Thanks so much for all the questions. We appreciate you wanting to know more about horses and Knollwood.

Please always feel free to come to your instructor or any staff member with any questions you may have.  We love sharing these wonderful animals with you.

 

Will lessons be held outside when it warms up?

Yes! We’re fortunate to have 2 outdoor rings to choose from.

The smaller arena is perfect for riders new to the sport. It’s small, close to the barn, and pretty sheltered from the road, thanks to the trees along Horseshoe Bend.

We hold summer riding school and our Sunday horse show performances out here as well.

 

Our big outdoor ring is best suited for our more experienced riders. It’s BIG, has pastures on both sides, and is close enough to Oakwood Road that traffic noises can get pretty loud.

We use the arena for experienced riders who can keep their horses tuned in so the distractions don’t present a problem.

It’s perfect for our Saturday horse show performances when we let the classes get big.

Pattern campers have also renamed the arena ‘Patternland’ for its wide open spaces. Learning patterns on the beautiful green grass can’t be beat.

 

 

 

 

What are the Knockouts, and how does my child get involved?

The Knollwood Knockouts are our youth group which is a member of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder Association’s youth foundation.

One of the oldest youth groups in the country, the Knockouts have been around for more than 25 years. The club performs service for neighbors in need, and for the horse industry. They also run the concession stand at Knollwood shows.

All of our riders are welcome to join the group for only $5 a year.

The group is gearing up for Knollwood’s annual food drive, starting on May 10. They’re collecting food for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County at a time of year when the pantry runs low on stock.

The Knockouts have been helping the pantry since 2000, and we have been averaging a little over 1000 pounds of food in the last few years.

Every Knollwood Kid who collects a minimum of 5 food kits is eligible to join a team for the Knollwood Olympics on June 10. The games are funny takes on Olympic sports, and it’s a hoot to watch.

The Olympics start at 6:00, and the Knockouts are making a day of it with their semi-annual Street Clean Up taking place at 1:00 on the 10^th as well.

In addition to the spring events, the Knockouts hold a car wash in July, a holiday party in December, and an awards banquet in February.

 

 

Where do you get your school horses?

Wherever we can find grand souls.

With the popularity of riding growing since Covid, it’s become increasingly difficult to find lesson horses. Luckily, we have lots of eyes out there always looking for the next great one.

We’re fortunate to have several horses who were born on the farm and didn’t want to become show horses. This group includes Dexter, Hooper, Hugo, and Vaughn.

 

We’re fortunate to have friends who run lesson programs and sometimes sell extra horses that aren’t being used. We have Jelly and Poppy from Sammy Jo, and Bilbo from a small program near Rockford.

We’re fortunate that Scott and Carol are well connected and are always on the lookout for fresh faces. Perfect Pumpkin and Dear Sweet Leon came to us through this route.

We had a wonderful horse dealer who found us some of the greats, like Fred, Picasso, and Sparky.

 

 

 

Why do riders learn patterns?

Ah, you’ve noticed that we love patterns.

Patterns teach a rider many, many skills. Knollwood Kids learn to steer evenly, keep their horses pushing from the back end, and to maintain their horse's alignment while working. Of course, these kids also learn mental organization while remembering the pattern, resilience because it’s a long process to learn it all, and confidence after getting a horse through the whole thing.

Being a competition based lesson program, we want our riders to keep progressing in their skills. Patterns are a wonderful way to learn more about horses and ourselves.

 

 

I love watching the show horses work. Is there a show nearby that I could attend?

We consider the ASAW Summerfun to be our ‘home show.’ This year, the show will be held at Wisconsin State Fair Park from July 13-16.

Team Knollwood will be there with many show horses and our academy riders.

Please come to the show, and please stop by our barn aisle to say hello!

 

 

Why don’t all of the lesson horses have shoes?

For the work they do in the conditions they do, most of the lesson horses are better off without shoes.

Some of the horses need shoes to keep them comfortable, and Scott makes sure they’re working their best. It’s an art and a science.

