The best lesson horses in the world had some inside days during the wacky weather last week, and used it productively, as expected.

The topic of conversation was 'What is your holiday wish?'. As you'll see as you read through their answers, some of the horses are brilliant, while others are, well, not.

In somewhat alphabetical order, here are the wishes of the horses who start the careers on many, many horse loving kids.

Bee is looking forward to sunny days and camp in the big outdoor ring.

Bilbo’s wish is to be as fit as fellow Hafflinger Jelly.

Always deep thinking Duke would like world peace.

Fred would like bigger round bales. It’s so hard to nap in the current ones while other horses are munching hay around you.

Hugo is asking for more tiny tot riders. They’re his favorite.

Jelly would like the pairs class to come back to the Knollwood show so he can showcase Hafflingers with his new friend Bilbo.

Leon would like everyone to stop calling him a unicorn, and just admit that he’s a Saddlebred.

Pony Frank would like smaller round bales. He’s tired of giant beds, and would like pony sized bales.

Mac asks, ‘What’s a wish?’

Marge would like to be in the middle of the arena. All the time.

Picasso wishes for more game days. Yahoo!

Pumpkin would like to do more lessons. He’s looking for a career in endurance.

Sparky wishes for nothing, his life is perfect.

Thomas wishes for unassigned stalls so he can choose where to go each day.

Vaughn just wants the scary holiday lights in the lounge to come down.

Baxter wishes for a worthy successor to ‘School Horse of the Year!’

Beau would like more academy walk trot adventures

Cashew would like more outdoor recess.

Eddie wishes for more pattern classes.

Hooper wants to make everyone’s life as pleasant as his, and would like front close clothes for everyone.

Klem is hoping for stock in the Taffy Town company so he can drive the price up by eating lots of their product.

Murphy would like to start a school horse beauty contest.

Sport wants to meet more new riders, and would like to join Klem’s investment plans. Anything for taffy.

 

What's Coming Up?

 

December 31

Last day to purchase lessons at 10% off

Last day to pay your 2023 dues and vote for School Horse of the Year

 

 

 

December 31 and January 1

We're closed for two days, and will not be holding lessons.

Accounts will be credited for the missed lessons.

 

Saturday, January 7

7 PM to 9 PM

Midwest Saddleseat Private Shopping Night

Jon us at the Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc to shop Jen's great selection of consignment show clothing before the shop opens to the public on January 8.

This event was originally scheduled for the 6th, and has moved to Saturday the 7th.

 

Saturday, February 4

11 AM to 2 PM

Knollwood Academy Clothing Sale

Come and shop Knollwood's own consignment sale in the show barn lounge. We'll have experienced show moms to help with selection and fit.

If you have show clothes that you've outgrown and would like to sell, please bring them on hangers with tags stating your name, phone, email, and the price you'd like for each item. 

Deadline for donations is January 28.

 

 

Saturday, February 11

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Academy Demo Night

Academy parents and riders, please join us for a fun filled evening of information and demonstrations. Some of our seasoned academy stars will showcase correct attire, show riding, and sportsmanship in the arena and beyond.

Sign up sheets will go up soon, so we have enough appetizers for everyone!

 

 

Saturday, February 18

6:30 PM

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

All Knockouts and their families are invited to join us at The Legend at Merrill Hills for an evening of all things Knollwood. 

Dinner, awards, meeting new officers and saying goodbye to last year's team, speeches, slideshow, dancing, and the announcement of 2022's school horse of the year make it a fantastic evening you won't want to miss.

Invitations will go out to all Knockout members shortly after the first of the year.

Not yet a member? We'd love to have you! Please talk to your instructor or office admin to join the fun.

 

 

Saturday, February 25

Times TBD

Academy Vest Measuring

Trish, our tailor, will be at the farm to measure riders for custom academy vests and shirts.

You can pick your fabric, and get measured for your custom look at your appointment. 

