Happy 2026!

We have lots of events and experiences coming up in the new year. We hope you can join us for all of our 2026 adventures.

Your first chance to purchase your show outfit for 2026 is coming up this Friday when Jen from Midwest Saddleseat Consignment sets up shop. Knollwood has a private shopping night from 7-9 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn at Pabst Farms.

Jen has a broad assortment of show attire, including academy show jods from several lines. Plus, customer service is the best.

Carol and Ann will be there to help with selection and fit.

Banquet reservations are due this Saturday, January 10.

Please place your RSVP card and payment in the basket on the counter of the school barn.  You really don’t want to miss the celebration!

Melissa and Amy, two ‘Knollwood Moms for Life,’ are hosting a parent meeting on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM.

Our youth group, the Knollwood Knockouts, is a very busy group of horse-loving kids. The group manages fundraising at three Knollwood shows, manages a food drive in May, hosts 2 street cleanups in the neighborhood, 2 Parent Nights Out,  hosts their annual holiday party and officer election, and also hosts fun events for the members.

As you can imagine, these kids need some adult guidance for hosting their events. We’re looking for parents willing to volunteer their time for an event or two throughout the year. It can range from taking shifts at the concession stand to picking up pizzas for Parents’ Night Out.

Please join the meeting if you can. If you’re interested in helping but can’t make the meeting, please contact Ann and she’ll pass on your contact info.

Since most Knollwood Kids are off school on January 19 to commemorate Martin Luther King Day, the Knockout officers and board members are hosting a helper training day in the barn.

Current helpers and riders who are interested in helping are invited to a 3 hour session to learn how the back of the barn works.

The event will run from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and the cost is only $25. Please sign up with your instructor or admin.

The Knollwood Banquet!

We’re celebrating all things Knollwood on Saturday, January 31 at the Legend at Merrill Hills.

New this year, we’ll have assigned seating to make everyone’s lives easier. When you arrive, you can pick up your name tag which will have your table assignment. Big thanks to Court and Kerry for taking this on!

Please remember that Merrill Hills enforces their county club dress code at all events. This means denim is off limits in any form, as are sweats. Men must wear collared shirts as well.

Thanks for your cooperation as we celebrate Knollwood in style.

 

Team Knollwood is hosting a used academy clothing sale on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 AM in the show barn lounge. We’ll have a selection of show jods, shirts, and vests that our current show riders have outgrown. Jodi will also have her beautiful ties and show accessories to complete your outfit.

We’re also looking for sale items. If you have academy show clothes that you’ve outgrown, please consider running them through our sale.

You can bring them to the school barn where we have tags to mark your clothes with your name, contact info, Venmo info, price, and approximate size.

We’ll take care of the rest.

Our fabulous tailor Trish will be at the farm on Saturday, February 21 to measure for new academy show clothes, or to alter previously purchased items. We’ll start setting up appointments at the beginning of February.

We’ll start taking entries for the Knollwood spring show on March 6. Our first in-barn show of the season  is coming up May 15-17, and we can hardly wait.

Our academy kick-off evening is coming up on March 14 at 6:00 PM. All families involved in the academy show team are invited to attend our evening of education and fun.

Karina will be onhand to teach makeup and hair for the ring. We’ll also have experts on hand to teach packing, final tips on clothing, and how to tie the perfect tie for the ring.

Signups will start at the end of February.

We’re traveling to our first out of barn show for 2026 on April 11-12. The season starts at one of our favorite venues, Beyond Stable Farm, and is run by our favorite organization, IASPHA.

We’ll be traveling with many academy stars, even some who are making their academy debuts, and some show horses, too.

The Knollwood Spring Show is coming up at home on May 15-17.

Start hoping for beautiful spring weather!

 

See you at the barn.

Here at World Headquarters, Team Knollwood is ready to look back fondly on 2025, the year that was.

Hard Work Paid Off

We applaud the hard work that went in to achieve show ring successes, and even greatness during the year.  Not all the big achievements were rewarded with primary colored ribbons, but were rewarded with satisfaction of goals achieved, lessons learned, and progress made for both riders and their horses.

Beginnings

We appreciate all the beginnings by Team Knollwood in 2025. Our two walk-trot equitation riders, Averie and Maddie, made their debuts in the show horse world, Leighton moved up from walk and trot into the 13 and under equitation world, and Brooklyn moved into the immensely competitive world of senior equitation.