Lesson horses will only have shoes on in the front, as they go outside for recess, and frequently kick at each other while playing. To minimize injuries, no back shoes are allowed.

The show horses wear shoes and pads of different types and weights to keep them sound and balanced. We are lucky to have a another fabulous farrier who comes out regularly to take care of most of them, while Scott shoes some ‘in his spare time.’

 

I never know what’s going on at Knollwood. What’s the best way to find out?

The best way is to come in for your rider’s lesson. Most days of the week have an office admin in the lounge who’s happy to fill you in.

We post news items on the bulletin board in the school barn, and in the show barn lounge. Your instructor can fill you in after lessons as well.

THE BEST way to stay informed is to sign up for email delivery of the weekly blog. We’re not legally allowed to add to our mailing list without your consent, but please tell your instructor or office admin if you’d like to receive news directly to your inbox.

 

Knollwood Spring Show Updates

We're pleased to announce that Hartland Family Chiropractic will once again sponsor our concession stand. Great thanks for their continued support!

Our bright green show shirts will all be short sleeved. If it’s chilly on show weekend, please feel free to wear long sleeved shirts underneath.

We’ve brought back class sponsorships for the show. Forms will be ready on Sunday, and all proceeds go directly to the Knockouts. You pan pay your $25 fee with cash or a check made out to The Knollwood Knockouts.

We’re thrilled to announce Bridget Ward as the judge for our spring show. Bridget is an experienced instructor, and we’re looking forward to spending the weekend with her.

 

 

What’s coming up?

 

Academy Palooza

May 5-6

 

Show Prep Classes

May 6

4:00 Walk Trot Pattern Class Inside

5:00 Walk Trot Practice in the Big Outdoor

The academy team will be at Palooza, but the home instructors will be hosting a walk and trot pattern practice class inside at 4:00, and a walk trot practice for riders 11 and up in the big outdoor.

Sign up soon in the school barn. Classes are $45 each and will be billed to your IClass Pro account.

 

 

 

 

Food Drive Starts

May 10, runs through June 3

 

 

 

FASH Show

May 11-14, St Paul, MN

 

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

 

 

 

 

Madison Classic

May 25-28

Academy Classes May 27

 

 

Memorial Day

May 29

No lessons, will be rescheduled

 

 

 

Prairie State Classic

June 3-4

 

 

 

 

 See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!

 

 

Team Knollwood just returned from our first academy show of the season, and we had a grand time.

The Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association (IASPHA) puts on some of the best shows around. They offer classes for everyone at their spring, summer, and fall shows.

The hospitality can’t be beat, with parties and free food through the weekend.

They give back to the industry in big ways, too. Huntoon Stables suffered storm damage to their roof a few weeks back, so IASPHA raised $3000 through a ‘Chuck a Duck’ promotion which also generated additional donations.

The facility, Beyond Stable Farm, is top notch as well. It’s immaculate, the staff is friendly and responsive, and they have a heart, too. They’re currently housing horses for the Huntoons until a new roof is in place.

Thanks to everyone who made it a great weekend of horse showing.

Knollwood had some excellent adventures!

 

Yay For the Grown-Ups

We had four adult competitors in the 18 and over academy division. Ranging from 18 year old Emilie who joined the adult division for the first time to some riders who are much more experienced at being adult riders, and they all rode well.  While competing fiercely, these riders seem to have a well developed sense of humor and perspective. There were lots of laughs.

 

Yay for the Rookie Canterers

Hannah, Jilly, and Stella all moved up into the walk, trot, and canter division for the 2023 season. Starting out again as rookies in a new division can be humbling, but it also presents a good opportunity to appreciate progress, and practice good sportsmanship.

 

Yay for Friends

Sublime Stables found themselves short a horse on Sunday, so we lent them Leon for their 6 year old rookie rider. Dani fell in love with Leon, and rode confidently on the one and only Keep the Change, Sir.

