Happy 2022!

 

The best lesson horses in the world have spent the past few weeks reflecting on their wishes and hopes for the new year. In the past, they’ve worked on New Year’s resolutions, but judging by Fred’s continued weight challenges, and Hugo’s continued anti-social behavior with his next door neighbor Picasso, the resolutions have not been kept.

So, in alphabetical order, so as not to make anyone feel slighted, here are the wishes of Knollwood’s finest:

Baxter would like a sun lamp in his stall so he gets plenty of vitamin D on days when he can’t get out.  He’d also like everyone to remember all the great lesson horses who have gone before, especially Sundance and Dudley, who were great friends as Baxter was becoming one of the gang.

 

 

Bee is grateful to have landed at Knollwood, and is wishing for a 2022 full of more learning and more quality time with her teachers, our up and coming academy stars. She’d like to make it to a show or two, also!

 

Big Frank is always looking for ways to improve himself. He’d like to steal the lesson horse iPad and enjoy some of ‘The Great Courses’ online. If he can’t get enough screen time, he’d like to learn more about landscaping so he can dig some interesting shapes in his stall. A berm, perhaps?

 

Cashew would like some new colors for his fleece covered cribbing collar. Periwinkle IS the color of the year, you know!

 

Dexter would like more wee pattern riders. He enjoys teaching them the ins and outs of circles, and really loves to use his patented ‘speed racer’ timing when they least expect it. Of course, he’d also like to attend more outdoor shows where his perfect coloring shines in the sun!

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Duke would like padding installed on the arena walls so he’s more comfortable as he leans into them. If Scott nixes the arena padding idea, he’d appreciate some game days this year so he can show his competitive nature. 

Really. Just ask Hanna.

 

 

Eddie loves being a horse every day, even though we all know he’s so much more. He would like more pattern camps, especially in the big outdoor ring where he can power down the rail showing off for the broodmares. Match.com might not be a bad idea either for this fantastic ladies man.

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Happy Jack is just thrilled to be a Knollwood Kid. He’d like to receive more credit for his great moves in the arena, especially his stopping ability. Oh, and he’d prefer if we removed all the crops from the farm and slow life down a little bit. You know, we should all enjoy his slow pace.

 

Hooper would like the entire world to convert to front clothing items for everyone. Yes, everyone.  That way, there can be NO confusion about him getting a dreaded ‘over the head’ article of clothing in his wardrobe.

 

Hugo would like Ken to change the width of the bars on the walls between stalls. He’d like to spend less time aiming at Picasso’s feed bin, and this would make it so much easier.

If Ken is too busy, Hugo would settle for an extra week of vacation.

 

 

Jelly would like all of his friends to stop grooming his mane. Even he realizes that he’s starting to look like a mullet man, and it’s getting a little embarrassing. If they won’t lay off, he’ll have to beg Carol for hair extensions, and he’s afraid to ask.

 

Klem would like world peace.

Realizing that may be a big ask, he’d settle for daily spa treatments, invitations to lunch with the pattern campers every day, and an unlimited supply of baby carrots.

 

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Leon is upset that Klem asked for world peace before he had the chance.

Always thinking of others, dear sweet Leon wishes that in 2022, next door neighbor Thomas figures out the location of his stall. At a minimum, he’d like Thomas to get that first left turn down.

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Lil Frank wishes to squash the stereotype that all ponies are evil. Heck, Little Frank is a winner with tiny tots, beginning bareback riders, beginner canterers, and enjoys time with the more advanced riders knocking over cones and playing games.

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Mac would like guard rails installed in the arena so he’s not constantly tempted to go to the middle.  Realizing that Scott may not be a big fan of school horse ‘bumpers,’ Mac would settle for a date with Bee.

 

Murphy would like mirrors on the walls of his stall so he could admire himself all the time. If Ken isn’t up to mirror installation for a horse, Murphy would settle for a small, lighted make up mirror mounted near his door. But Ken, this WOULD require an electrical update...