Please talk to Ann if you're interested in meeting with Trish for a custom shirt and/or vest.

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 14-15

Beyond Stable Farm

Our first show of the 2023 season!

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

 

 

Thank you for all the follow up questions this week after our Q and A blog last Wednesday.

Please keep the questions coming. We love what we do, and enjoy sharing the 'Why' of it all with horse lovers at Knollwood. 

 

Why do some horses wear shoes?

Most of our ‘outside’ lesson horses who enjoy time at the round bale each night don’t wear shoes because they just don’t need them. A couple of the boys need some extra protection or support, so they wear shoes on their front feet. It’s important that the ‘outside boys’ only wear front shoes, as they could hurt their playmates if they kicked out with shod back feet.

Most of our academy show level horses wear shoes of some sort to protect their feet and legs, or to help them with balance in their stride, or to correct a problem.

Shoeing is an art and a science, and we’re lucky to have master shoer Scott to take care of the lesson horses. If the lights are on in the small barn at night, you know it’s Scott shoeing away.

Someone also asked when Scott shoes horses. Anytime he can.

 

Why do the box stall horses get late hay at night?

In nature, horses are constantly grazing, thus keeping some food in their stomach. Horses today often spend lots of time inside, and can’t continually graze, leading to empty stomachs.

Horses are prone to stomach ulcers, and empty stomachs can lead to problems. The inside school horses get some hay before we close the barn at night to keep some food in their fragile digestive systems.

 

Why do the show horses often wear ‘those things over their eyes’ while working?

Great question.

Those are called blinkers, and they help to keep horses focused. When wearing these, the horse can see what’s in front of him, but he can’t see everything around him.

Because a horse’s eyes are on the side of their head, they have almost a panoramic view of the world. Blinkers help them pay attention to the rider or driver, and not be distracted by their friend across the arena, or what’s happening in the middle of the ring.

Horses always wear blinkers while driving. Without the aid, horses would think the cart was chasing them, leading to very bad consequences.

 

 

Who is the current school horse of the year?

It’s perfect Baxter, who’s officially known as A Champagne Toast. His Daddy, Heir to Champagne, was a world champion as was his mom, Lady Luck.

He’s the ultimate gentleman, loves his job, and really loves going to academy shows. He’s taught countless riders the joy of riding a Saddlebred, and as such, enjoys living in the corner office.

Please don’t vote for him in this year’s election! A horse can only win the title once in their lifetime, so Baxter and Sparky are ineligible.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite by December 31 when you renew your Knockout dues.

 

Why does Fred snore?

We suspect it might have something to do with his ample girth size.

 

 

 

Why do horses have their own bridles, but not their own saddles?

Each lesson horses has their own bridle because each one of the boys is unique. Their heads range in size from Pony Frank to Pumpkin, and the bits in their mouths vary a lot. Many of the horses have very soft mouths and enjoy smooth bits, while some of the more energetic horses need a little more help containing their enthusiasm, so their bits are a little different.

Each horse has his bridle designed just for him to help him work his best.

 

Saddles are based on a rider’s size, and they fit all horses. We’re generous with saddle pads to make sure horses are comfortable whether they’re sporting a park tiny tot saddle or a 22 incher.

Riders will outgrow saddles and move up to bigger sizes as they mature, too.

 

 

How many lives has Richmond used up?

At last count, everyone’s favorite yellow and white cat had used up three lives. We’ll have to check with his personal vet and medical record to be sure it’s correct.

 

 

Where do you find lesson horses?

Anywhere we can.

Many of our horses come from other lesson programs who have too many horses, or too many horses of the same level. Poppy, Sport, and Bilbo came to us this way.

Some horses come from keeping our eyes on instructor Facebook groups. Pumpkin and Leon came to us through instructor networking.

Some horses are actually born and bred Knollwood horses. Hugo, Dexter, Hooper, and Vaughn were all born at the farm and decided they had no interest in being show horses.

