We’re all back to work and school after the holidays, and sometimes January can seem like an endless month.

We have some great ideas to help you enjoy the snowy weeks of January!

 

 

Make a Riding Resolution for the New Year!

Our bulletin board in the school barn is filling up with some great plans for 2024. Some of our favorites are to ride new horses, to learn more about horse care, and to not let emotions get in the way of a good ride.

Put your resolution on the board the next time you’re at the barn!

 

The lesson horses HAVE made their resolutions for the new year!

Some of the most entertaining are:

Pumpkin has resolved to do something wrong. He never has, and is looking forward to seeing what it feels like.

Bee has resolved to learn to stop and stand quietly when asked.

Hooper has resolved to conquer his fear of ‘over the head’ clothing.

What will yours be?

 

 

Try On Your Show Clothes!

January is a great time to make sure you haven’t grown out of your clothes. You’ll have plenty of time to arrange alterations, or to get new clothing.

While you’re at it, January is a wonderful time to re-stock your caboodle! Make sure your hair bows or accessories match your clothes for 2024, and that you have plenty of supplies for whatever the season may bring.

 

 

Yup, that's the big outdoor ring doubling as an ice rink in 2017.

Be Grateful for Heat.

As you walk through the chute on the way to your lesson, be grateful for the toasty heat that keeps us all warm. The unheated chute is a very short journey between the heated school barn and the heated arena.

And there are NO FLIES!

 

 

Become Better Acquainted With the Newest Lesson Horses!

Big beautiful Earl came to Knollwood late last summer, and is a wonderful addition.  This big gray quarter horse is a bareback riding dream, and is already teaching beginner lessons. Did we mention that he’s beautiful?

Beautiful ‘Mr. Mulligan Knows Things’ is a Saddlebred who was being rehabbed after a rescue situation. Thanks to great detective work by Nicki Duerr, we know that his real name is An American Soldier, and that he’s 19.

He’s working with experienced riders, and is working on pattern skills with Scott and Carol’s riders.

Mulligan is happy as can be, and is going to be a great addition to the lesson horse library.

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2022 ASHBA Academy Aweard winners.

Photo credit: Hanna Agathen

 

Renew your association memberships!

Show season starts in April, so you can dream of spring while updating your memberships for 2024.

All academy team riders should join the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association to be included in their ‘Academy Award’ program.

Every time you enter the ring, you earn 1 point. If you earn a ribbon for 2^nd place through 8^th, you receive an additional point. If you win a class, you receiver 2 additional points.

If you accumulate 15 points between September 1, 2023 and September 1, 2024, you’ll earn an academy award from the association.

And yes, Fall 2023 points from IASPHA and UPHA Fall are included in your 20241 point totals.

You can join the national organization online here.

 

 

 

 

The  Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association runs 3 shows we attend at Beyond Stable Farm. If you’re participating in any of the IASPHA shows, you can join, or renew your membership online.

 

 

 

 

The American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin runs both the Summerfun show at State Fair Park in July, and the Summer Showcase event at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds in August. If you plan on participating in either of these show, you can join the organization online.

Your instructor is happy to help you figure which organizations to join, and can help with the forms to be sure you're nominated to earn points towards end of the season awards.

And don't forget to renew your Knollwood Knockout membership!

 

 

 

Welcome a New Rider.

We’ve started 2 Welcome to Knollwood sessions this month, and our first mini camp of 2024 is coming up on Sunday, January 28.

Please reach out and welcome our newest riders. It means a lot to them and to their families to feel welcome. The barn can be a little overwhelming to new riders, and you can make them at ease with a word or two of welcome and encouragement.

Heck, you can volunteer to help at a mini camp, too!

 

What’s Coming Up?

 Camp Sign Up for Enrolled Riders

Begins February 1

Riders currently enrolled in our lesson program can sign up for summer riding school sessions starting on February 1. Our popular show prep weeks are back, as are Tiny Tot camps.

Be sure to talk to your instructor to see which camp is right for you!

Remember, camp fees are non-refundable.

 

 

Academy In-House Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 10

11:00 AM– 2:00 PM

All of our new academy riders are invited to shop the Knollwood show clothing collection. Our veteran academy team has an assortment of outgrown show outfits. Experienced show moms will be available for personal shopping, and Jodi will be in attendance with her ties and accessories. She’s the queen of show bling!