 

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

Nigel enjoys Knollwood shows, and would really like to feel that thrilled about life every day.

 

Picasso would like a new neighbor, or at least a solid wall on the side facing Hugo. Also, he’d like more game days!!

 

Sparky has reached full Zen enlightenment and wouldn’t change a thing.

 

Sport reports that he’s happy as can be, and is most thankful for his vet work that makes him feel like Superman. He wants to go to all the shows he can in 2022, and to learn all he can from his retired brother Callaways Don’t Panic as they reminisce about their Dad, Callaway's Blue Norther.

 

Thomas would like to enter therapy and work through his fear of towels on the ground. It’s holding him back from enjoying games of ‘Musical Towels' and it's officially called apollophobia, He looked it up.

 

Vaughn would like to outlaw scary white lights during the holiday season. Although, he does admit that he enjoys messing with his students while pretending to be afraid of the lights. If the lights are removed, he promises to find something else to overreact to.

 

These two insisted on adding their wishes…

Hazel wishes that everyone is happy every day of 2022.  If you’re having a problem with this, she’s always available for therapy.

 

Richmond wishes for lots of bird hunting time, and he will try his best not to puke the remnants on instructors’ belongings in the lounge.

He’d also like to earn his yoga instructor certification, and to spend more time in the arena with Hazel, and with all the Knollwood Kids in the barn.

He shared two words, ‘BLANKET TOSSING!’

 

 

It’s been a challenging year in the world, and everyone at Knollwood is grateful for many things.

Our customers are the best, offering us friendships, support, and countless laughs. Thank you for trusting us with your riding educations, and with your beautiful horses.

We wish everyone a healthy, happy 2022 full of adventures, and of course, horses.

 

 

Photo credit Hanna Agathen

See you soon at the barn!

 

 

 

Team Knollwood is enjoying a shortened holiday week with college kids dropping in while we enjoy some time to recharge our batteries.

 

The lesson horses are using their days off to work on their New Year’s Resolutions which they’ll share shortly. 

While we’re enjoying our break, we’re really looking forward to getting ready for show season 2022!

 

 

The Clock is Ticking!

Remember that December 31 is the final day to pay Knockout dues for 2022 to receive a ballot for school horse of the year. Polls will stay open until midnight! Richmond will shut down the election at the stroke of midnight. He says …

Our deal of the year, 10% off gift certificates, also ends at midnight on December 31. Please use promo code Holiday2022 to get your 10% off your enrollment fees. 

All enrollment changes are also due on the 31^st. Be sure to talk to your instructor if you haven’t already!

 

 

It’s Shopping Time!

We’ll start our show shopping on Friday night, January 7 with Jen from Midwest Saddleseat Consignment. She’ll be set up at the Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc for our private shopping hours from 7-9 PM. The sale opens to the public on Saturday morning, so we can pre-shop before the crowds hit. 

Patchwork Pony is also coming to the neighborhood, and will be set up at the same hotel on Saturday, March 12.  She’ll be open for business at 8 AM, and equitation mom extraordinaire Sue Berget will be there to help our stars shop for the perfect outfit.

 

 

 

Customer Camp Pre-Sale!

From January 15-30, currently enrolled customers can purchase their summer camp sessions before they're offered to the public starting on February 1. 

Look for flyers at the farm with the session dates so you can find the camp and dates that are right for the rider in your house.

All camps will be added to your account at time of purchase to reserve your spot.

 

 

Academy Demo Night

All of our academy riders are invited to an informational night of demos and discussion about our upcoming season. We’ll have demonstrations in the arena with current academy riders in their show attire, and we’ll have riders and parents on hand to answer any questions.

Please RSVP in the school barn lounge.

Of course, we’ll serve refreshments.

 

 

 

Please add your 'Riding Resolution' to the bulletin board in the school barn lounge!

We can hardly wait to see the lesson horses' 2022 resolutions soon, too.

We'll also have many more new show horse and rider teams to announce soon!

 

 

Team Knollwood wishes all of our friends a happy and healthy New Year!!

 

See you soon at the barn!