We’re fortunate to have these home grown  professionally started horses coming into our program, which allows the most advanced students to work on finishing these horses out for lesson use.

We’re always looking for good thinking horse teachers!

 

 

Was Hazel Belle Boxer Matton a model in a former life?

We were thinking the same thing. We're not sure how to verify her employment in former lives, but we're pretty sure she was the supermodel of her time.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Holiday Closures

We’ll be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

All lessons will be credited to your accounts.

 

 

Enrollment Sale Through 12/31

Current riders can prepay enrollment for any amount and receive 10% off their purchase. You can make your purchase on the website using promo code Holiday2023, or your instructor or office admin would be happy to help.

 

 

The Election Continues Thru 12/31!

Knockouts, be sure to pay your 2023 dues by December 31 to receive your ballot for the School Horse of the Year election. It’s a tight race right now, so be sure to cast your ballot.

 

 

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment

Friday, January 6 from 7-9 PM

Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc

Whether you’re looking for a complete outfit, or just want to change it up a little, please join our private shopping time on Friday night, January 6th before the sale opens to the public on Saturday.

 

 

In-House Academy Clothing Sale

Saturday, February 4

11 AM to 2 PM

Join us in the show barn lounge to shop Knollwood’s used clothing collection. We’ll have academy parents on hand to help with fit and outfit creation.

Have clothes you’ve outgrown at home? Please bring them to the farm by January 28.

We ask that they be on a hanger, and be tagged with your name, phone number, email, and price for each item.

 

 

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

Saturday, February 18

6:30 PM

The Legend at Merrill Hills

All Knockouts are invited to our first in-person banquet since 2020!

Awards, dinner, slide show, and dancing all in one night.

Invitations will go out at the beginning of January.

 

 

 

Academy Vest Measuring

Saturday, February 25

Time TBA

We’re so excited to be working with our tailor Trish for the 2023 season to create custom vests.

We’ll make appointments for vest measurement and fabric selection for custom vests and shirts.

Please talk to Ann if you’re interested in an appointment.

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 15-16, 2023

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock IL

Our first show of the season!

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

 

 

 

It’s question and answer blog day!

But first, let’s check in on the goings on at Knollwood …

The Knockouts hosted a festive holiday party last Saturday night. The messy weather didn’t stop 60+ Knockouts from running all over the farm on the annual scavenger hunt.

The pizza dinner from the Picnic Basket was....well, pretty much devoured before the campaign speeches and election for 2023 Knockout board members.

While the votes were tabulated, the 2022 Knockout officers ran a wild gift exchange with some really great gifts, including a beach towel with pics of Knollwood lesson horses.

 

When the election results were final, we announced the Knockout team for 2023.

Adrienne and Thea are co-presidents

Brooklyn is secretary.

Board members are:

Cecelia

Kali

Margit

Morgan

Taylor

Our fantastic 2022 team will officially pass leadership to the new team at the Knockout banquet on February 18.

Be sure to contact any officer or board member with ideas for Knockout activities or fundraisers for next year.

 

On to the questions!

We get lots of inquiries from students and their families about all things Knollwood. Many of the questions are pretty much universal, so let’s share some good information!

 

Why are some of the horses so difficult to keep going?

It's by design.

When riders are starting their education, they need slow steady horses and a header. Many of our beginner horses will trot along with the instructor alongside as riders learn to post the trot and steer. We hope you can admire the steady speed of the trot, which we sometimes refer to as the ‘metronome’ to allow the rookie to post consistently.

Once the rider is somewhat independent, it’s time to learn to keep the horse going on its own. Riding consists of both physical and mental work. Riders learn to listen to their horse’s movements and mannerisms to feel when their trusty steed is slowing down and needs a reminder to continue.

Riders learn persistence in keeping the professional starter model horses engaged with them and trotting around the arena while learning to trot, stop, and steer.