Sammy has helped Knollwood out many times in the past, and we were happy to be able to help her out this time.

Yay for Nacho!

Home grown Nacho, officially known as Trust Fund Blues, is making a name for himself. He's outgrown his bratty kid phase, and is now a very handsome, pretty well behaved chap.

Last weekend, Jules showed him in the highly competitive academy division, winning both of her equitation classes.

At the Saturday evening performace, Mary showed him in the Single Bit championship, and earned reserve championship honors.

The future is very, very bright for our Nacho!

 

Yay for Our Walk Trot Stars

We may have only brought three walk and trot riders to this show, but what a trio they were! Kali moved into the tough 9-10 year old division with great success. She and Thomas floated through some really deep classes to great ribbons.

Dilly? She and Sport were a perfect match in energy and charisma.

They had an adventurous victory pass when a garage door was opened right as they were approaching. Calm Dilly settled Sport down before continuing down the rail. We don’t think Dill’s butt moved in the saddle during the whole thing, and the pictures are great!

Rags showed away from home for the first time ever, and was a rockstar. Showing in the ‘all ages’ Green classes, Rags was easily the youngest rider in the arena. She and Baxter competed as if they owned the place, and ended up winning three classes while finishing second to older sister Dilly in the pattern class.

It was a terrific debut, and we can’t wait to watch Rags continue to progress!

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Bring a Friend Day

Saturday, April 29 at 5:30 PM

Knollwood Kids who can groom and tack their own horse are invited to bring a friend to the barn and show their friend why they love horses so much.

Riders will prep their horses with their friend, and then help their friend with a group lesson, and help their friend take care of their horse after the lesson.

The fun is only $45, and you can sign up in the school barn.

 

Academy Palooza

 

May 5-6

Our Academy Team is headed back to Beyond Stable Farm for an all-academy show. We’ll compete Friday night and Saturday morning.

Please come down and cheer us on!

 

 

FASH Spring Show

May 11-14

The Knollwood show horses are off to St Paul for their first show of the season. It looks like it’s going to be a deep, deep competition. Anyone up for a road trip?

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

Show weekend is shaping up to be a great event.

Pattern classes and Knollwood Challenge qualifiers will all be on Friday evening with walk trot and canter classes as well as 11 and over and Premier walk trot classes taking place on Saturday. Our 10 and under walk and trot stars as well as leadliners and maiden riders will show on Sunday in the little outdoor ring.

 

• Patterns for the show are out! Your instructor will start working with you this week.

• Gift basket sign up is looking good. Please check out the basket needs in the school barn.

• You can volunteer a number of ways HERE.

• Please consider sponsoring a class for only $25. Maybe sponsor more than one!?

 

Food Drive Starts!

May 10

The food barrels from the Food Pantry of Waukesha County will be up and ready for your donations. Every Knollwood Kid who has five food kits donated can join an Olympic team for the fun events on June 10.  Donations are due June 3.

 

Upcoming School Horse Birthdays

April 25 Hugo

May 6    Murphy

May 7   Nacho

May 11 Duke

May 16 Dexter

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn or at the in-gate!

 

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

The Easter Bunny has appeared, the grass is greening up, and the barn doors are open!

We’re out of Wisconsin hibernation, and the questions have been pouring in.

We know that the horse world can be confusing, and we really appreciate your questions.

Let’s take a few minutes to answer your new batch of queries.

 

Why don’t all the small riders learn on ponies?

While we all adore Pony Frank, he is an unusual pony. Frank is patient, and follows even the tiniest rider’s directions. Most of the time.

Many ponies have minds of their own, and are, shall we say, sassy?

 

Because of their short legs, ponies take really little strides, making posting tough for our newest, smallest riders.

You just can’t beat the beautiful jog trots of Sparky, Bilbo, Fred, and Hugo. They trot like equine metronomes, allowing even the tiniest of riders to get the posting rhythm.

Their soft mouths make steering a breeze for our small riders, and their brains are absolutely trustworthy.

