Spring break season is upon us, and many, many Knollwood Kids are on their way to warmer destinations.

Travel plans are also being made around the round bales at night. The school horses work hard every day, and several of them are dreaming about spring break destinations. Here’s what we know:

 

Bee would like a spa weekend to relax and be waited on. She’d like to be rid of her winter coat, and maybe have some highlights in her mane.

Bilbo and Jelly would like to travel to their native land of Austria to check out their ancestors. Maybe they’d be welcomed with a family reunion of Hafflingers?

Fred would like to go to Gulf Shores, Alabama to lie on the beach. Of course, he’d make side trips to local restaurants for the ‘all you care to eat’ buffets, and to Biloxi for the casinos and nightlife.

Maybe he'd even bring Margit, his cat friend.

Leon would travel to the far east where he would meditate with monks to maintain his serene state of mind.

Pony Frank would enroll in magic school so he could find new ways to escape from his stall.

Poppy would like to travel to New Jersey to spend time at the shore with her soul mates. They’d hit the bars and nightlife.

Thomas would like a week at a spa so he could relax and catch up on his reading.

Being a simple man, Vaughn would simply like to sleep. Anywhere. Anytime.

Mulligan would like a staycation to enjoy his new best life. He’s making great progress in his new home, and is loving every minute.

Sport would like to get access to a good gym so he can work on his canter start speed, and maybe a little spin work.

Nacho will do some service time with juvenile offenders to give back to his community.

 

 

Wherever you're off to in the next few weeks, please keep us informed of your travel schedule.

If you’re going away, please consider packing some Woodwear, and taking a photo in your location so we can share spring break memories on social media.

 

What’s Coming Up?

March 29

Show Entries Due

Knollwood jacket orders due

 

 

March 31

Closed for Easter Sunday

Your instructor will be in contact to arrange a makeup.

 

 

April 6

Parent’s Night Out

 

 

April 11-13

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

First show of 2024 for the show horses

 

 

April 13-14

IASPHA Spring Show

Our first academy show of the season

 

May 3-4

Academy Palooza

 

 

 

May 10

Food Drive starts for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County

 

 

May 10-12

Knollwood Spring Show

 

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn!

We can hardly wait for our May show!

Being a competition based riding program, Team Knollwood places a high value on the lessons learned at horse shows.

We offer three in-barn shows each year so that even our newest students can enjoy the  lessons and camaraderie of entry level competition.

We encourage every rider in our lesson program to participate in the show, and to volunteer some time to support the Knollwood Knockouts who run all the fesrivities.

 

Here are a few of the reasons why we love in-barn showing.

 

 

Learning

Showing a horse offers countless opportunities for learning.

If offers riders the chance to practice all the lesson skills they’re leaning in a new situation. Our in-barn shows provide a predictable show with only our horses and our riders in our own arenas.

Students showing are familiar and comfortable in their home arenas so they can concentrate on using their skills.

Riders can practice spacing, diagonals, and body position in a fun environment.

 

 

Not only are riders learning technical skills, they’re also learning and practicing good sportsmanship.

One of our favorite sayings is  ‘It’s not the ribbon, it’s the ride.’

Riders make a ton of progress at these shows as they get to show multiple times in a day, and they get feedback to improve.

Ribbons are lovely, but not everyone can win, nor should they. Our riders learn to congratulate and cheer for everyone.

 

 

Confidence

Showing builds confidence.

Anyone who rides a horse into a show ring should be applauded for their bravery. These kids (and grownups) are controlling a big animal with it's own thoughts and feelings.

They’ll steer their horse in traffic, look for their correct diagonal, and will try their best to maintain proper position at the same time. It’s really impressive.

Show riders are supported by a legion of instructors and ‘personal assistants’ to make sure the experience runs smoothly.

 

 

Friendships

In-barn shows allow all of Team Knollwood to be together at the same time. Show participants connect with both old and new friends, and spend hours cheering on fellow Knollwood kids.

 

Fun

Let’s face it, horse shows are fun.

Between time showing, time helping in the concession stand with friends, and cheering everyone on during the show, these are three of the best weekends of the year.

 

 

Minimal Investment

Competitors at our in-barn shows wear their lesson attire, and they get a show shirt to keep. This spring, riders will be in royal blue long sleeve tees.

Riders will receive a back number to wear for the show, and they can purchase number magnets at the barn.

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Do you have spring break travel plans? Please keep us informed if you’re going to be away, and please bring your Woodwear on vacation so you can send us a pic to post!