Veterans, if you have outgrown show clothes to sell, please have them to the barn by February 3, and label them with your name, cell phone #, approximate size, and the price.

 

 

Jelly Bean Jods Ordering for 2024!

February 12 – 29

It’s time to get your special Knollwood edition Jelly Bean Jods!

We’re offering the navy jods with tan knee patches and Knollwood embroidery along the bottom of the right leg.

Size samples will be available, and the great things about these jods are that they can be altered BEFORE you get them! You can lengthen or shorten, and take the waist in or out so they come to you ready to go.

The order will go in on March 1.

 

 

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 24

9:30 AM – 1:00?

Trish is coming to measure for custom vests and shirts, and to fit alterations. Please talk to Ann is you’d like to book an appointment.

 

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

Merrill Hills Country Club

Saturday, February 24

6:00

It’s time for the event of the season.

All members and their families are invited to join our annual celebration of all things Knollwood.

This evening has it all:

Friends!!!

Social Time

Dinner

Awards

Horse of the Year reveal

State of the Farm address by Scott

Treasurer Report by the one and only Susan

Slide show

Dancing

Invitations will in the mail shortly, and we hope you can all join the fun.

 

Reminder:

Country Club dress code is in effect.

No denim of any kind.

Mens shirts must have collars, and be tucked in.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our champions in style!

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 16

6:00 PM

All of our academy showing families are invited to join us for an informative evening to start the season.

Scott will share his tricks for tying the perfect tie know for small riders.

Magician Katrina will teach the ‘Carol approved’ show bun, and will help everyone understand the art of age appropriate makeup for young riders in the show ring.

Of course, we’ll have snacks!

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first academy show of the season!

 

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

Our first in-barn academy show of 2024!

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

We hope everyone had a holiday season full of good food, many gatherings of family and friends, and time to relax and enjoy the time away from work and school.

Team Knollwood is already gearing up and looking forward to another year of adventures.

Here’s a brief list of all the fun things coming up.

 

 

Private Shopping Night with Midwest Saddleseat Consignment

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

January 5

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Looking to update your show outfit for 2024? Or are you looking for a totally new look?

Let Jen and her team help you find great clothing and accessories. She stocks several lines of jods that are great for academy riders, and she’s a pro at finding the perfect fit.

Carol and Ann will be there to assist, and you’ll get to shop with your Knollwood friends before the sale opens to the public on Saturday.

 

 

2024 Knollwood Camp Becomes Available

February 1

If you’re currently enrolled in our lesson program, February 1 marks the opening day of Summer Riding School date selection.

These week long immersions into horses are the highlights of the summer, and we offer several levels of camps to fit every rider.

Please talk to your instructor to see which weeks might be right for you.

These camps become available to the public on March 1, so be sure to grab your spot, as they fill up quickly!

 

 

In-House Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 10

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Do you have academy clothing at home that your star has outgrown? You can bring clean used show clothes to us before February 3 and we’ll offer it at our sale. All sale items should be marked with an approximate size, the seller’s name and cell #, and the price of the item(s).

Buyers, this is a perfect opportunity to find pieces for the upcoming show season! We’ll have experienced show moms as personal shoppers who can help with coordinating looks, checking for fit, and helping to make sure you have everything you need.

As a bonus, Jodi will be in attendance with her fantastic ties, and accessories!

 

 

Academy Tailor Appointments

Saturday, February 24

9:30  AM – Noon?

Trish is coming!

If you’d like a custom vest and/or shirt, or need alterations on any show apparel, we’re setting up appointments now for measuring appointments.

 

 

Knockout Banquet

Saturday, February 24

Merrill Hills Country Club

It’s the event of the season!

All Knockouts and their families are invited to join friends as we celebrate all things Knollwood.

The Knockout officers and board, along with party planner extraordinaire Susan have quite an event in store for you!

They’ve planned dinner, speeches about the year of the Knockouts, Scott will deliver his always entertaining ‘State of the Farm’ address, and riders will be celebrated with high point awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn academy shows.

The school horse of the year winner will be announced, we’ll enjoy the 2024 slideshow, and then members can dance the night away with a DJ.

