Thank you to everyone who dropped questions into the tin about Knollwood, about horses, or about whatever else was on your mind!

We've received many questions, and here are responses to the inquiries received so far.

Please keep your questions coming!

 

Why does Little Frank sleep so much?

Is he really sleeping, or just pretending?  Pony Frank really enjoys his nap time partially because he spends most of his pasture time engaged in only 3 activities. If he’s not eating the round bale, he’s either sleeping in it, or he’s acting like a pony and bothering all the horses in the pasture with his games.

Next time you think he’s napping in his stall, try rattling a peppermint wrapper or snap a carrot and see how asleep the imposter pony really is!

 

 

Why do horses sleep standing up?

Horses sleep standing up because they are prey animals. To survive in the wild, horses need to make a quick getaway from predators.

Our lesson horses can sleep practically anywhere, and in any position because they feel safe in their surroundings. Well, except for that pesky yellow and white cat who enjoys his rounds through the stalls.

 

 

 

Why do some horses use tongue ties?

Horses are odd. Many of them like to move their tongue around a lot. In order to prevent them from getting their tongue over the bit, or to prevent some of them from sucking their tongue WAYYY back in their mouth, we tie their tongues.

It’s painless, and keeps the horse comfortable and happy in the bridle. And, it’s a great skill for our helpers to learn!

Horses wearing double bridles always have their tongues tied to prevent interference with the bits.

 

 

How many lessons can Sparky do in one day?

Sparky can do as many or as few lessons as he wants.

Because Sparky is a rather low energy fellow, and his students tend to weigh less than his tail, he can jog through a greater number of lessons than our higher powered academy horses.

Sparky always knows best.

 

 

Which horse likes to go to shows the most?

Baxter.

The son of two world champions, Baxter has never been on an outing he didn’t enjoy.  Horse shows give him a chance to earn extra attention as the show techs play the game of moving away from Baxter and seeing which of them he touches first.

Baxter stands ready at the ingate, and enters like he owns the place. Every.single.time.

He always knows how much ‘Baxter’ he can be with each individual rider, and adjusts his enthusiasm to match the situation.

 

 

Who loves staying home the most?

Retired gentlemen Willy and Brinkley.

Both of them have attended exactly one academy show in their careers, and they did not enjoy it. At all.

These homebodies spent their careers teaching lessons at home and enjoying every minute of it.

 

 

Are there any horses on a special diet right now?

All of Knollwood’s #bestlessonhorsesintheworld are on individual diets.

Their diets are based on their age, their metabolism, and their energy level. In addition to their unique diets, many of the  horses are also on meds to treat chronic conditions, and of course, receive other meds when injury or illnesses crop up.

They also enjoy dental care, chiropractic treatments and joint injections as needed.

They can have whatever they need!

 

 

Which horse likes outdoor recess the most?

That’s a hard one. Hugo, who appears to be lazy when he’s in the arena is a terror outdoors. His play group includes Vaughn and Picasso. Big Frank and Thomas can also get into it, while Sparky tries to stay out of all the action.  Sundance, of course watches over his staff and issues coaching notices as needed.

Willy enjoys life in the retired pasture, and especially likes it when there’s a mare in the next pasture.

The academy horses enjoy their daytime outings on sunny days. While they all get along, Klem is the one who instigates nonsense out there with Heist often joining the shenanigans.

 

 

How many acres is Knollwood?

The farm is just under 16 acres of delight.

 

 

What are those carts in center ring used for?

The jog carts in center ring are used for the show horses. Their training involves a number of different activities with jogging being a really important part.

Horses jog several time a week to get exercise without having weight on their back. It develops stamina and balance as some of their training jogs are intense or long, depending on where the horse is on the training schedule.

Show horses have to be incredibly fit to compete against the best in the heat of the summer. Each horse has its own training regimen depending on age, show schedule, and physical condition.

 

 

What horse was your all time best horse ever?