These horses are priceless, as they build skills and confidence to let riders advance to some of our more energetic teachers.

 

What are the jog carts used for?

They’re a vital part of our horse training operation.

Because Scott, Carol, and Lin work the show horses before regular lesson hours, many riding school customers never get to see jogging and other training activities.

Horses are driven for physical stamina, balance, and an overall workout without weight on their backs. The length and intensity of the workout depends on each individual horse, and where they are in their development.

It’s also a teaching tool, as all of our young horses spend countless driving hours before they’re ever ridden.

 

 

;p

Why does Richmond come into the arena?

We're not really sure, but our best guess is he thinks he runs the place.

 

 

Why do students ride bareback or in a saddle without their stirrups?

Strength.

Riding is a challenging sport in which you try to control a large animal’s thoughts and physical movements. The strength gained without stirrups is invaluable for a rider’s success.

 

 

How do Knollwood Kids become helpers in the lesson program?

First and foremost, take great care of your horse before and after your lessons. We look for riders who respect their horse every lesson and treat them like they would like to be treated. This means bathing and grooming after lessons in the summer, toweling and drying in the winter, and making sure your horse is perfect before you take his halter off and turn him loose.

We also look for riders who reach out and help other, less experienced riders who need assistance with their horses.

Most importantly, we look for riders who are kind to all of their barnmates.

 

 

Why do you have two Hafflinger horses for lessons?

We love Jelly, and when another of these wonderful souls became available, we snatched him up.

And, it confuses people to have two horses that look so much alike. It’s fun!

 

What is academy showing, and who’s eligible?

Academy showing is when we take our riders and lesson horses away from home to compete against riders in other professionally run lesson programs. We’re traveling to 11 shows this season in Wisconsin and Illinois, and we love it almost as much as the horses do.

Anyone who has competed in Knollwood shows is eligible.

Please talk to your instructor if you’d like to hear more about the process.

 

Why do some horses go out at night, and some live in box stalls?

Our tried and true beginner and advanced beginner horses go out at night. They live a great life of eating all the hay they’d like out there, although some horses like Fred also enjoy sleeping in the giant round bales. They boys also enjoy recess out there, chasing each other and playing on their hind legs.

All this activity helps them pay attention in their lessons.

The box stall horses are our academy horses who travel with us, are show barn lesson horses, or our retirees.

Our academy horses and retirees go out for recess during the day when the weather is good. Because the academy horses have a lighter lesson load and they don’t teach beginners, they don’t need as much time out.

 

 

Actually, what is an academy horse?

Simply put, academy horses are those who travel to shows with us. Our team is an incredible group of Saddlebreds and Morgans who teach our riders how to show.

Riders who have the privilege of riding these gents have committed to showing at the academy level and to learning the many lessons these souls have to teach.

Within the academy horse group, we have quite a breadth of different teachers, from Klem to Nacho. They’re all experienced in the show ring themselves, and do a wonderful job of teaching and challenging our academy rider team. They’re priceless.

 

 

Why does Klem talk to much?

He just has a lot to say. Oh, and the treats …

 

 

What are the Knollwood Knockouts?

They’re our award winning youth group, part of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association Youth Program.

They perform service projects, like adopting families for Christmas, hosting a big food drive each May, and cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads two times a year.

They have meetings at the farm, and run the concession stand at the in-barn shows, and host fundraisers for the club, such as our annual car wash at Piggly Wiggly in Hartland.

Parents Night Out, and fun outings like bowling and mini golf are all part of the fun.

Membership is only $5 a year for riders under 17, and is $10 for adults.

Members enjoy the holiday party free of charge, and receive an invitation to the annual awards banquet which is being held on Saturday, February 18.

Parent involvement is always welcomed, too!

 

 

 

Does Hazel love everyone in the world?

Yes, yes she does.  Especially little people.