 

 

Academy Kick Off Night

March 16

Our academy night is going to be a whopper. It looks like we’ll have about 50 people joining us to learn from Scott, Karina, and Hanna.

Please bring a tie to practice with. We’ll have extras if you forget!

 

 

 

     

Knollwood Show Entries and Jacket Orders Due    

March 29

Entries are due for the Knollwood Spring Show on May 10-12

Jacket ordes are due as well.

 

 

Happy Easter

March 31

All lessons will be rescheduled.

 

 

 

Parents Night Out

April 6

Join the Knockout officers and board members for dinner and barn fun.

It’s only $25!

 

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 11-13

St Louis, MO

The first show of 2024 for Knollwood's show horses.

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-13

Woodstock, Illinois

Our first academy show of 2024!

 

 

Street Clean Up

April 27

1:30

Join the Knockouts as we clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the spring. Stay for the Knockout meeting following!

 

 

Academy Palooza

May 3-4

Woodstock, IL

Join us for this fun, friendly academy show on a Friday night and Saturday morning.

 

 

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

We can hardly wait.

 

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

The off season has been anything but quiet for Team Knollwood.

Show horses are working on final prep for the season, vet work is finishing up, association memberships are pouring in, and lessons are rocking on all levels.

It's time to catch up on all the happenings around world headquarters ...

 

Knollwood was fortunate to welcome Hall of Fame trainer and instructor Lynda Freseth last weekend for a pre-season clinic. Our show barn riders enjoyed the opportunity to ride a school horse group lesson, a show horse lesson, and a show horse group lesson under Lynda’s watchful eye.

The show horse groups were a sight.

The 'home show' featured a 13 and under equitation class, a 14-17 equitation class, and a 5 gaited class that was to die for.

A group of our most experienced academy riders got to join the fun on Sunday, too!

Lynda is a force of nature. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her teaching style is direct and friendly, and she loved the lesson horses. 

 

 

School Horse of the Year Pumpkin has enjoyed his newfound celebrity status. Dare we say this perfect lesson horse has been receiving even more mints than usual?

Several instructors were talking about what Pumpkin should do next in his spare time, now that he’s done campaigning.

We decided that with his almost perfect manners, (and we regretfully say almost perfect manners because Pumpkin has a habit of lying down after he's been groomed) Pumpkin should start a charm school for lesson horses. Previous ‘Horse of the Year’ winners Sparky and Baxter could join the faculty, and we’d have a really good thing, right?

We’re welcoming any and all ideas to make ‘Pumpkin’s School of Charm’ become a success.

If you haven’t already received your Pumpkin magnet, please pick one up at the front desk.

 

 

We’re  taking entries through March 29 for the Knollwood Spring show on May 10-12. We really do have classes for everyone, from walk only leadline to advanced classes for our most experienced riders.

Your instructor will help you determine which division is best for you, and will gladly help you with horse selection.

Size samples are available in the school barn lounge, too. We’ll be wearing royal blue long sleeved shirts.

 

 

It’s membership time for our academy team. Lisa has emailed all of our riders with links to the memberships you’ll need to join, based on what shows you’re attending.

Please feel free to reach out to Lisa or your instructor with any questions. We know that all the associations can sometimes sound like alphabet soup.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Through March 29

 

We’re ordering our ‘signature’ Knollwood navy jackets for spring show season. These classics are the perfect weight for evening shows, and are only $125.

They’re available in misses sizes XS – XL, and will be billed to your account. 

Please place your order in the school barn lounge.

 

 

Entries for the Knollwood spring show on May 10-12 are being taken through March 29.

We offer classes for all riders, from our walk only leadliners to our advanced academy stars competing in the Knollwood Challenge classes.

Please talk to your instructor to see which division is right for you.

You can pick up your entry and try on shirts in the school barn lounge. Entries will be billed in May.

We can hardly wait!

 

 

March 16

Academy Kick Off Meeting

All academy show families are welcome to join us in the show barn lounge for a fun get together. Scott will teach everyone how to tie the perfect knot for small riders while Karina will show how to create the perfect horse show bun. She’ll also offer guidance on makeup for young show riders.

Of course, refreshments will be served!

 

 

March 24

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

We have a  couple of openings for young horse lovers at our upcoming mini camp. Our tiny tots between the ages of 4 and 6 will learn safety, how to groom a horse, how to get their equipment on the horse, and will enjoy a riding lesson at 2:30 PM.

