  His personality isn’t made for the great outdoor playground, so he has the best of both lesson horse worlds.

Beau is officially registered as Beaucoup Revival, and came to us from Colorado.

Beau can do it all. In a pinch, he’ll enjoy a ‘Welcome to Knollwood’ class, he’ll enjoy a bareback group for our academy stars, and is a mainstay of summer academy camps.

He has a beautiful stripe on his face, and is always alert. He’s not quite sure about our new arena heaters yet, but he’s working on it.

Occasionally, his brain short wires and be believes he’s trotting down the chute at Louisville. It only lasts a minute. Trust us.

How to identify Beau in the arena?

He’s the big chestnut with lots of white trim.

He’s usually not going really fast, but is totally aware of everything, and is on ‘heater alert.’

Beau is frequently teaching smaller riders about diagonals and circles.

You can see his kindness through the windows.

Mariah

Mariah is a queen.

An accomplished equitation star in her former life, Mariah teaches show barn riders about the mind of a show horse.

Mariah’s registered name is ‘Melrose Mariah,’ and was eq star Natalie’s before she joined the Knollwood team.

She’s beautiful, a little lazy, and is so very well educated. Heck, she was a top contender in national finals with Natalie.

How to spot Mariah in the arena?

She’s a beauty queen.

She teaches her riders all about follow-through, especially when they’re asking for her ‘tricky’ lead.

Murphy

Where to begin…

Murphy is a big beautiful American Saddlebred whose official name is Irish Victory.

Owned by Jodi Nelson, he’s become an important part of our academy team.

He has beautiful gaits and is lovely going down the rail.

Murphy and Scott have spent many hours of quality time together.  Murphy has learned that it is best to wait for instruction from his rider instead of going his own way.

How to recognize Murphy in the arena?

He’s the pretty chestnut with an elongated star on his face.

His riders look pretty still above those smooth gaits of his.

Murphy will find scary things at the side door, the show barn door, or the chute door.

At the 27 minute mark of the lesson, Murphy loses the ability to walk. He thinks he must trot. Alas, it rarely works.

 

Nacho

Nacho is destined to be a legend.

His real name is Trust Fund Blues, and is cute as a button.

Born at Knollwood, Nacho has the same mom as Vaughn.

He’s been a bit of punk his whole life. With lots of show barn rider lessons under his belt, and lots of personal time with the show barn staff, he’s become an academy star.

While he's earning his star in the academy hall of fame, Nacho enjoys chewing on his reins. Even with a towel as a bib, he makes a grand effort. No worries, we have this one figured out.

Nacho is a standout in the single bit division, and has helped a number of our show barn riders gain show ring experience.

How to spot Nacho in the arena?

He’s adorable.

He loves being a horse, looking down the rail with his ears up while keeping them on doors and any other source of excitement for his brain.

He can turn on a dime.

Best Nacho moment of the year? He shied and lost his rider while doing a four one and a half pattern this winter. After losing his rider, he completed the 1 ½ circle. And stopped on the center line waiting for his rider.

Mattonized indeed.

 

Oscar

The newest member of our academy team, Oscar is registered as Oscar Nominee.

This big, beautiful guy would be a model if he were human.

He was a star in the western division before he joined the academy ranks.

Oscar has a very high opinion of himself, and has been on a self-improvement journey over the winter with Carol and her equitation stars.

Oscar has smooth gaits, a quick mind, and can’t be missed going down the rail.

How to recognize Oscar in the arena?

He’s big and beautiful with a perfect star on his forehead.

He’s becoming a pattern master and can frequently be seen in center ring.

He’s frequently the  biggest guy in the arena.

Sport

This one has a BIG personality.

His registered name is Callaway’s Never Wanted More, and comes from Callaway Hills and a tradition of wonderful horses.

Sport had quite a show career in the southeast where he was a pleasure horse, a park horse, and an equitation horse. He finished his show career as a 10 and under walk and trot equitation horse.

Sport is an important part of our academy team, and loves going to horse shows. He also loves working at home where he instructs riders on following through until they get what the want.

Fun facts about Sport?

He occasionally likes to overreact to oncoming horse traffic. When he’s feeling extra fresh, he’ll attempt to spin and go the other way.

Many a Knollwood Kid has learned the ways of Sport, and how to prevent and/or deal with his shenanigans.

Sport LOVES, and we cannot stress this enough, LOVES taffy.

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen him devour any flavor of taffy.  The ‘mouth noises’ Sport makes after taffy treats are not to be missed. Insiders refer to them as his ‘toilet noises.’

How to spot Sport in the arena?

He’s usually teaching our up and coming academy stars who are learning the ways of a former show horse.

He does lots of patterns, lots of no stirrup work,  and lots of canter starts.