 

Please keep your questions coming! We know some things about horses seem mysterious at first, but there are no secrets. We’d love to help you understand why we love doing what we do!

 

 

Coming Up?

Enrollment Sale

Through December 31

You can purchase any amount of lessons and receive 10% off. Your payment will be applied to your account.

New riders can purchase a gift card of any amount and receive 10% of their purchase using promo code Holiday2023 at checkout.

 

Horse of the Year Election

Through December 31

Knockouts, renew your membership for 2023 and receive a ballot to vote for 2022’s lesson horse of the year.

Not yet a member? We’d love to have you. Your instructor or office admin can help you join the fun.

 

 

Holiday Closures

December 24, 25, 31 and January 1

Knollwood will take a few days off for the holidays. We’ll credit accounts for the missed lessons.

 

 

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment

January 6 

Jen is coming to town with all of her consignment goods. Whether you’re looking for your first academy outfit, or are looking to update your look, it’s a great collection, and Jen offers fabulous customer service.

Jen will be set up at the Hilton Garden Inn at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc.

We have a private shopping session on Friday night, January 6 from 7-9 PM, before her store opens to the public on Saturday. 

 

 

Scott’s Lesson

January 28 at 6:00 PM

The winning bidders who paid $450 for the priviledge of giving Scott a riding lesson will offer their expertise on January 28 at 6:00 PM.

If you’d like to watch the extravaganza, we’re offering the chance to audit the lesson for $5 a person. All proceeds will benefit the Knockouts.

 

 

Knockout Banquet

February 18 at 6:30 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us at the Legend at Merrill Hills for our awards banquet.

Invitations will be mailed early in 2023.

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

February 15-16

Our first academy show of the 2023 season!

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

We recently looked at a roster of our lesson horses from way back in 2009, and we realized how fortunate we’ve been to work with such kind and memorable steeds. Many of them are no longer with us, but a few of the gems are still here and contributing to the future of the industry.

We’ve been reflecting about what makes these horses so special.

 

Lesson horses must like people, especially small ones.

Most of our new riders are between the ages of 4 and 12, so beginner horses will be spending a lot of time with wee ones. Gentle bits help these kind souls teach kids to steer and post while maintaining their metronome trot. In the stall, these people-loving souls enjoy small children brushing the parts they can reach, allow their small riders to tack them, and enjoy hugs. Lots of them.

 

These horses must be resilient.

In addition to beginner lessons, they’ll also be the first bareback horses for many of our riders. They’ll put their tiny trots to use teaching riders to stay in the middle as they build strength and confidence. They’ll carry little people and adults if they’re big enough.

Sometimes, they even get to play games with experienced riders, and are asked to do things out of their daily routine, like dress up as a clown for Halloween!

 

 

These horses must be kind and friendly.

These grand souls are usually a rider's introduction to Knollwood, and possibly to horses. Beginner horses must enjoy meeting new people and working with helpers right at their side.

 

 

These horses must be honest.

Beginner horses are incredibly predictable. While not perfect, we’re pretty sure what our lesson stars will do in most situations. Their focus frees them of original thought while working at their job.

 

 

 

 

What’s Important In An Academy Horse?

Our academy horses take our riders to competitions around the Midwest where they compete against riders from other professionally run lesson programs. These wonderful horses are Saddlebreds and Morgans, and LOVE their travel schedules.

Academy horses must be confident.

While teaching riders how to show, these horses must know the ropes. We have several entry level academy stars who can pretty much do a class on their own if a nervous rider forgets some skills. These boys have been there, done that, and enjoy every step at the show.

 

 

Academy horses must know their patterns.

Championship and pattern classes at shows require individual work, so the academy stars must be pros at circles, half circles, and straight lines. Most of our academy horses are pretty darn smart, and actualy enjoy the challenge of patterns as much as the riders do.

 

 

Academy horses must be great listeners.

Sometimes, show rings get loud. Really loud.