Each participant will have their very own personal assistant in addition to the instructor.

This mini camp is also great for our established tiny tot riders who may like some extra time with the horses. Best of all, it’s only $99.

Please sign up soon, as these spots will disappear soon!

 

 

April 11-13

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

St. Louis, MO

Knollwood’s first show for the show horses.

 

 

April 12-13

IASPHA Spring Show

Woodstock, IL

Our first out of barn academy show for 2024! We’re headed to Beyond Stable Farm for one of our favorite show series.

 

 

April 21

Mini Camp for riders aged 7 and up

Noon – 3:00 PM

We have a couple of spots left in this mini camp for riders aged 7 and up. The mini camp experience is a great beginning for new horse kids, and a fun chance for current riders to spend more time with the horses.

Please call quickly, as these spots will go fast at only $99.

 

 

April 24 – June 5

Welcome to Knollwood Session  

6:30 PM each Wednesday

It’s our last intro lesson session before we take a break for summer riding school season. If you have any friends who might enjoy our 8 week introductory session, please let us know.

Welcome to Knollwood is a terrific way to start learning about and riding horses.

We’ll start up again in September!

 

 

 

 

April 27

Knockouts’ Street Clean Up

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Our first service project of 2024 will be our neighborhood street clean up. Please join your fellow Knockouts as we clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for  spring. It’s a fun way to meet new friends, and to fulfill your club service hours.

 

 

 

May 3-4

Academy Palooza Show

Woodstock, IL

We’re back to Beyond Stable Farm for a wonderful Friday and Saturday academy show!

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn.

 

 

Team Knollwood cleans up well.

We all enjoyed gathering outside the barn last weekend, and what a time we had.

Thanks to party planner Susan and her team, this year’s banquet was the biggest yet, and I think we can safely say that a grand time was had by all.

Some highlights?

 

 

Richmond came.

After years of trying, Richmond finally gave in, and sent his doppelganger in his place. Stuffed Richmond spent social time in the bar, spent dinner and awards at a really fun table, and then hit the dance floor. 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin!!!

Pumpkin was named the 2023 Horse of the Year!

Representing the ‘Master of All Trades Party,’ Pumpkin won by many, many votes.

This beautiful Morgan/Connemara cross is a true gentleman, loves everyone, and is brilliant enough to teach riders of all levels.

He is well loved.

If you couldn’t make it to the banquet, please be sure to pick up your Pumpkin magnet at the barn!

 

 

Social Time

Parents had a chance to connect, and riders got to catch up with Knollwood Kids who are at the barn on different days. One of the most fun things about this Team Knollwood is seeing how many parents are connected through things beyond the barn, like schools, churches, and their professional orbits.

And the kids? There were some highly competitive ‘horse shows’ going on with ‘horses’ of all ages competing against each other.

 

 

Speeches

Susan’s treasury report always manages to be informative, yet entertaining. The Knockout officers recapped 2023 and introduced 2024 plans for all of us. Finally, Scott presented the ‘State of the Farm Address’ to bring us all up to date on 2024 happenings.

You can safely say that the room was pumped.

 

 

The Awards

Team Knollwood was proud to present 20 Academy Award winners from the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, Champion and Reserve Champion awards for both in-barn and out of barn academy riders, and overall high point awards to our top point winners.

 

 

Great thanks to the staff at The Legend at Merrill Hills for hosting our banquet. It takes a lot of work to manage an event of this size, and they did a wonderful job throughout the night.

Great thanks to Susan for all her planning and decorating to make sure everything was just right, and to Wendy for all her hours putting together the terrific slide show.

 

We are grateful to the entire team that surrounds Knollwood. 

We love what we do.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

 

Linda Freseth Clinic

We're thrilled to welcome Hall of Fame trainer and instructor Linda Freseth to Knollwood this weekend where she'll conduct a clinic for our show barn riders.

Instructors have arranged makeups for lessons on Friday and Saturday. Sunday lessons will continue in their regular schedule.

 

 Camp Opens to the Public!

Summer Riding School goes on sale to the public at 9:00 AM on Friday, March 1. Lisa will be manning the phone Friday morning to welcome new riders to our program.

Please invite your horse loving friends to join us for summer camp!

 

Spring Show Entries Begin Monday, March 4

 

Our spring show is coming up on May 10-12, and you can enter starting on Monday.

We’ve simplified the process, with only one entry blank, no matter when you show.