Watch his ears when horses pass him going the opposite direction. It’s his only trick, and he brings it out a couple of times a year. That’s it.

Willow

One of the few ladies on the team,  Willow is Knollwood born and bred. This pretty mare’s registered name is Dance Party. Instructor to the show barn riders, Willow is her own mare.

She loves to act lazy the first direction, and go like she’s at Freedom Hall the second direction. She finishes the lesson ‘totally exhausted’ in center ring, looking like we should call horsey 911.

Baby Willow.

Willow is super friendly in her stall, and enjoys spending time with her riders.

How to spot Willow in the arena?

She’s the one who does her job well, and then acts like exhaustion will take her form this earth.

 

 

 

We adore our lesson horses who all have their own personalities.

Next week, you’ll learn all about our ‘funny colored’ horses, and there’s plenty of personality and quirks in that group!

 

News Update:

The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association has named Knollwood the Program of the year.

We’re humbled and thankful for the honor.

We all love what we do, and are thankful to the people and horses who make it rewarding day in and out.

You can read the press release here.

What’s Coming Up?

All through March

New Application Month

We have new application forms, and we’re requiring all existing customers to complete an updated edition.

These forms now include sign offs for cancellation policies, social media usage,  and billing policies as well as a photo release.

This program will also allow us to update contact info for all of our riders.

Your friendly admins will be in charge of the project with instructors pitching in.

Camp Sign Up For Everyone!

Camp sessions are available to the public starting this Sunday. Please invite any horse crazy kids you may know to join the fun at Knollwood.

We’re looking forward to Knollwood Summer 2026.

Knollwood Spring Show Entry Time 

March 6-20 

Show May 15-17

Please talk to your instructor to see which classes are right for you.

If you’re going to be traveling during this period, you are welcome to enter early. Your instructor or admin is happy to help.

Academy Kick Off Night on March 14

All of our academy show team riders and families are invited to our annual kick off event. Join us for the celebration and sessions about all things academy showing.

New families should plan on attending.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

Parents Night Out March 28

All Knollwood Kids are invited to join the Knockout officers and board members for an evening of barn fun and crafts.

Sign ups will be up soon.

 

Bridlespur Society Horse Show April 9-11

The show horse team is heading to St Louis for their first show of the season.

 

IASPHA Spring Show is coming up on April 11-12.

The academy team is heading to Beyond Stable Farm for our first show of the season, and we can hardly wait.

From some of our most accomplished academy stars to riders making their academy debuts, we’re looking forward to an amazing weekend of horse showing.

Please come and join us, especially if you’re interested in academy showing in the future.

 

See you soon at the barn.

As all of Team Knollwood knows, we choose our lesson horses by their brains, not their outward appearance. And yes, we know that if we purchased by color assortment, it would be easier to identify our equine instructors.

But, we have the best assortment of lesson horses, and the majority happen to be brown. 

Here’s some insider information to help parents identify which horsey faculty member your Knollwood Kid is working with.

And yes, we’re thinking of pop quizzes in the lounge.

This week, we’ll start with the ‘outside’ brownies, who spend their evenings in the pasture being horses, eating hay, playing with friends, drinking warm water in the winter, and sleeping.

This is Fred, the 2024 School Horse of the Year.

You will NEVER see him moving fast enough to blow back his mane in the arena. This is Fred when the dinner bell rings. Only.

Fred is a well-fed Quarter Horse who lives in the last stall on the left. You may recognize his butt from when it’s sticking out in the aisle while he naps in his oversized stall.

Judging by his snoring, we feel he may have sleep apnea. Anyone have an extra-large CPAP mask they might like to share?

Fred is an angel.

He teaches our newest riders with patience, kindness, and, yes, a well-developed laziness.

Fred maintains his trotting speed to teach posting, will steer anywhere, and will sometimes keep riders out of tricky situations by changing course when he feels it’s needed.

How to identify Fred in the arena?

 He’s slow.

 He likes to cut corners.

 He listens to the smallest of riders.

 He loves standing in the middle for still work.

When needed, he can even do a lesson without a rider.

His hobbies include listening to accordion music, eating mints and just about anything else, and Olympic level napping.

 

This is Leon, AKA Dear Sweet Leon, or DSL

If you look carefully, you can see the outline of his invisible unicorn horn.

Leon is a most handsome American Saddlebred whose registered name is ‘Keep the Change, Sir’.

Leon has a perfect star on his forehead, and no other white on his body. With no white legs, he’s the dream of our academy show techs.

Leon has the smooth gaits of a unicorn and is one of our cantering teachers.

He’s also the first academy horse most of our new show riders meet. He has the manners of a gentleman, the looks of a model, and the patience of a saint.

How to identify Leon in the arena?

He’s not the fastest guy in the arena.