 

Knollwood Kids are finishing up school before their school break, parents are running around putting the finishing touches on holiday celebrations, our Knollwood college kids are coming home, and everyone is trying to stay healthy.

It’s almost holiday time!

Just a reminder that Knollwood will be closed December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.

RIchmond will be guarding the place.

 

 

 

We still have lots of fun things to look forward to, so here’s a quick catch-up!

 

The Polls Are Still Open!

 

Knollwood Knockout members can pay their 2022 dues and vote for School Horse of the Year through December 31.  The winner of this coveted award will be announced at our banquet on February 19. Be sure to vote for the horse who stood out in 2021!

 

Gift Certificates are 10% off!

You still have time to purchase Knollwood gift certificates at 10% off.  Through December 31, the discount will be applied when you use promo code Holiday2022 on our website.

All purchases for currently enrolled students will be applied directly to their account!

It’s the perfect gift for any Knollwood Kid!

 

 

Enrollment Updates Are Due.

Planning on joining our academy team this season? Be sure to meet with your instructor to update your enrollment info for 2022. We can hardly wait for show season.

 

 

2022 Riding Resolutions Coming Up!

 Our annual 'Riding Resolutions' bulletin board is going up soon.  Start thinking about your riding goals for the new year so you can tell yours to the world!

 

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment is Coming!

Jen from MSSC is coming to the Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc on Friday night, January 7. Knollwood’s special private shopping hours are from 7-9 PM before the sale opens to the public on Saturday.

Please join us to update or start your show wardrobe. Ann and Carol will be there to help.

 

 

 

Academy Showing Extravaganza

Saturday, February 26 at 7:00

Join us in the arena for a fun filled evening with academy stars and their parents to learn all about showing away from home.  If you're joining our academy team for 2022, this evening is all for you.  Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we can be prepared with refreshments for all!

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

My name is Big Frank, and it’s my turn to speak.

From what I can tell, Knollwood is a Saddlebred barn. Even I know that much.

And yet, none of the school horses of the year have been Saddlebreds. Better not let the Saddlebred Association hear about that!

 

I’m speaking up for my fellow members of the ASHBA!

Yes, believe it or not, I’m registered as ‘It’s My Kinda Town, and my membership # is 117994G.

 

My picks for horse of the year are:

 

Hula Hooper

Membership # 112238G

Hooper is THE pattern master and  wonderful cantering teacher to the up and coming Knollwood Kids. He pretty much wrote the UPHA Pattern book, and is proud of it. I’ve heard a rumor that he makes the box stall horses practice patterns during their outdoor recess periods.

He IS a little quirky, though. He refuses to wear clothes that go on over his head.

 

 

 

Captain Kaos

Membership # 111766G

Cashew is just grand, like a fancy peanut. He LOVES going to shows, and he loves teaching riders about rhythm at the canter.

He also enjoys his hay wet, and will do almost anything for a mint.

 

 

Duke’s Winged Medallion

Membership # 104637G

What is there to recommend Duke?

He’s fluffy, he’s never in a hurry, and he sweats. A lot.

His slow, lofty trot encourages the smallest Knollwood Kid to learn posting quickly.

He’s very photogenic.

He loves small children. They don’t weigh much!

 

 

Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat

Membership # 119103G

Thomas is relatively new to Knollwood, and has become a fast favorite.

He’s big and handsome, and has lots of energy, kind of like myself. He does, however, remember how many lessons he’s done in a day.

Thomas loves going to shows with the ‘A’ riders for his vacations when he gives a few lessons and gets to enjoy a big show horse box stall for a week.

To this day, Thomas has no idea which stall is his, or even which way to turn when he comes in from the pasture. He never sweats the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.

 

 

A Champagne Toast

Membership # 108324G

You’re probably tired of hearing it, but Baxter is the best.

He’s the only academy horse who went to every single show in 2021.

He makes riders look wonderful, and enjoys every minute in the ring.

Heck, he’s so good that even I can recognize his greatness. And I’m not the brightest bulb.