Senior Equitation Excellence

Maiya, Natalie, Richie, Shaye, and Sophie enjoyed successful years in the senior equitation arena. 

This incredibly talented group of riders made their mark on the equitation world this year. They made patterns look easy and railwork so smooth that you'd think anyone could hop on their horses and ride.

In a superbly deep year of senior equitation, the Knollwood Kids were always in the mix for the top ribbons.

Grownups Have More Fun

Our adults may have had more fun than the junior exhibitors.  You could see the experienced Knollwood Kid posse having a grand time at shows. Jane, Julie, Kerry, Margit, Tancy, and Tatum cheer on everyone, and show their horses successfully in the always deep adult division.

They know how to have fun.

 

What A Finish 

While two of our super successful riders aged out on top at  the Royal, we know that Natalie and Richie won’t be strangers to the horse show world.

Our academy team achieved wonderful progress this season as well. From our maiden riders to our champs at Monarch, we couldn’t be more proud.

It's About Sportsmanship

Of course, ribbons are but one part of the horse showing life.

This season showcased sportsmanship by many riders. Richie struggled with Tyler’s soundness issues, while Lady became ill after Madison.

Our academy riders have started a new tradition of slapping hands of the winner of their pattern classes, regardless of barn affiliation, and it’s catching on.

 

Horse Friendships Last 

Horse friends are for life.

These ladies showed together as junior exhibitors, and are still involved in the horse world.

We value these friendships in good times and in tough ones.

 

The past is just that.

We’re looking forward to great things in 2026.

 

 

SSSHHHH!

Anyone who knows Knollwood knows how proud we are of our academy program.

We have exciting news about some of our academy stars moving into the horse show world, and will announce the new teams after their photo shoots with Kim of Wee Irish Photography.

We can hardly wait.

Newest Adult Amateurs

Natalie and Richie may have aged out at the Royal, but once you’re a Knollwood Kid, you’re always a Knollwood Kid.

Natalie is finishing her Knollwood internship this summer and will be off to college. Richie continues to study at Butler University, and makes trips home when he can.

Doc is ready and waiting for his next adventure with his favorite gentleman.

 

Izzy’s Therapy Business Continues Into 2026

Izzy loves all her people and is always eager to help anyone who could use a dog in their lap. If your lap isn’t available, Izzy will stand next to you and lean in. Aggressively.

Izzy is our daily reminder that her mentor Hazel Belle Boxer Matton, who has a brick on the Saddlebred Walk of Fame in Lexington, was a great teacher, and is always with us.

 

Life Lessons Continue

Horses are the best at teaching us lessons we didn’t know we needed. Although, on occasion, they WILL state the obvious.

Whether it’s a tiny tot rider on Sparky, an academy rider on Sport, an equitation superstar on their own horse, or Scott working one of his mares, a lesson will be taught.

We’re fortunate to have our wonderful lesson horses who teach patience, strength, gentleness, consistency, and persistence on a daily basis.

Richmond and Molly’s Love Story Goes On

Instructor Molly is Richmond’s favorite person. They enjoy long conversations that no one else can understand, and Richmond spends many an hour on Molly’s shoulders while she makes phone calls and catches up on scheduling.

 

Payton is Coming Back

Many of you will remember Knollwood Kid Payton Duerr, who was an equitation star, even finishing as the Reserve Grand Champion of Champions of Senior Equitation in 2024.

She’s spent some time working at Glendale Stables in Missouri, and is returning to Knollwood as an Assistant Trainer.

We're thrilled to welcome Payton to our staff. She brings her own unique perspective from her equitation successes.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Shopping Night

Friday, January 9

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Academy and show riders are invited to our private shopping night. Jen from Midwest Saddleseat Consignment will welcome Knollwood riders at the Hilton Garden Inn at Pabst Farms.  Carol and Ann will be there to help with selection.

Banquet Reservations Due January 10

Invitations to our January 31 banquet went out in the mail the week of Christmas.  Please be sure to return your reply card with your payment and seating choices in the school barn by January 10.

 

 

Knollwood Parent Meeting

Saturday, January 17

10:00 AM

All parents are welcome to join our get together to see how you can help the Knockouts in 2026. The club is looking for parents to assist with Knollwood shows and other club events.

It’s your chance to work with a great group of horse kids!

 

Knollwood Banquet

Saturday, January 31

You don’t want to miss our annual banquet celebrating all things Knollwood.  The gala offers social time, a buffet dinner, awards, speeches, a slide show, and dancing.