Invitations will be mailed to all Knockouts during January. Please make sure that the Knockouts have your current address so your invitation gets to you!

And a friendly reminder that country club dress code is in effect. This means:

No denim of any kind.

Men’s shirts must have collars, and be tucked in.

 

Please help us celebrate in style at our year end banquet!

 

 

Academy Kick Off Night

Saturday, March 16

6:00 PM

Show Barn Lounge

All 2024 academy team riders and parents are invited to a fun evening to start the season.

Scott will join us so we can all learn his perfect tie knot. While he enjoys helping us with his tie tying abilities, even Scott can’t be everywhere at once. SO, bring a tie and have some fun learning from the master!

Karina will join us to show everyone how to make the perfect, Carol approved bun for the show ring. She’ll also share her talent of applying makeup for young riders so they look polished in the ring with age appropriate make up.

Of course, snacks will be provided.

 

 

First Academy Show of 2024

IASPHA Spring

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Woo Hoo! We can hardly wait!

We’re heading to one of our favorite shows, and our favorite academy show venue to kick off the season. We’ll be there to learn and have tons of fun adventures. We hope you can come and cheer us on!

 

 

First In Barn Show of 2024

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

We’re planning a weekend of horse showing, and celebrating the horse show moms who make it all possible.

 

We’ll follow the traditional format of:

Friday night, patterns inside

Saturday, WTC, WT riders 11 and up, and Premier WT riders. All showing in the big outdoor ring!

Sunday, Leadline, Maiden WT riders, and 10 and under WT riders in the little outdoor ring.

Of course, Saturday and Sunday are a tad weather dependent, so we may have to adjust times if rain comes our way. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

 

Other things we’re thrilled about?

13 riders making their debut in the academy division!

Leighton learning her way through the 10 and under Walk and Trot Equitation with Prince

New riders leasing horses in the show barn.

Watching Izzy grow up. But not too much bigger!

Knollwood Summer 2024. There's nothing better.

Our fantastic families that make up Team Knollwood. 

2024 is going to be grand!

 

 

 

See you at the barn.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 has been a year of adventures, accomplishments, friendships, laughter, and teamwork.

Here, in no particular order, are our favorite stories from the year. Please feel free to add your own in the comments!

 

 The Return of Halloween on Horseback

After an absence of a few years, we brought back the craziness of costuming horses. The sold out event was a blast, and was impressive in a couple of ways. The design and execution of the costumes were beyond creative, and we were reminded once again just how much our lesson horses will put up with!

Seeing Hooper transformed into a Hula Dancer, and the always patient Pumpkin changed into a pumpkin spice latte with a barista aboard made the evening non-stop entertainment.

We owe great thanks to the special group of Knockouts who assisted with costume execution and kept the evening of games on horseback fun for all the riders.

 Scott’s Lesson

At the Fall 2022 Knollwood Show, Knockouts were able to bid for the chance to give Scott a riding lesson. It was so popular with friends from throughout Scott’s career that we had to limit the bidding to current Knollwood Kids.

An all star group of Scott’s riders pitched in $450 for the right to ‘teach’ a lesson to the master. Shelby, Richie, and Brooklyn banded together to create a lesson plan for the event.

Those who wished to audit the lesson paid their tuition for the right, and all fees went directly to the Knockouts. Yes, people paid to watch this.

The teaching panel brought Murphy to the arena along with Scott’s helmet for the lesson.

The lesson plan quickly went out the window.

Scott was that adult student that instructors dread. He asked a million questions to test his teachers, but he couldn’t rattle the panel, as all three of the teachers have learned from Scott.

While Scott acted like he had no idea what to do, and Murphy looked  like he might have a mental breakdown, the instructors remained calm and perhaps a bit sarcastic.

Of course, the lesson ended with Scott riding intricate patterns and offering advice to his instructors.

The Knockouts are looking forward to doing something similar next year. Who has ideas for an experiential auction prize?

 The Performance Riders Were Stars

Knollwood’s performance show riders kept getting better and better throughout the season.

 

Margit and Charlie trotted and racked their way through the season with wins at Madison, Summerfun, and Mane Event.

She also showed big, handsome Robert in the show pleasure division. Margit and her charismatic Robert, who rarely makes a mistake, were in the ribbons at every show they attended.