 

Are there any openings for Summer Riding School?

Not many.

We have a few spots in our new 3 day session from July 5-7. This shorter session is designed for new riders and will offer a good base for riders new to Knollwood.

If you have any friends who’d like to try riding for a few days, please let them know about this special session. It’s only $450, and it can be purchased online or by calling the school barn.

 

 

Why do some horses shy at the show barn or screen doors?

Horses see really differently than we do.

With their eyes on the sides of their heads, and being animals of prey, horses ‘see’ the world very differently than we do.

As riders progress in their education, it’s important that they progress with their horse teachers. These quirks teach the rider how a horse thinks, and how to help the horse pay attention to the rider instead of the perceived danger.

Riders learn quickly that the door can look fine for 10 passes, but on the 11^th a door might be scary. Or, the horse might see something shiny on the ground, or there might be light coming from behind a door, or someone might drop some light colored shavings on the ground…

You get it, if it’s different, horses might think it’s a concern. Riding is a mental activity as well as a physical one, and our horses are pros at teaching riders the way through a horse,s brain.

The reward is true teamwork.

 

 

The rider in my house just turned 10. When can they become a helper?

Becoming a Knollwood helper is a privilege earned, and it requires much more than being 10 years old.

Helpers are, under supervision, responsible for grooming and tacking horses for lessons, running with beginners, performing barn chores, and representing Knollwood to customers and fellow workers.

If your rider wants to be a helper, talk to their instructor and make arrangements to come early and learn to prep your own horse for lessons. Then be sure you leave time to take care of your horse after lessons. Prep and aftercare will take a minimum of 30 minutes each.

It really helps if the helper hopeful attends summer riding school where the Knollwood Kids learn all about horse care with lots of chance to practice skills.

While we don’t have any currently scheduled,  Brenda runs helper training sessions throughout the year. We’re currently well staffed for helpers and are not looking to add to our roster.

We’re proud of our helper crew. If you’d like to help in the future, take great care of your lesson horse, offer to help others, and be kind to everyone you meet.

 

 

Why do some horses wear boots or wraps on their legs? Are they hurt?

Horses wear leg protection for a couple of reasons, but rest assured these horses aren’t injured.

Some of our horses have been horses for a while, and they’ve had some injuries in their past, or need some support because they’re not put together perfectly. You’ll see polo wraps on these horses to prevent aggravating old injuries, or to support aging muscles.

As you know, our horses and instructors love to teach patterns. When riders are learning, turns can sometimes be a little, shall we say, less than perfect. Many of our pattern teachers wear boots to prevent legs hitting each other while guiding the newest show ring stars.

 

 

Do you ever lease horses so my child can always ride the same horse?

No.

We keep a large string of lesson horses so our riders always have a challenge awaiting them.  Our focus is on progression of skills. We want our riders to learn from as many of our horses as possible as they improve their riding.

Even our show horse customers who own their own horses ride the lesson horses during weekly lessons to keep progressing.

 

 

 

 

Saddlebreds are so pretty. Why aren’t all of the lesson horses saddlebreds?

The first reason is simple: Supply and demand.

We’re always on the lookout for more horses like Hugo, Thomas, and Dear, Sweet, Leon.  Unfortunately, they’re really hard to find.

Other breeds of horses fulfill important roles in our lesson program.

Sparky and Bilbo and the other beginner lesson horses possess a really slow trot, and an unflappable temperament that is special to them.

Pony Frank makes even the smallest rider feel comfortable.

Superman Pumpkin teaches riders to stay back in the saddle and keep a horse’s head up like no one else.

Picasso and Jelly can carry large adults.

While we love saddlebreds, we love all of our lesson horses and appreciate all they do for our riders.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-14

We’re off to show season 2023!

Come visit and cheer us on at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois.

 

Hugo’s Birthday

April 25

Come wish Hugo a happy 16^th birthday!

 

Bring a Friend Day

April 29

Have you always wanted to show a friend why you love riding so much?