OK, this one is impossible to answer, so let’s talk about two rock stars of the past.

CH-EQ Oh What A Feeling was the winningest pleasure equitation horse of all time. Known for his charisma, intelligence, and love of his ‘people,’ Cartman carried four Knollwood riders to the top of the equitation world. Oh, and Carol loved him because he was a little bit of a punk.

 

CH Lexmark is a legend in the Saddlebred world. An incredible example of everything a five-gaited horse should be, he competed in division for an unbelievable 22 years. He was tough, strong, and loved being a horse.  ‘Hootie’ taught many a Knollwood Kid the ways of a wiley old gaited horse, and even hosted a party for his 30^th birthday.  All Hail Hootie!

Thank you again for your questions.  Please keep them coming!

 

What's coming up?

All of our summer riding school sessions and our Tiny Tot camps are sold out for Knollwood Summer 2021. Thank you to everyone who signed up so early!

 

 

 Thank you  to everyone who came to our academy kickoff meeting last Saturday night. If they haven't already gotten in touch, please reach out to your instructor to set up a meeting about schedules and association memberships for the 2021 season. We can hardly wait!

 

March 22

The second full day of spring is the first day of entries for the Knollwood Spring show on May 22 and 23.  The show will again be held outside with walk, trot and canter riders and walk trot riders aged 11 and up showing on Saturday. Our 10 and under and green walk trot riders will show in the little outdoor ring on Sunday. The lead line riders will join them as well.

Please talk to your instructor to sign up.

Entries close April 22.

 

April 4

We'll be closed for Easter Sunday.

 

 

April 15 - May 15

Knockout's Annual Food Drive

It's time to restock the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, and to have some fun. Each Knollwood Kid (of any age) who collects a minimum of five food kits will be eligible to compete in the Knollwood Olympics on May 15.

 

April 17-18

IASPHA Spring Show

Join us at Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock, Illinois for the first show of the season. Entries are now being accepted for one of our favorite shows which features a full slate of academy classes including a 'green' division for first year show riders.

 

 

April 30 - May 1

Academy Palooza

Join us in Woodstock for an all academy show with a little different schedule. The walk, trot, and canter riders will show on Friday evening, and the walk and trot stars will show on Saturday morning.  Entries are currently being accepted.

 

 

May 1

Street Clean Up

1:00 PM

The Knockouts will be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka roads as one of their annual service projects. Sign up will be available soon in the school barn lounge.

 

May 15

Knollwood Olympics

For the finale of our food drive, donors are invited to participate in 'games of skill' pitting the different days of the week against each other. Make sure to get your five food kits in, and sign up for a team. You won't want to miss this!

 

 

May 22-23

Knollwood Spring Show 

 

 

May 29

'Madison Classic' Academy Classes

Wisconsin State Fair Park

 

May 31 

Memorial Day

Knollwood is closed.

 

 

See you at the barn, or at the ingate!

 

First of all, we hope everyone enjoyed watching the virtual Knockout banquet as much as we enjoyed putting it on.  Club officers and board members organized the event, and did a great job for everyone. We sincerely hope this is the last time we need to celebrate virtually!

Great thanks to Lisa and Pam for creating the swag and award bags, and for creating the décor for the event.

Great thanks to Wendy for all her time and expertise with the slide show.

Finally, thanks to the best lesson horses in the world who make the lesson program the success that it is. Special congratulations to Horse of the Year Sparky, and Reserve Horse of the Year Baxter.

 

Here’s a complete listing of Knockout winners:

 

2020 In Barn Champions

Leadline

Champion Tie: Madelyn R and Reagan S

Reserve Champion: Brae E

8 and Under Walk Trot Equitation

Champion: Dilly 

Reserve Champion: Jilly

9-10 Walk Trot Equitation

Champion (TIE): Cecilia  and Sophia K

Reserve Champion: Olivia K.

11-17 Walk Trot Equitation

Champion: Alessia

Reserve Champion: Taylor K.