Invitations are out to all current Knockout members. If you didn’t receive one, please contact your instructor or admin.

Not currently a member? We’d love to have you. Please talk to your instructor or admin to join the fun today.

 

 

See you soon at the barn.

It’s time to set the record straight.

It  has come to our attention that the term ‘horse girl’ is considered an insult in some circles. Anyone who’s spent any time at Knollwood knows that we are proud to raise horse girls. Not all who ride are horse girls, and that’s fine. The few who make the cut learn focus, connection, problem solving, patience, and kindness  that will serve them well in the future.

BIG NOTE: Knollwood is fortunate to have some amazing honorary horse girls who happen to be horsemen. For the blog, we'd love to treat Richie and Luke as honorary horse girls, which we consider high praise indeed.

Their mantra?  ‘Horses first, the rest later.’

 

Horse Girls are Present.

You can identify a horse girl by the lack of a phone in their hand, or worse yet, in their face.

This rare species is paying attention to the horses and riders around them. They may be taking care of a horse, often while talking to another horse girl grooming a horse. They may be in the arena watching and listening to lessons or watching Scott and Carol work horses.

 

Horse Girls are Welcoming.

You won’t find horse girls in a closed circle with their backs to others. You’ll find them welcoming new riders, especially the young ones. These riders will talk horses with anyone, at any time.

 

Horse Girls are Confident.

These Knollwood Kids know what it’s like to manage big horses and love it. They can prevent Bilbo from dragging a small child to food, and can keep Sherman from coming to the middle to see his friends.  They’re the ones who can ride Vaughn past the lounge windows even when the holiday lights are on. IYKYK.

Their confidence doesn’t scream, it’s just evident in the way they interact with horses, and people. Calm as cucumbers.

 

Horse Girls Don’t Compare.

These kids are thrilled to improve their riding skills and to learn from new horses, but they don’t brag about it or compare themselves to others. They understand that riding is challenging every day, and that everyone is on their own schedule and path.

Congratulate others? Absolutely.

Compare others? Never.

 

Horse Girls are Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable.

Knollwood Kids live in Wisconsin, so they will be cold in the winter, and hot in the summer.

They will endure tired muscles, and tired brains.

They will experiences rides of frustration, and difficulty.

Voices will be raised, as will expectations.

There will also be the triumph of finally ‘getting it,’  and becoming a true teammate with your horse.

 

Horse Girls Cannot Get Enough Horse Time.

You’ll find them connecting with horses in ways you never even dreamed of.

They have long conversations with horses while grooming.

They offer spa treatments to our retiree horses.

They provide blow dry appointments to our bay mares after lessons.

 

Horse Girls Avoid Drama Like the Plague.

They have perfected the ‘pivot on the heel,’ meaning that when they come upon people talking about others, the turn and go the other way.

Horses are challenging, so why waste time with idle, unkind chatter when there are horses to take care of?

 

 

Horse Girls Can Make Anything Fun

Whether it's looking for a lost shoe or halter or shoe in the pasture, searching for a fly boot, or dusting ceiling fans, horse girls know that it can be fun if you want it to be.

 

Horse Girls Represent.

You’ve seen it at shows.

 They cheer the small wins, and the big ones.

Cheering for everyone, regardless of barn affiliation.

Horse girls are universal.

We’re proud to raise some of the best horse girls in the land.

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Election 2025

The polls are open through December 31.

Be sure to join the Knockouts, or to renew your membership for 2026 to receive a ballot for the school horse of the year election.

The winner will be announced at the banquet. 

Who will succeed last year’s winner, Fred?

 

 

The Sale Continues

Through December 31

All things Knollwood are 10% through the end of December.

You can use promo code Holiday2025 online, or you can talk to your instructor or admin to run your transaction.

It's the perfect gift!

 

Holiday Closures

We will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Happy Holidays to all!

 

Special Shopping Event

Friday, January 9

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

Jen from Midwest Saddleseat Consignment is offering us a private 2 hour shopping time to get new outfits together for the 2026 season.

She offers both academy and suits as well as a great selection of accessories. Carol and Ann will be there to help with selections.

Best of all, Jen's customer service can't be beat.

 

 

Parent Meeting

January 17

10:00 AM

Join Melissa and other Knockout parents to learn how you can help our youth group in 2026. We need lots of help with horse shows and events, and would love to meet some new parents.