You can help your friend get a lesson horse ready, and then be their helper for a group lesson.

Participants are required to take care of their horse both before and after the lesson.

It’s only $45, please sign up in the school barn lounge. Payment will be billed to your ICP account.

 

 

Academy Palooza

May 5-6

Our academy horses and riders are back to Woodstock for the UPHA Spring show.

Please consider a road trip to hang out and cheer us on!

 

 

Food Drive 2023

Starts May 10

Start bringing your food kits for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and earn a coveted spot on a Knollwood Olympic team.

Just collect a minimum of 5 food kits, and you’re eligible for the games on June 10. Donations are due June 3.

 

 

FASH Horse Show

May 11-14

St Paul, Minnesota

The show horses are off!

Knollwood will make their 2023 show debut with many of its stars traveling to St Paul.

Who’s up for a road trip?

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

Our lesson program stars will take over the arenas to show off their progress made in the off season.

We’re looking forward to a fabulous weekend of friends, new adventures, and the best lesson horses in the world.

It takes a medium sized volunteer army to pull off a 3 day show.

Please consider donating to a gift basket in the school barn.

                                  OR

Please consider sponsoring a class or 2

                                  OR

Please consider volunteering some of your time here.

 

Our in barn shows are the biggest fundraisers of the season for the Knockouts, and are the major source of funding for the annual awards banquet. Your support is so appreciated.

 

 

Photo by Hanna Agathen

May School Horse Birthdays

  May 6  Murphy

  May 7  Nacho

  May 11 Duke

  May 16 Dexter

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

 

 

 

 

Progress.

Sometimes, you have to stake a step back to realize the progress you’ve made. 

 

So, we were working on horse assignments for our spring academy show, and were struck by the amount of progress made over our off-season.

Sometimes, we get caught up in our day-to day schedules and don’t see how quickly riders are progressing.

Riders work hard in their lessons each week, and often don't realize how much they've learned over a few months.

Let’s take a minute and appreciate how hard we all worked during the off season, and how much progress has been made.

Each rider is working at their speed on their own path, and that’s showing in our upcoming May show.

The Friday night pattern classes are the biggest they’ve been, because we’ve been starting kids on patterns younger and younger. Did you know our trusty beginner steeds Sparky and Fred trot a mean serpentine?  Hafflingers Bilbo and Jelly are catching up quickly, too.

Many of our walk and trot riders from last season are entering the walk, trot, and canter division in May. Our 10 and under walk trot, and canter division has grown to eight fierce competitors.

Our Saturday show is larger than ever, even with several former academy stars stepping up to the show horse world.

Congrats to Maddie, and Tess!

Our 10 and under walk and trot riders? They’re rocking diagonal pick ups, arena positioning, transitions, and sportsmanship.

 

 

As we start the 2023 show season, let’s all  take a minute to appreciate the hard work and progress during the winter.

Remember struggling with a concept?

Remember all the group lessons without stirrups?

And the groups when you played games and forgot that you had no stirrups?

The struggles, frustrations, hot horses, and breakthroughs were all worth it. 

When in doubt, take a step back.

Let’s have a fantastic season.

 

 

 

 

News?

Assignments for the May show will go up Friday or Saturday.

Would you like to sponsor a class? We’ll read your message to the crowd - once it makes it past our censors! ;-)  It’s only $25, and helps to support the show.

 

Parents Night Out

This Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

You can sign up and pay in the school barn lounge until Thursday.

 

We’re closed on Easter Sunday.

Your instructor will set up a makeup lesson.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

Show season is starting April 14 at the IASPHA Spring Show

Come cheer us on at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock!

 

Hugo’s Birthday is April 25

This homegrown treasure turns 16 this year.

Would you trust him to drive?

 

Academy Palooza

May 5-6

Join us at Beyond Stable Farm for a fun academy show. The performances are a little different, with riders showing Friday night and Saturday.