 

Finn and Jade are a pair of fierce ladies in the amateur 5 gaited division. This is arguably the toughest division out there, and Finn and Jade fought their way into the ribbons. Heck, they even earned ribbons at the Kansas City Royal in the 5 Gaited Amateur 5 Gaited National Championship.

 

Tori and beautiful Stella  continued to make a splash in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure division. This stunning bay mare and Tori are a great match, and they earned ribbons throughout the season at Louisville, FASH, and Summerfun to name a few. She accomplished all this during her first year at college!

 

 

Alexa and Joe were a duo to watch in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure division. Calm Alexa and ramped up Joe are a great match, and enjoyed great success in 2023.

This team  earned wins at FASH, Summerfun, and the Monarch Championship Show. They were in the ribbons at the big shows, including Louisville and the Royal!

 

Lifelong exhibitor Tancy enjoyed a great season with her expressive three gaited mare Mia. With good ribbons all season, Tancy and Mia finished their season with a win in the Amateur three gaited stake at Mane Event!

The Honkamps had quite a season. Kerry was busy showing the one and only Henry in show pleasure classes to great success.

Kerry also had the pleasure of showing Uno while her niece Tatum was out with a basketball injury. Lucky Kerry!

 

Tatum was able to return to the show ring in the fall to show her show pleasure horse, Hershey.

 

Knollwood Kid Tess joined the ranks of show riders this year, and looks fabulous in a suit.

Tess has been fortunate to gain experience on several horses this season, and is looking forward to a grand 2024!

 

 

 

Senior Equitation Stars

Knollwood’s Senior Equitation riders rode a heck of a season.

Maiya and Riddle enjoyed a successful first year in the senior division. These two were in the ribbons all season, and were very successful in the pleasure equitation national finals.

Maiya and ‘Rescue Riddle’ rode to the silver medal in the Senior Pleasure Equitation Olympics, and won the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final for senior riders.

It’s quite an accomplishment for a 14 year old!

 

 

Mia has a very zen way of being around horses, and Thaylee doesn’t own a zen bone in her body. The match is perfect.

Mia and wild woman Thaylee have become quite an equitation team in 2023, with great performances earning wins at Mid America Signature, and Reserve Equitation Championships at the Monarch National Championship and at Mid America Mane Event.

 

Natalie has always wanted to be an equitation rider, and spent her offseason working really hard.

She worked through many three lesson a day Saturdays, lunge lessons, and riding every chance she could.

She and Mariah became a team, and earned many good ribbons in deep company, including winning the Pleasure Equitation Championship at Summerfun.

Natalie worked super hard to win the Horsemanship Challenge at Summerfun as well. She had to ride horses new to her and compete against others while exhibiting their show skills.

Natalie rocked it, and received the trophy from last year’s winner, Richie.

 

 

 

Payton and Gigi were meant for each other. The fiery mare and the dynamic cowgirl in a riding suit present a picture you can’t take your eyes away from.

While they both had days when things didn’t click quite right, when it did click at the end of the season, they were glorious.

Payton and Gigi were 5^th in the USEF Medal National Final, were 4^th in the Good Hands National Final, and were reserve national champs in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Final.

 

 

Richie is a horseman.

You may remember Richie working with the great Leila, who always had opinions about everything. He took what he learned from the queen and applied the lessons to his new horse Doc.

As with everything involving horses, Richie’s season didn’t move in a straight line.

Doc turned up lame on the way to the ring in Louisville and a trainer friend offered a horse so Richie could qualify for the championship. On a horse he’d never ridden, and who had just finished a class, Richie pulled off a 5^th place ribbon to qualify.

Doc needed some more time, and couldn’t compete in the championship, and Brooklyn’s family offered Gamora to Richie. Still an equitation work in progress at the senior level, Gamora and Richie were up for the challenge.

Then she pitched a shoe in the ring.

After searching and searching, the shoe couldn’t be found. Richie rode in the World’s Grand Championship of Senior equitation on a horse graciously shared with him, and who was only wearing a pad on one front.

Richie made the workout, and displayed pure horsemanship to work through a difficult workout and exit the ring with an 8^th place ribbon.