 

8 and Under Walk Trot Horsemanship

Champion: Maddie S

Reserve Champion (TIE): Stella  and Leighton 

 

WT Horsemanship 9 and Up

Champion (TIE) : Alessia and Olivia R

Reserve Champion: Cecilia 

 

Walk and Trot Pattern

Champion (TIE) : Alessia and Dilly

Reserve Champion: Maddie S

 

10 and Under WTC Equitation

Champion: Brooklyn

Reserve Champion (TIE): Amelia  and Tessa B

 

11-17 WTC Equitation

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion: Maiya K

 

Adult WTC Equitation

Champion: Whitney

Reserve Champion: Lynn 

 

10 and Under WTC Horsemanship

Champion: Brooklyn

Reserve Champion: Amelia

 

WTC Horsemanship 11 - 17

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion(TIE):  Catherine S, Addison J, and Maiya K

 

WTC Horsemanship 18 and Over

Champion: Whitney

Reserve Champion: Lynn 

 

13 and Under WTC Pattern

Champion: Maiya K

Reserve Champion: Lily K.

 

14 and Over WTC Pattern

Champion: Whitney

Reserve Champion: Lynn 

 

 

 

In Barn  High Point Winners

Champion (TIE): Mia and Maiya K

Reserve Champion: Brooklyn

 

 

 

2020 Out of Barn Champions

8 and Under Walk Trot Equitation

Champion: Maddie S.

Reserve Champion: Dilly 

 

9-10 Year Old Walk Trot Equitation

Champion: Brooklyn 

Reserve Champion: Amelia

 

11-17 Year Old Walk Trot Equitation

Champion: Samara 

Reserve Champion: Alexa

 

Walk Trot Horsemanship

Champion: Brooklyn

Reserve Champion: Alexa

 

Walk and Trot Pattern

Champion(TIE): Maddie S. and Samara

Reserve Champion: Brooklyn

 

WTC Equitation 13 and Under

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion: Maiya

 

WTC Equitation 14-17

Champion: Lauren B

Reserve Champion: Emma K

 

WTC Equitation 18+

Champion: Lynn 

Reserve Champion: Rachel

 

WTC Horsemanship

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion: Lily 

 

WTC Pattern:

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion: Lily 

 

 

Overall High Point Award Winners

Champion: Mia

Reserve Champion: Brooklyn

 

ASHA Academy Awards

In addition to Knollwood awards, nineteen of our riders have earned ASHA Academy Awards by earning points competing away from home!

Bronze Medallions:

Adrienne

Brooklyn

Dilly

Emilie

Maddie S.

Silver Medallions:

Alexa

Amelia

Maya

Tess

Gold Medallions:

Emma

Samara

Sydney

Tori

Master Bronze Medallions

Jules

Lauren

Lily

Maiya

Mia

Sofia

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all the winners, and to all who showed this season. Every time you enter the ring on a horse, it’s an accomplishment, and we’re proud of all these riders have learned.

 

 What's Next?

Our academy Kickoff Meeting is coming up this Saturday at 7:00 PM. Join us in the socially distanced arena for demonstrations with 2 academy stars as we discuss final schedules and clothing for the upcoming season. Jodi will have accessories and ties for sale as well.

If you haven’t already signed up in the school barn lounge, please let Ann know that you’re attending so we have enough handouts available.

 

 

March is the month for academy show meetings! Your instructor will set up a time to set show schedules and help with memberships, clothing, and answer questions one-on-one.

 

The Knollwood Spring show is coming up May 22 and 23, and we’ll start accepting entries March 22. Entries will close April 22 to ensure production of shirts for the show.

Everyone is welcome, from leadline riders to our most experienced academy riders wo are trying to qualify for the Knollwood Challenge. Please talk to your instructor for more details.