 

Murphy turns 11 on May 6.

 

 

 

Nacho turns 6 on May  7^th.

 

 

FASH Show

May 11-14

The show horses are headed to St Paul, MN for their first show of 2023. It’s going to be a killer of a show with competition galore. Anyone up for a road trip?

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 12-14

It’s all coming together, and we can hardly wait.

Be sure to save some time to help with the grand event. If you’re short of time, please consider donating items to the concession stand, or sponsoring a class or two.

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

Spring may finally be on its way to Knollwood after last week’s snowstorm!

While many Knollwood have been out of town for spring break to such exciting places as Hawaii, Florida, and Italy, we’ve been gearing up for the 2023 show season and beyond. Here are a few things that have been on our radar.

 

 

We’re excited to be an official affiliate of Freedman Harness. Our favorite supplier of training equipment for horses and riders has provided a link to our website! Whether you’re buying stirrups, jods, or even a saddle, you can use this link.

Please be sure to talk to your instructor before buying saddles so you get the one that’s best for you. Luckily, we have lots of Freedman saddles in the barn, so you can test ride in several styles and sizes to assure the most perfect equipment for your situation.

 

 

 

The Knockouts have been busy, and are getting ready for some exciting events in the future. 

The group went curling across the street at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club last weekend, and a great time was had by all. Great thanks to the members of the curling club who made it a wonderful experience for the Knockouts.

 

Our annual food drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County will be here before you know it. Starting on May 10, you can bring your food kits to the show barn lounge where we’ll have collection bins set up.

To support the team of your choice, just purchase the items in a food kit, and place them in a bag with the Knockout member's name and day of the week team you’d like to support.

 

We’ll be collecting food through June 3. Knockout members who have a minimum of 5 food kits donated in their name will be put on an Olympic team to compete at the Knollwood Games on June 10. The event will start at 6:00, and all are welcome to attend.

The Knockouts are making a day of it on June 10, with their spring street clean up starting at 1:00 that afternoon. 

 

Apparel reminders:

After three months of enrollment, all riders older than 6 are required to come to their lessons wearing the correct riding apparel above.

 Make sure to have tie downs on your jods or riding leggings. We have clip and button tie downs available for sale if you forget yours. Proper attire is part of riding well, and it’s hard to have a good ride with your pants up around your knees.

Long hair should be pulled off your face before your lesson to ensure good vision, and to prevent helmet straps getting caught in your hair.

 

 

Let’s face it, the world is a little crazy right now.

We never know what another person is going through in their life, so please remember to be kind to everyone you meet, especially at the barn. We are fortunate to have horses in our lives, and Knollwood should be a sanctuary from daily struggles. As we all know, horses are wonderful bright spots in our lives.

So next time you’re at the barn or at a show, compliment someone on their ride, or on their shirt, or on their friendship. Congratulate someone on a new horse, a graduation, a new show outfit, or any of a million of other things.

Please, if you encounter someone being unkind, let your instructor or another adult know, and it will be addressed. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and appreciated at the farm.

 

 

Coming Up?

Entries for the Spring Knollwood Show are due April 1.

Parents Night Out is coming up fast on Saturday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00. Please sign up and pay for the event in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Our first show of the season, the IASPHA Spring Show is coming up April 14-16  at Beyond Stable Farm. Please make the trip and cheer on Team Knollwood!

Academy Palooza will also be at Beyond Stable Farm on May 5-6. This Friday and Saturday show features lots of academy riders, and is really friendly to newer academy riders. Come and watch!

 

The Knockouts’ annual drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County starts on May 10. We’ll be accepting food kit donations through June 3.

 

 

The show horses will be headed to St Paul MN for the FASH Show May 11-14. Knollwood will be there with big numbers, and lots of new show teams.

 

 

The car wash date has been set! Join us at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly on Sunday, July 23 while the Knockouts wash cars and man the brat stand. You won’t want to miss this entertaining fundraiser.

 

 

 

See you at the barn.