 

Knollwood Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

All Knockout members are invited to celebrate all things Knollwood. Invitations will go out shortly, and RSVP’s are due January 10.

 

Knollwood’s Used Academy Clothing Sale

Saturday, February 7

10:00 AM

If you’re looking for a new academy look, here’s your chance to shop a great selection of gently used jods, shirts, and vests. Experienced academy moms will be present as personal shoppers.

Trish Time

Saturday, February 21

9:00 AM

Tailor Trish will be on hand for alterations or measurements for new shirts and vests. We’ll set up appts in February, so save the date.

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 14

6:00 PM

All academy families are invited to join us for an entertaining and informative evening.

More info coming soon!

 

See you soon at the barn!

Gifts of experience leave lasting memories, and we have some wonderful ideas of how to share time with horses for riders of all levels of interest and experience.

 

Mini Camps

Knollwood Kids start their education with a Sunday afternoon  mini camp.

Taught by amazing instructor Molly, our newest riders learn safety around horses, how to groom and saddle their horse, and how to mount, dismount, and hold their reins.

All that is even before their riding lesson!

The last 30 minutes of the camp is spent in the heated indoor arena, learning some riding basics with the horse they’ve been working with.

Each rider even has a personal assistant, an experienced rider, with them from start to finish.

Best of all, these mini camps are only $99.

Camps for riders aged 7 and up run from noon – 3:00 PM.

2026 dates are:

January 11

March 16

May 3

September 20

November 15

Our mini camps for riders aged 4-6 run from 1:00 until 3:00.

2026 dates for Tiny Tots are:

February 16

April 19

June 7

October 11

December 13

Welcome to Knollwood 

If riders love their mini camp and would like to continue their education, the next step is our small group program that we call Welcome to Knollwood.

We offer this step on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 throughout the year, although we take a break in the summer.

Riders start this program with a personal assistant in the arena, and become independent as the weeks go by.

Emphasis is on riding skills, and the progress is visible from week to week.

Cost for this session is $375.

2026 Monday session start dates are:

January 5

March 2

April 27

September 14

November 9

2026 Wednesday session start dates are:

January 7

March 4

April 29

September 19

November 11

We also offer a Welcome to Knollwood experience for our Tiny Tot riders who have completed a mini camp.

Held on Saturday afternoons at 4:30, the class teaches the same skills as the ‘grown up’ lessons, but is tailored to our youngest horse kids.

2026 Saturday start dates are:

January 10

April 11

 

Knollwood Parent Welcome to Knollwood

Knollwood Moms are taking over their own Welcome to Knollwood!

We started the Knollwood Kid and parent class a little while ago, and it’s become a weekly funfest. Your Knollwood can even serve as your personal assistant if they’re old enough.

We’re continuing the group on Mondays at 7:30, and any Knollwood parent is welcome to sign up for the 8 week session.

 

Our Annual Sale Is On!

Not sure what to get the Team Knollwood person in your house?

Everything is 10% off until December 31. 

You can purchase gift certificates, or pay some enrollment fees for your rider.

Please talk to your instructor or admin to pay future enrollments. You can purchase gift certificates online.

Be sure to enter promo code Holiday2025 at check out to receive your 10% discount.

DISCOUNT IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED.

As always, your instructor can also offer ideas for gifts, and we love to help.

What’s Coming Up?

School Horse of the Year Election

Polls close December 31

Be sure to pay your 2026 Knockout dues to receive a ballot for the big election.

Election results will be announced at the banquet on January 31.

 

Knockouts Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 13

6:00 – 8:30

All Knockouts and their families are invited to join the celebration and election of Knockout board members for 2026.

It’s going to be cold, so please wear many, many layers. The scavenger hunt will take you outside, so layers, hats, and mittens are required.

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We will not be holding lessons, and lessons will be credited to your January bill.

Parent Meeting

Saturday, January 17

10:00 AM

The Knockouts are looking for some parental help for 2026. Please join us as we talk about 2026 events and how you can help with this fantastic group of kids.

 

Knollwood Banquet

Saturday, January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

It’s time to celebrate all things Knollwood!

You won’t want to miss all the celebration, food, and dancing.

Invitations will be mailed to all current Knockout members.

Used Academy Clothing Sale

Saturday, December 7

Academy riders, here’s your chance to find clothes for the 2026 season in the comfort of home. We’ll have experienced academy moms on hand to help with selections.