When cantering, even the newest of riders sit smoothly in the saddle.

In inexperienced hands, Leon will turn his head to the left. Alignment is one of the many lessons he teaches.

 

This is Poppy.

Poppy is an unregistered Saddlebred mare who came to us from another lesson program.

Poppy is unique.

She has an incredibly smooth trot and enjoys teaching small riders most of all.  

Poppy has a consistent trotting speed and is easy to steer.

How to identify Poppy in the arena?

Poppy wears blinkers to keep her mind on her job instead of paying attention to horses around her.

You’ll often see very small people on her, trotting very slowly.

Personal notes?

Poppy is a loner.

She doesn’t love other horses, or even wild turkeys in her pasture.

But she trots like a metronome in the arena, so who cares?

 

This is Pumpkin, our 2024 School Horse of the Year.

He’s a unique fellow, being ½ Morgan and ½ Connemara Pony.

Pumpkin came to us from a lesson program in Kentucky.

They advertised him as a unicorn, and they were correct.

Pumpkin can do anything.

He can maintain his trotting speed for rookie posters and can do a variety of speeds for more advanced trotters.

Pumpkin is the second or third horse riders canter. While his canter is smooth, he’s here to teach riders to keep his head up and his brain engaged.

He’s a fantastic bareback horse, loves to play games, especially ‘steal the crop.’

Pumpkin is happy to travel to academy shows and is a star at Knollwood shows.

Did we mention he is a lunge lesson king?

How to identify Pumpkin in the arena?

He’s super handsome.

He has a beautiful stripe on his broad face.

His speed rarely changes unless he’s asked.

 

 

 

This is Thomas, our 2025 Lesson Horse of the Year

Thomas is an American Saddlebred whose registered name is Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat.

He’s a god.

Thomas represented the academy superstar party in the election, and they couldn’t have chosen a better candidate.

Thomas is reserved for members of our academy show team and is usually the second academy superstar they enjoy.

Our man of the year is a pattern rock star who has memorized all editions of the UPHA pattern book.

He builds confidence, starts teaching riders about alignment, and instills patience in pattern work.

Thomas is pretty business like in his demeanor and really doesn’t have many quirks.

He does, however, love to pretend that he doesn’t know where he lives. Every day when he comes in, he trots past his stall to the hay storage area, takes a mouthful, reverses, and heads to his stall. Kind of like hitting the salad bar before the entrée arrives?

How to identify Thomas in the arena?

He has a little pep in his step, especially at the trot.

His very Saddlebred face has a big star and a snip dripping off it.

Ears are forward when he’s working.

Thomas spends a lot of time teaching patterns, so look for him doing moves off the rail.

This is Vaughn.

Vaughn was born at the farm on the day that Stevie Ray Vaughn passed away.

He’s official name in the Saddlebred registry is 'He Plays the Blues.'

Vaughn is an unsung hero.

Vaughn is a steady guy who goes with the flow.

He’s a little plain on the outside, with an attempted star on his forehead for a marking.

His trot may not be the smoothest, but his canter more than makes up for it. (Point of reference, only world champion eq rider Brooklyn and super strong academy star Dilly enjoy riding him bareback.)

Vaughn teaches many, many lessons to our cantering riders who don’t show academy.

He’s a pattern guru, and is always ready to share his own interpretations, especially if there’s something shiny, or if someone has moved in the lounge.

Vaughn is not the bravest of chaps, and doesn’t enjoy going to academy shows. He does not embrace new adventures well.

Vaughn loves a good game, even if they are a little confusing.

In his stall, Vaughn loves to nap, and loves to ignore our instructions of ‘Don’t lie down after you’re groomed.’

He also wants to be the first horse out at night, and will lose his patience quickly if he has to stay in for a later lesson. You might label the behavior a temper tantrum?

How to identify Vaughn in the arena:

He’s the brown guy trotting around waiting to hear what to do next.

Vaughn may try to cut corners on the lounge end, and he may try to come off the rail on the school barn rail while going second way in the arena. You’ll enjoy watching your rider learn the ways of a horse’s mind.

We’ll delve into the ‘brown’ horses of the box stalls next time.

What’s Coming Up?

 

Continuing Through February

Currently enrolled riders can choose their summer riding school session until February 25. Be sure to check in with your instructor or admin to choose the week that’s right for you. Sessions will be opened to the public on March 1.

We’re ordering Jelly Bean jods through February 28. Don’t miss the chance to order the classic Knollwood edition in navy with tan knee patches and our logo embroidered on the leg,  Size samples are available in the school barn lounge.

Trish is Coming!

February 21

Our fabulous tailor is coming to Knollwood this Saturday to measure for new academy outfits and to fit outfits for the season ahead.

She is willing to meet at the barn at other times. Please reach out to her directly to set up a time.