Our academy horses have to stay focused on their rider, no matter what’s going on in the ring, or what the noise level might be. Academy horses offer challenges. As riders advance their skills, we have the horse to meet them, and challenge them. Scott and Carol even have a separate set of lesson horses for riders who have advanced to riding with them, These horses have show horse minds, and will always challenge the strong, experienced, well taught rider.

 

 

 

What’s Not Important in A Lesson Horse?

Physical beauty 

Let’s face it, while we have some horses who could win a modeling contest, we also have some who are quite plain, and a couple who are almost funny looking. We’re looking for kind, patient solid horse citizens in whatever package that brain comes in.

 

Intelligence 

While some of our horses are equine geniuses, some of our horses have a hard time remembering what day it is, or that there are doors in the arena in the same place as yesterday. They don’t all have to make eye contact with the instructor before giving a rider the wrong lead like Klem does, they just have to be safe and kind.

 

 

A Specific Breed 

Yes, our academy level and above horses are all registered American Saddlebreds or Morgans. However, the roster of our tried and true beginner horses reads like a roster of horse breeds. Jelly and Bilbo are Hafflingers, Fred is a quarter horse, Pony Frank is a mixture of all the good ponies in the world, Pumpkin is half Morgan and half Connemara Pony, and Honey Bee is a Hackney Pony. Duke, Hugo, and Vaughn are saddlebreds, and many of the boys are mixes of various breeds. They’re all great characters who teach many people to enjoy horses.

 

 

Over the years, we’ve loved many, many great lesson horses. While you may not have ever met Indy, Brinkley, Dudley, Louie, Tony, Trigger or Zeus, they were all grand, and taught skills to many riders showing today.

We’re grateful for all the Knollwood lesson horses who have worked with us. They’ve all shared the same qualities that make our current roster so great.

Next time you’re at the barn, hug a lesson horse or two!

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Join us for the Knockout Holiday party and election.

This Saturday at 6:00 PM

Be sure to RSVP in the school barn lounge by Thursday!

And wear lots of layers for the scavenger hunt which goes ALL OVER the farm!

 

 

Holiday Off Days

We won't be teaching on December 24, 25, 31, or January 1.

These holiday lessons will be credited to your account.

 

 

 

The Sale!

Through December 31.

All purchases at Knollwood are 10% off through December 31 when you use promo code 'Holiday2023.'

Current customers will have their purchases applied directly to their account, and new friends can apply theirs to an entry to our program.

Please contact your instructor or an office admin if you'd like some assistance with your purchase.

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

Through December 31

Remember to renew your Knockout dues for 2023 to receive a ballot for the big election. The winner will be announced at the banquet on February 18.

 

Academy Demos and Meeting

February 11

Join us in the arena at 6:00 PM for demos from our academy stars, and more information about the upcoming season. All riders showing for the first time this season should attend.

 

 

Knollwood Knockouts Banquet

February 18

 Saturday, February 18

Join us for social hour at 6:30 PM at The Legend at Merrill Hills. Dinner is at 7:30 PM, and then we’ll have awards, speeches, a slide show, and dancing. Invitations will me mailed to all Knockout members early in 2023. Not yet a member? Please talk to your instructor or office admin to join the fun.

 

 

 

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 15-16

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock, IL

The first show of the 2023 season!!

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!!!

Team Knollwood just finished the 2022 show season, and what a time we had.

Our academy team stayed pretty close to home, and traveled to 11 shows from April to November.

Our show horses traveled far and wide from Louisville to Kansas City with lots of stops along the way.

We had a ball.

 

 

 

 

After a little time to relax, refuel, and get all the laundry done, we’re ready for the offseason.

As usual, we have big plans for the months ahead.

 

Master Ken of Knollwood has many, many plans for repairs and improvements as his continues his adventures of keeping the barns and everything around them looking fabulous. Is there anything Ken can’t do? We sure haven’t found it.