In addition to his Louisville horsemanship demo, Richie and Doc  finished 8^th in the USEF Medal Final, 3^rd in the UPHA Challenge Cup Senior Final, and won the Good Hands National Final.

He will also travel to South Africa in January, 2025 to represent the US at the Saddleseat World Cup.

 

New Lesson Horses

2023 brought us two new wonderful lesson horses.

Earl is a beautiful, HUGE gray quarter horse who we have named Earl Grey.

He is calm as can be, gets along with all the boys in the pasture, and is pretty perfect.

 

Mulligan is an approximately 19 year old registered Saddlebred that a Minnesota trainer rescued from a kill pen in Kansas.

Thanks to great detective work by Nikki Duerr, we now know that his registered name is An American Soldier. He’s getting stronger every day, loves his new life, is addicted to mints, and adores everyone he meets.

 

A Knockout Year to Remember

The Knockouts have been busy, really busy.

The annual banquet was held at a new venue last year. Merrill Hills welcomed the group, and the party was grand.

Members enjoyed a trip to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club to learn a new sport, adopted two families for the holidays, and held a super successful food drive in May.

The Knockouts donated many, many food kits to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and enjoyed the Knollwood Olympics to celebrate the accomplishment.

Club members elected new board members at their holiday party, and are currently voting for School Horse of the Year. The winner will be announced at the banquet.

Not yet a member? We’d love to have you!

 

Knollwood Summer 2023 

There's no better time to be a Knollwood Kid than in the summer. No school, long sunny days spent with the horses, riding at camp, immersion in pattern camps, horse shows, and helping with camps. What could be better?

Knollwood Summer 2023 featured sold out camps from Tiny Tot Camps to advanced pattern camps.

Kids rode bareback, played games on horseback, learned many many things about horses, and improved their riding skills.

We can hardly wait for Knollwood Summer 2024!

 

Junior Equitation Riders Rule

Wow.

Our 13 and under equitation riders earned their rewards for the hard work they have put in.

Amelia, Brooklyn, Maddie, and Shaye made Team Knollwood proud over and over again.

At the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final, Shaye and Teddy finished first, Brooklyn and Gamora were second, Amelia and Garfield were third, and Maddie and Eva were 4^th.

At the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final, Shaye was the champion, Brooklyn was reserve, and Maddie was 4^th.

At the Pleasure Olympics,  Shaye was the gold medal winner, Brooklyn took home the silver, and Maddie earned the bronze medal.

These ladies are great competitors and teammates, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

 

 

 

Academy Show Fun

Yup, we traveled to eleven academy shows, and what a time we had.

In addition to learning countless lessons about sportsmanship and competition, we enjoyed every minute.

We held a beautiful kitten for ransom, but returned him after the owner laughed at our $10,000 ransom note! We also fashioned a bib for Nacho so he wouldn’t eat his reins, we hugged inflatable unicorns, and even ate tacos in the warm up ring while mounted.

We also learned a lot about horses and ourselves, made friends from other barns, and learned the importance of good sportsmanship for all.

We can hardly wait to kick off the 2024 season, and introduce nine new riders to the joys of academy showing.

 

Izzy Joins the Matton Family

Scott and Carol adopted a beautiful boxer mix puppy in the fall, and named her Izzy. Currently in training with the one and only Hazel Belle Boxer Matton, Izzy is currently learning how to be a lovely dog.

She’s a gem.

 

 

All of Team Knollwood enjoyed a fun filled, action packed 2023, and we’re so grateful to our friends and customers who joined us for the ride.

Here’s to an even better 2024. Is that even possible?

 

Almost everyone around the world celebrates a holiday this time of year that includes gift giving.

Let’s think about the gifts that horses give us 365 days a year:

 

 

Horses Give us Calmness.

 After a trying day at school, at work, or with life in general, all you have to do is walk into the barn and inhale. You’ll feel the stress start to leave your body. If you’re lucky enough to hug a horse, you’ll feel your entire body relax.

 

 

Horses Give us Laughs.

After you watch horses for any length of time, you realize that some horses are goofs.

Baxter likes to tighten the tabs on zip strips, the late great lesson horse Tony used to use tools such as corn stalks and stray buckets to chase his friends in the pasture, and Bilbo likes to exit the arena in slow motion when he thinks no one is looking.