 

Our overall schedule remains the same:

All pattern classes and the KF Challenge qualifiers will be inside on Friday night.

All WTC classes, walk at trot classes for riders 11 and up, and premier walk trot classes will be on Saturday in the big outdoor ring.

Maiden walk trot, 10 and under walk trot, and leadline classes will on Sunday in the little outdoor ring.

 

Entries will close on March 29.

We can hardly wait!

 

 Academy Kick Off Night

March 16

6:00 PM

All academy show families are welcome to join us for a get together.

Scott will teach everyone the perfect tie knot for small riders.

Karina will teach us how to make the ‘Carol approved’ bun for the show ring, and will offer tips on make up for our young show riders.

E-vites will go out soon!

 

 

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

March 24

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

We have a few spots open if you know a 4-6 year old who’d love an introduction to horses AND a lesson.  It’s only $99 and tons of fun.

 

 Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 10-13

St. Louis, MO

The first show of the season for our show horses.

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

 

April 13-14

Our first academy show of 2024 and always one of our favorites!

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

It’s the week all of Team Knollwood has been waiting for. It’s banquet week.

The points have been tabulated, the prizes have arrived, and we’ve heard that the fashions will be exciting.

Have you ever wondered about what happens in the barn while we’re celebrating?

 

We suspect …

It will be party night in the school horse pasture.

We can envision Hugo running an illegal gambling operation behind a round bale where he’s taking bets on the School Horse of the Year election results.

Since the lesson day will end a little early on banquet day, we suspect that the horses will have time to play before dark out there, and then gather for their own party.

They’ll be reliving 2023 with stories…

  Bilbo will recount his skill of backing up the chute and waiting for an instructor to find him.

  Sparky will join in from the senior paddock and regale the youngsters with his best times of running into the barn so fast that he can’t make the turn into his stall.

 Earl will recount his new skills of cantering slowly, and the crowd of experienced cantering teachers will heckle him. A bit.

 

 

 Bee will chime in from the ladies paddock about her new found skills of playing games on horseback. We hope no one tells her that it’s the rider, not the horse who has to get the foot on the towel …

 

It’s party night for the box stall boys and girls in the barn.

 

Grand retirees Panic and Tink will tell the others what Freedom Hall is like. Again.

They’ll also tell the party goers about the people in their lives who still love them in retirement.

 

 

Mulligan will tell the others how much he loves his new home.

 

 

Everyone will make up ghost stories to tell Alex, and they all happen to take place in the arena.

Being young, Nacho will listen, and believe half of them.

 

 

 

And in the school barn lounge?

Richmond will retell his adventures of 2023. He'll put so much fear in the hearts of Emma and Margit that they won't leave the safety of the lounge for days.

And, of course, super sized Emma will complain that there’s not enough food at the party.

 

 

May we all have as much fun as the animals who make our days so enjoyable.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Last Chance!

This week is the last chance for our enrolled students to pick their week of camp before we open it to the public on March 1.

It’s also the last week to place your order for our signature Jelly Bean jods. They fit our young riders really well, and they’re perfect for Knollwood shows.

 

Show Barn Clinic

March 1-3

The show barn will be hosting a clinic with UPHA Hall of Fame member Linda Freseth the first weekend in March. Linda is a legendary trainer and instructor currently based in Kentucky.

If you ride on Fridays or Saturdays, your instructor will be in touch to schedule a make up lesson. Sunday’s schedule will run as usual.

 

Knollwood Show Entries Begin!

Monday March 4

You can pick up your entry form starting on March 4th, and entries will close on March 29th to ensure delivery of our show shirts.

 

Tiny Tot Mini Camp

Sunday, March 24

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Do you know of a young rider between the ages of 4 and 6 who would like to learn about horses and ride? Our mini camps are a perfect introduction where riders learn safety and horse care under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor and personal assistants.

The experience is $99. Please call to reserve your spot, or to learn more.

 

Bridlespur Charity Show

April 10-14

St. Louis, MO

First show of the season for Knollwood’s show horses

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 13-14

Our First Academy Show of 2024

 

Mini Camp for Riders 7 and Up

Sunday, April 21

Noon – 3:00 PM

It’s the perfect introduction to horses and riding in a safe environment. Enjoy time learning about safety, grooming, and getting a horse ready before a riding lesson at 2:30 PM.

This horse experience is only $99, and will be taught by our instructor Whitney.

 

Knollwood Spring Show

May 10-12

Our first in-barn show for 2024

 

 

See you at the barn!