 

Knollwood Spring Show Entries

March 6-20

The Knollwood show is coming up on May 15-17. Please talk to your instructor about what classes are right for you. Show weekends are the best.

Academy Kick Off

March 14

6:00 PM

All academy riders and their families are invited to join us for a fun evening getting ready for the season ahead.

We’ll have hair and makeup demos from Karina as well as demos on packing and preparation and tying the perfect knot.

Parents Night Out

March 28

Kids can join the Knockout officers and board members for a fun night of crafts and barn fun. Please save the date!

Easter Sunday

April 5

We’ll be closed for the day and will schedule make ups with our Sunday riders.

 

 

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 9-11

National Equestrian Center

St Louis, MO

Knollwood’s show horses are headed to St Louis for their first show of the season.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 11-12

Beyond Stable Farm

It’s our first academy show of the season, and we can hardly wait!

 

See you soon at the barn.

The Knollwood banquet was once again a perfect way to spend an evening.

We celebrated the accomplishments of 2025, and got a sneak peek of 2026.

Some of our favorite memories of the evening?

Assigned Tables Were a Hit.

For the first time, we assigned tables for all attendees. Great thanks to Court, Kerry, and Susan for their expertise of creating tables enjoyed by all.

 

The Venue and Food Were Fabulous.

Our friends at the Legend at Merrill Hills went above and beyond in their event execution. And the food, as usual, was beautiful and delicious.

 

Speeches

 Who knew a banquet could be so entertaining?

The Knockout officers signed off for 2025, and introduced the new officers and board members for 2026.

Kylie led the crowd through the introduction of Thomas, our new school horse of the year.

Congratulations to Thomas, officially known as Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat. He’s a gem.

Scott reviewed the show barn accomplishments, and clued us in to some upcoming events in 2026.

Awards

Our booming academy program recognized champions and reserve champions for participation in both in-barn shows and out of barn shows.

All Knockout members who complete two hours of club service during the year are eligible for year end awards. We keep track of points for both types of shows, and award riders who have accumulated the most points.

Competition was fierce, as shown in the number of ties in the total, including three way ties in the walk and trot in-barn pattern for both champion and reserve champion.

By the end of the awards presentation, we had awarded 19 championship titles, and 24 reserve championships.

 

Our DJ kept the dance floor full, while barn friends hung out together. There was a big age spread on the dance floor, ranging from our five year old leadliners to our Knollwood Kids who drive,

Our photographer, Collective Grace captured some terrific memories of the evening. If you’d like to check out their gallery and purchase pics of the evening, please click here.

Thank you to the Knollwood community for joining us at the celebration. We’re looking forward to a show season filled with adventures, friendships, and the horses we all love.

What’s Coming Up?

February 1-25

Enrolled students can choose their weeks of camp during the month of February before dates are released to the public on March 1. Please talk to your instructor, or admin to select your session. You don't want to miss the highlight of Knollwood summer 2026!

Orders are underway for Jelly Bean jods through the month of February. These classic Knollwood jods are in navy with tan patches and our embroidered logo, are perfect for our smallest riders. The stretchy fabric and the ability to personalize length at production make these jods a great choice for everyday wear as well as for Knollwood shows. 

Size samples are available in the school barn lounge.

Trish is Coming

Our favorite tailor, Trish, is coming to the farm on Saturday, February 21 to measure for new academy shirts and vests, and to alter existing clothes for the perfect fit.

We have a couple of appointments left. Please reach out to Ann if you’d like to get a spot.

Knollwood Entry Window

Our spring in-barn show is coming up May 15-17, and we can hardly wait.

We’ll be accepting entries from March 6-20. Please talk to your instructor to see which classes and levels are best for you.

You won’t want to miss show weekend!

Academy Kick Off

March 14 at 6:00

All academy riders and their families are invited to attend our show season kick off. We’ll learn about hair and makeup from expert Karina, learn about preparing and packing, and learn how to tie the prefect knot.

Save the date!

 

Easter Sunday

April 5

We will not be holding lessons on Easter. Your instructor will be in contact to arrange a makeup.

 

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 9-11

St Louis, MO

The show barn is traveling to the National Equestrian Center for the first show of the year.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 11-12

Our academy team is heading to Beyond Stable Farm for our first show of the season. Come join us!

Mom’s Day Ride

May 9 at 6:00

It’s back!

Knollwood Kids can be their Mom’s helper for an intro lesson at 6:00.

Save the date. We’ll start taking entries in mid April.

Knollwood Spring Show

May 15-17

Our first show weekend of 2026 is coming soon!

We’d love all Knollwood Kids to join us for a weekend of friends,   friendly competition,  your favorite lesson horses, and helping the Knockouts.

We can hardly wait.

 

See you soon at the barn.