These big animals can act like 4^th grade boys in the pasture, and give us hours of amusement.

 

 

Horses Give us Interaction With Another Animal.

Many horses enjoy time with their people as much as we like our time with them.

Whether it’s getting a horse ready to ride, giving a thorough spa treatment, cooling your horse down after a lesson, or just spending quality time in a stall, the hours go quickly.

You can try to find your horse’s favorite scratching spot, brush your horse until he shines, or just talk to him. They answer, you know they do.

 

Horses Give us Exercise.

As anyone who’s ridden for any length of time knows, riding a horse is physically and mentally challenging. The living breathing creature you’re riding has a mind of his own, and a strong body as well.

Learning to ride is a long, challenging process, and it keeps us fit and alert.

Did someone say chores?

Dumping buckets, throwing hay, pushing wheelbarrows to outside pastures, cleaning up after horses, and feeding horses all involve lots of physical activity as well.

They’re good for us!

 

Horses Give us Life Long Friends

Horses gives us friends with a built in common interest. When things aren’t great at school, work, or at home, you can walk into the barn and immediately talk about horses.

Time spent working with and riding horses develops strong friendships. You ride together, take care of horses together, enjoy summer camp together, and show with and against each other.

Many of these friendships last through college and into adulthood. Horses unite people.

 

Horses Give us Compassion.

Spending time with horses develops our compassion as we see them on good and bad days. Sometimes horses are ill, sometimes they are lame, and sometimes they’re laid up for a time.

They require our care as they age as well. As horse people, we learn to care for them in good times, and to help them through rough times and through the aging process.

 

 

Horses Give us Joy For a Lifetime.

With riders aged three to 70+ at Knollwood, you can see the joy in the eyes of everyone who walks into the barn and inhales.

While you’ll enjoy horses in different ways throughout a lifetime, these beautiful animals will bring joy whether you’re actively competing, just starting out, or admire them from the ground.`

 

 

So, this holiday season, be sure to thank the horses who make your life more joyful:

Hug a horse.

Kiss a snout.

Give an extra thorough spa treatment.

Share a big carrot.

Tell a horse how much they mean to you.

 

You won’t regret it.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Knollwood Purchases are 10% off through December 31.

You can purchase online using promo code HOLIDAY2024, or you can purchase through your instructor or admin. We’re happy to help.

The polls are open through December 31 for the School Horse of the Year election!

Just pay your 2024 Knockout dues to receive a ballot. Richmond is our poll watcher, and has actually stopped a case of voter fraud on Tuesday. (In all fairness, the Knockout member said she'd already voted, but we like to help RIchmond with his self esteem, so credit to him.)

 

 

Holiday Closures

Knollwood will be quiet on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 so the staff can enjoy the holidays with their families.

All enrolled lessons will be credited to your account.

 

 

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment Trunk Show

January 5, 7-9 PM

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

 

 

In-House Academy Consignment Sale

Saturday, February 10

11:00 AM

All academy riders are invited to consign their outgrown show clothes to the sale. Please tag your items with your name, approximate size of item, price, and a cell # for contact. Please have your consigned items to Lisa by February 3.

Shoppers, please visit the sale in the show barn lounge on Saturday, February 10. We’ll have experienced academy moms to help, and Jodi will be there with her fantastic accessories and ties.

 

Academy Tailor Visits

Saturday, February 24

Starting at 9:30 AM

If you’re interested in having a custom shirt or vest made, or if you’d like some alterations done to your show outfit, Trish will be coming to us on the 24^th. We’re setting up 30 minute appointments for measurements.

 

 

Knollwood Knockout Award Banquet

Merrill Hills

All Knockouts are invited to join the celebration of all things Knollwood at Merrill Hills.

Who can resist social time, dinner, awards, Scott’s ‘State of the Farm’ address, a slide show, and dancing the night away?

Invitations will go out to all current members in January.

Reminder, country club dress code is in effect.                                                                                                                                               You won’t want to miss it!

 

 

 

 

Jelly Bean Jods for Spring 2024

Orders February 10-24

We’re ordering everyone’s favorite Knollwood jods! It’s your chance to order the navy jods with tan knee patches, and our logo embroidered on the bottom of the leg.