 

This is when Team Knollwood prepares for next year.

Off season is the time for Mattonizing. Scott,  Carol, and Lin will spend the home season getting some young show horses ready for their debuts next year, will equitate some horses, and will continue polishing and improving others.

It’s also time for the show team to teach on overdrive. Big progress is made when the travel schedule is light, and some of the lease horses are off lease until February or so. The ‘lesson library’ is enlarged for the show barn riders, and progress is amazing.

Always looking ahead, the show barn team is busy putting new combinations together, planning  new lease teams, and looking for horses. Of course, they’re selling horses, too!

 

On the Academy Side?

Our lessons continue pretty much non-stop. We’re always running introductory classes in addition to our daily private lessons.

We’re currently enjoying some fun times with games on horseback, and are looking forward to an off season of strengthening riders’ muscles and minds. The winter is full of patterns, learning new skills, and moving up the ladder of lesson horses. It’s an exciting time in the school barn, and we love it.

We’re preparing for next academy season by holding parent meetings with each of our showing families. Yup, we’re making plans for shows and setting goals for 2023 already.

 

We like to mix celebrations with accomplishment.

A week from now, The Knockouts are holding an election to select a new management team and board for 2023. Of course, this will take place at their holiday party, which Covid had eliminated for the past  2 years.

How great it’s going to be to see all the Knockouts running (and we mean running) around the farm on their team scavenger hunt before they settle into seats to enjoy a pizza dinner to listen to campaign speeches before they vote for Knockout board members.

 

The celebration continues in February as we all gather at the Legend at Merrill Hills for our first in-person banquet since 2019.  Everything we’ve loved about banquets at Bristlecone will be there, thanks to master party planner Susan.

A great buffet dinner, awards, words of wisdom from Scott and Susan, a slide show to relive the fun of 2022, and a DJ to dance the night away.

We hope everyone will join the celebration of all things Knollwood.

 

Please join us for our exciting off season when we progress in skills, strength, and try to improve our ability to communicate with our horses.

Rest assured, a few things will never waver. Our lesson horses will be living their best lives and getting fat over the winter, our show horses will live their best lives and remain real athletes, and Scott? He’ll be shoeing horses in all weather.

 

What’s Coming Up?

 

Gift Certificates are On Sale!

From now through December 31, you can purchase any amount of gift certificates and receive 10% off when you use promo code ‘Holiday2023’ at checkout on our website, WWW.KnollwoodFarmLTD.com

For riders currently enrolled in our program, your purchase will be applied directly to your account.

Of course, your instructor or office admin would be happy to help in person as well!

 

 

 

School Horse of the Year Election

Polls open December 1

All Knockout members are invited to renew their 2023 dues and receive a ballot to elect 2022’s school horse of the year.

The winner will be announced at the banquet in February with his own video, and each banquet attendee will receive gift marking the election result.

 

 

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

All Knockout members and families are invited to join the fun on Saturday, December 10 at 6:00.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge with a total number attending so we’re sure to order enough food for everyone.

Parents, you’re welcome to BYOB for the party.

If you’re not yet a member and would like to join, please contact your instructor or an office admin. We’d love to have you!

 

 

Holiday Celebrations

We will take a break from lessons on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

 

 

 

Academy Meeting Part 2

Saturday, February 11 at 6:00

New academy riders for 2023, please join us for an entertaining meeting including demo rides from some of our current academy stars. Current riders and their parents will be there to answer questions about our academy show program. Of course, refreshments will be available.

 

 

The Banquet is Back!

Saturday, February 18 at 6:30

After a two year Covid break, we’re getting back together in person.

We’re gathering this year at the Legend at Merrill Hills while Bristlecone is under renovation. All Knockouts and their families are invited to join our celebration of all things Knollwood.

Invitations will be sent to all members shortly after the first of the year.

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

 

 

See you soon at the barn!