We’re looking for donations of outgrown academy clothes, too. Please bring your clean academy clothes to the barn tagged with your name and venmo, approximate size, and price.

 

Tailoring with Trish

Saturday, February 21

Trish will be here to fit for alterations, or to measure for new academy clothes.

Academy Kickoff

Saturday, March 14

Save the date!

All academy riders are invited to join our celebration of the new season.

You’ll learn about hair and makeup, clothing and packing, tying the perfect tie, and so much more.

See you soon at the barn.

We’re in the thick of the holidays here at Knollwood, and we’re loving it.

Some poor soul took a trip around the barn and asked the lesson horses what they’d like for presents, and we got some really eye-opening answers.

Here in no particular order are the wishes of the best lesson horses in the world.

Bee, our Hackney Pony who currently looks like a wooly mammoth, would like salon time to make her very long hair under control She does, however, really enjoy her nightly blow dry sessions at home.

 

Bilbo is our resident yogi, at least when the goal is food instead of enlightenment. He’s in need of a BIG yoga mat. He’s worn his old one out while digging under his feed bin. He has not found enlightenment there. Obviously.

Speaking of supersized gifts, Earl would like a BIG pillow for use during his daily naps.

Fiona is dreaming of teaching more students their patterns. She SO enjoys those lessons with circles as she sashays through various shapes until riders find their outside leg.

Being a true Wisconsinite, Fred would like accordion lessons. He fell in love with the music while swaying to Brenda’s holiday stylings, the annual highlight of the Tuesday night holiday celebration. Fred sways while listening to accordion tunes, but he’ll have to stay still while learning. Can he do it?

Hugo is hoping for an all expense paid trip to Egypt. He identifies with camels, a fact you’ll know if you’ve watched him walk for very long.

 

Leon says he doesn’t need anything and just wants everyone to be happy.

Leona would like a high stall partition so her neighbor Murphy will stop bothering her.

 

Murphy would like the partition removed.

Poppy would like a metronome for her stall so she can even sleep to the rhythm of her perfect tiny tot trot.

 

Pumpkin wants peace on earth.

Sherman would like a wider stall to make napping more comfortable.

Thomas would like a subscription to a relaxation app.  Would anyone like to share their ‘Calm’ app with him?

 

 

Vaughn would like an imaginary friend to keep him company after other horses have gone out for the night.

Baxter, king of the corner office with two windows, would like a monthly window cleaning service.

Beau would like more tiny riders.

 

Oscar really wants a portrait of himself in his stall. He needs someone beautiful to admire.

Sport is hoping for a monthly delivery of Taffy Town’s flavor of the month.

 

What do you think your favorite horse would enjoy?  Please share your ideas on our new bulletin board!

What’s Coming Up?

Election 2025!
Through December 31

The polls are open, and all Knockout members are invited to cast their votes for school horse of the year.  Members can pay their 2026 dues and mark their ballot.

Not yet a member? You can join at any time, and we’d love to have you. Your instructor or admin can help.

 

2026 Enrollment Meetings

Meetings are winding down, and enrollments are due to your instructor by December 17.

We’re looking forward to an exciting new year.

 

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, December 6

5:00 – 7:30

Rescheduled after last Saturday’s snow day, we’re going  to have a ball wrapping gifts for our adopted family, eating a pizza dinner, and playing games in the arena with barn friends.

If you’d like to join the adventure, you can sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 13

6:00 – 8:30

All Knockouts are invited to join us as we celebrate the holidays.

The gala includes a scavenger hunt, pizza, games in the arena, and best of all, we’ll elect officers and board members for the Knockouts.

If you’re interested in running for office, please talk to Kylie, Kali, or Ann.

The event is free to all Knockout families. If you’re not a member, you can become a Knockout in the school barn lounge. As a bonus, you’ll receive a ballot for the horse of the year election!

Please sign up in the school barn with the total number of attendees so we have enough treats for everyone.

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

We’re not holding lessons these days, and all lessons will be credited on your January bill.

 

 

Knollwood Award Banquet

January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

As if you need one, here’s another great reason to pay your 2026 Knockout dues.

All current members will be invited to our annual celebration at the end of January.

We’ll have a delicious dinner, social time, awards, speeches, a slideshow, and the big election reveal before we dance the night away.

Invitations will go out in December.

IASPHA champs Hailey and Vienna.

Winners not in attendance incude Amanda and Thea in academy. Show barn riders include Jane, Shaye, and Tatum.

See you soon at the barn!