The jods will be ready for the May Knollwood show!

 

 

 

Academy Kick Off Night

March 16 at 6:00 PM

All academy riders and parents are invited to join us for a social evening in the lounge.

Scott will share his necktie skills, and share his ‘perfect’ horse show knot. Be sure to bring a tie to join the fun.

Karina will be on-hand to show us how to create the perfect horse show bun, and how to create an age appropriate makeup look for young show riders.

Of course, we’ll provide refreshments and appetizers for everyone.

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Woodstock, Illinois

Our first academy show of the season!

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your 2024 Knockout officers and board members.

The Knollwood Knockouts have been around for 27 years, and their members have been contributing to the farm and the community the entire time. They’ve been having a lot of fun, too.

The Knockouts' mission statement is ‘To support equitation, horsemanship, and friendships through service to others.'

Read on to learn more about how they fulfill their mission.

 

Friendships

Joining the Knollwood Knockouts immediately brings riders into a group of horse-loving kids. Having friends at the barn creates a place where members can immerse themselves in horses, and escape the tension of school.

Knollwood Knockouts always have something to talk about at the farm, and it’s almost always horses.

Many of these barn friendships last through college and beyond. Knollwood  Knockouts always come back to the farm.

 

Horses

Knollwood Knockouts are immersed in horses and Knollwood.

The club runs three in-barn shows at the farm, staffing the concession stand, the gift baskets, and countless other tasks.

Many Knockouts also serve as helpers in the barn on busy lesson days. These young mentors help new riders learn about horses by example and in more structured situations such as running with beginner riders.

 

Leadership Opportunities

The Knollwood Knockouts are run by current Knollwood riders. The officers are elected at the annual holiday party, and serve one year terms.

The club has two co-presidents, a chairman of the board, and four board members, and all are elected positions.

These young leaders organize events, run the events, and work tirelessly to get Knollwood Kids involved in their club.

Officers address the crowd at the banquet, and run the club meetings throughout the year.

 

Knockouts provide service to others in many ways.

In addition to managing the in-barn shows, the Knockouts keep the farm neighborhood tidy by staffing two street cleanups a year. Members split into teams and, with parents assistance, they head out and enjoy a day outside while helping their neighbors.

The Knockouts host an annual car wash at the Piggly Wiggly in Hartland, and run the brat shack during the afternoon. Members band together to wash cars and sell brats and burgers while having a blast, and maybe getting a little wet.

The Knockouts hold an annual food drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County each spring.  Knollwood Kids collect food kits from their families, friends, and neighbors. Each rider that collects a minimum of five food kits earns the privilege of competing in the Knollwood Olympics.

On a Saturday in May, the Olympians gather to compete on teams based on the day of the week the members ride.

The teams compete in games of ‘skill,’ such as the helmet toss, the blind buggy race, blanket race, and fun events that we make up each year.

This event helps the Food Pantry at a time when their stocks run low, and their demand goes up when children don’t receive lunch at school. We’ve been a proud supporter for of the food pantry for 14 years.

 

Each Holiday season, the Knockouts adopt two families in need. Riders donate gifts from family wish lists, and the club gathers to wrap the gifts and celebrate the holiday season. Knockout officers then deliver the gifts to the families to make their holidays a little more cheerful.

 

Money from these fundraisers supports local groups in need. We’ve sent veterans on the Honor Flight, supported the American Heart Association, Lifestriders, Breast Cancer research, and several horsemen who have endured barn fires and tornado damage to their farms.

The Knockouts also sponsor academy classes at several local shows to promote the growth of academy.

In addition to donations to charitable causes, the Knockout fundraising also supports outings for members and the club’s annual awards banquet.

In 2023, club members enjoyed a trip across the street to the Kettle Moraine Curling Club where they enjoyed a lesson from the friendly members.

In previous years, Knockouts have played mini golf, enjoyed water parks, and trips to the Summerfun horse show. You just never know what fun events club officers will dream up!

 

Each February, the club members change out of their barn clothing and gather at Merrill Hills for their awards banquet.

All members, from leadline stars to National and World titleholders gather to celebrate all things Knollwood.