 

 

Our first show of the season is coming up April 17-18 at Beyond Stable Farm n Crystal Lake, Illinois. The IASPHA show series offer strong classes, great hospitality, and well run shows all the way around. Plus, these shows offer ‘green’ division for first year show riders.

 

See you at the barn!

 

 

The 25^th annual Knollwood Knockout banquet is coming up in virtual fashion this Saturday, February 27 at 7:00 PM.  We’ll be in the arena with most of our audience joining us on Facebook Live, and we can hardly wait.

 

We have a few additional seats that are available if you’d like to join us in the arena. For a minimum $50 donation to the Knockouts, you can sit in the arena and enjoy the festivities in person.  Please talk to Ann if you’d like to snag a seat.

If you pre-purchased a swag bag, it will be available for pick up at the barn. Great thanks to Lisa for putting these all together!

The annual slide show is finished, and will be available via a link to YouTube.  We’ll publish the link on Saturday. In-person attendees will view the slide show the traditional way in the arena. This year’s show is a  good one, and we thank Wendy for all her work!

 

 

Coming Up?

We’re sorry that Patchwork Pony couldn’t make it in person last weekend, but they are willing to do Facetime appointments. Please see Ann if you’d like more information.

 

Our academy kick-off meeting is coming up Saturday, March 6! If you’re new to academy showing this season, please join us in the arena at 7:00 PM for demos and opportunity to ask questions of riders, parents, and staff.

Academy show meetings will be held with your instructor during the month of March. They offer the chance to plan out the season for each individual rider to meet their goals.

 

Our first out of barn show is coming up at the IASPHA Spring Show on April 17-18, and we can hardly wait!

 

See you at the barn!

 

Congratulations to Emma on making the jump from academy showing to the show horse world!

Emma will be hitting the ring this season on Impressive Asset, known around the barn as Fergie. Owned by the Wenzel family, this expressive mare is a champion of teaching riders the ways of a show horse.

 

Emma has been riding at Knollwood for five years, and has become an integral part of Team Knollwood. 

The one and only Distinguished Mark gave Emma her first riding lesson at Knollwood, and the rest is history. She’s had an accomplished academy show career, learning lessons from Baxter and the boys and finished it up last season by showing show barn lesson horse Alex (AKA Perilous) under the direction of Scott and Carol.

She’s currently Co-President of the Knollwood Knockouts, and has been a legendary Tuesday helper for many years, teaching lots of young horse kids the ways of a Knollwood helper.

Pattern camps have changed her life, and her favorite game on horses is ‘Steal the Crop.’

Emma is very excited about her big move, and is grateful to her parents, Rick and Pam.

We can’t wait to see Emma and Fergie enter the ring this spring!

It’s a milestone in the history of Knollwood Farm, LTD as Willy has chosen to retire from the lesson program. 

At 33 years young, Willy has decided to join Brinkley and Sundance as a pensioner.

Born in South Dakota, and officially registered in the American Quarter Horse Association as Dakota’s Diamond Sam, this grand gentleman has been an important part of the lesson program for an incredible 30 years.

Willy, AKA 'The Golden Sofa,' is known for his patented super slow jog trot which has taught literally thousands of riders to post.

Heck, he's taught three generations of the Kellner-Van Hecke and Honkamp families!

While he was FAST in his younger days, he’s chilled out and become a legendary tiny tot instructor.

He’s also mellowed out to tolerate fly spray, spritz bottles of ‘magical drying spray,’ cats napping on his back, and even Scott shoeing him.

Willy will spend the rest of his days chilling with Brinkley, enjoying sun on his back during the day, and endless attention from all his former students.

And yes, he’ll still help at camp for grooming and tacking demos if he’d like. 

His days are his alone to schedule.

We thank you, Willy, from the bottom of our hearts for all you’ve done for all of us.

We’ll give you a happy, relaxed retirement with complete spoiling and, of course, all the benefits due the best lesson horses in the world.

 

Enjoy your well earned restful days, Willy.

Your lessons have changed the lives of many, many Knollwood Kids.