The club offers awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn show divisions, presents a slide show review of the year, listens to speeches from club officers, our adult treasurer, and Scott’s always entertaining ‘State of the Farm’ address.

The club partially subsidizes the cost of the banquet to make it affordable for families to attend.

To keep events like this possible,  all members are required to complete two hours of club service during the year. These service hours can be helping at a Knollwood show, working a shift at the car wash, helping with a street clean up, or assisting at any Knockout event.

The Knollwood Knockouts have earned awards from Saddlebred Rescue, and are the only youth club to have their name represented at the American Saddlebred Horse Museum in Lexington as recognition of their good works and support of the breed.

 

How Can You Help?

Parents

We need your help. Many of these events require adult assistance with organization and/or execution, as the officers are still in high school.

We’re looking for parents who would like to mentor these wonderful kids before and at the events. You won’t regret time spent with these fantastic Knockouts.

You can volunteer at the concession stand at Knollwood shows, help get the gift baskets put together, help get the show set up, help count food kits for the Olympics, take a shift at the car wash, lead a team at the street clean up, attend a meeting and offer suggestions, or provide any of your talents to help the members be successful.

If you own a business, please consider sponsoring our concession stand at a Knollwood show. We provide signage and recognition at the show, including announcements, stickers on drink cups, and social media shout outs. Please talk to Ann or super admin Lisa for more details.

 

Riders

Your $5 Knockout membership is a ticket to becoming more involved in Knollwood.

You’ll meet great friends, receive an invitation to the holiday party and the banquet, and earn the right to vote for club officers and the school horse of the year.

You’ll help your neighbors in need, enjoy more time at the farm, and earn points towards high points awards.

 We’re proud of all the Knockouts have achieved, and we’d love for all Knollwood Kids to be a part of the experience.

 

What’s Coming Up?

Through December 31

10% off all purchases

The best gift of all is 10% off all things Knollwood. You can prepay your enrollment fees, or give a gift certificate to a new rider at a discount.

You can purchase online using promo code HOLIDAY2024, or talk to your instructor or admin who will be happy to run the transaction for you.

 

 

School Horse of the Year election continues!

Remember to pay your 2024 Knockout dues to receive a ballot for the big election.

Fred, Jelly, Leon, Pumpkin, and Thomas all survived tough primary battles in their respective parties to make it to the general election.

Every vote counts, and Richmond is our experienced poll watcher when he’s not out killing mice or sleeping on a heated bed.

 

January

Banquet invitations will be mailed to all Knockout members.

The banquet is Saturday, February 24.

 

January 5

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment Private Shopping Event

7-9 PM

Hilton Garden Inn, Oconomowoc

It’s a great place to start your 2024 show shopping, and it’s just for Team Knollwood.

 

February

In house camp enrollment throughout the month. Don’t miss your chance to sign up before we announce camp dates to the public in March.

We’ll send camp dates to current customers in January.

 

 

February 10

In house academy consignment sale

10:00 AM

Bring your outgrown academy attire to the school barn by February 7 marked with your name and cell #, as well as the item’s price and size.

Jodi will be there to accessorize your look to make it your own.

 

February 24

Academy Tailor Appointments

The fabulous Trish will be in the show barn lounge starting at 9:30 AM to measure for custom shirts and vests, and to fit current clothing for alterations.

Jodi will be there with her wonderful bling and ties as well.

Please talk to Ann if you’d like an appointment to create a new look, or to alter your current one.

 

Knollwood Knockouts Banquet

The Legends at Merrill Hills

It’s banquet time!

Join your friends and their families for the party of the season.

You’ll enjoy social time, dinner, awards, speeches, the annual slide show, and a DJ to dance the night away.

No one wants to miss this!

Remember, the country club dress code is in effect.

No denim of any kind.

Men’s shirts must have collars and be tucked in.

Thank you for celebrating in style and in code.

 

 

Academy Prep Fun Night

March 23

6:00 PM

Join us in the show barn lounge with Knollwood mom and master stylist Karina to learn to create the perfect bun, and to learn tips and tricks for appropriate make up for young riders.

As an added bonus, Scott will be joining us to teach the perfect tie knot for small riders.

Of course, refreshments will be served.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 13-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first academy show of the season!

 

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agagthen Photography

 

 

See you at the barn!