Don't forget to pay your 2022 Knockout dues, and to cast your ballot!

 

 

A Wonderful Weekend

  

Last week, Team Knollwood members traveled to New Orleans for the first ever United States Saddle Seat Association’s International Experience Clinic.

Held at beautiful Cascade Stables, the event included more than 160 people. Riders were selected through a lottery, so there were all different levels of participants.  In addition to the riders, all the trainers donated their time and paid their expenses for the event which also included parent mentors and rider mentors who served as assistant coaches.

Knollwood Kids participating in the clinic were Finn, Heather, Laney, Payton and Richie while Ainsley and Haley served as mentors. Sue and Tina were parent mentors, and of course Scott and Carol were coaches.

Everyone enjoyed the warm New Orleans weather and hospitality while learning a lot. The experience included clinics, forums, and a day of team competition simulating the World Cup experience.

Great thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put this magnificent event together.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

As Big Frank reminded everyone, don’t forget to pay your 2022 Knockout dues and vote for School Horse of the Year!

 

 

 

The.Best.Gift.Ever.

Gift certificates can be purchased at 10% off through December 31 when you use promo code Holiday2022. All gift certificates will be applied to enrolled students’ accounts.

Of course, anytime you’d like to purchase 6 months or more of enrollment, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase.

 

 

 

Saddle Rentals

If you’re renting a saddle, please remember to pay your $250 rental fee by December 31. 

 

 

The Holidays are Here

We’re taking a few days off, and won’t be holding lessons on December 24, 25, 31, or January 1.

All holiday lessons will be credited.

 

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn!

Hello Knollwoodians!

Sparky here.

 

As the current School Horse of the Year, and the wisest of the best lesson horses in the world, it’s my turn to share my opinions for this year’s election.

DON'T VOTE FOR ME!

Yes, you read that right.

Unlike my coworker Klem, I don’t want your vote. A vote for me is a vote wasted, because one can only be honored with this coveted title once in a lifetime. So, if you vote for me, it’s like not voting at all.

Here are my picks:

 

 

 

Hugo

Hugo, legally known as Hawaiian Cat, is my next door neighbor. You may not know that he usually runs into my stall when he comes in to steal some of my food.  I forgive him.

He’s great at trotting really slowly, napping, and taking great care of small riders who are learning their lessons well. He loves low key lessons, stopping in corners while going the first way, and introducing Knollwood kids to riding a horse with a neck in front of them. He introduces many of our kids to  Saddlebred friendliness, smoothness,  attitude and intelligence.

And, he poops in Picasso’s stall - every.single.day.

 

 

 

 

Honey Bee

I’d like you to vote for Honey Bee, but she really hasn’t met the residency requirements. She IS working her way into the hearts of the hard riding Knollwood Kids who are enjoying teaching her patterns and the fun of group lessons. She’s an up and comer. And she’s a girl.

 

 

 

Dexter

Officially known as Dekscalibur, Dexter is a classic. He’s SO handsome, knows all his patterns, and loves going to academy shows.

Dexter introduces new academy stars to a cooperative show ring partner who has been there and done that. Actually, he’s been helping riders reach for the big time for years.

Oh, and he likes to act crabby in his stall until you open the door, when his ears immediately come up as he welcomes you.

 

 

 

Fred

Known in the show ring as Mr. Rogers, Fred is a mainstay of our lesson program, and my right hand man.

He’s big, he’s brown, and he’s the perfect energy conserver. Unless he’s playing games at pattern camp when he refuses to abide by the trot-only rule.

Seriously, he’s a grand gentleman, trots a mean serpentine, and will do anything for a mint. As long as it’s not a poofy mint. It must crunch in his mouth.

 

 

 

Leon

Known in the Saddlebred registry as Keep the Change, Sir, Leon has quickly made himself a favorite in the barn.

Not content to be just beautiful on the outside, he’s also beautiful on the inside. Leon likes his small riders, and his specialties are teaching them to be convincing about steering, and introducing rookie canterers to the smoothest canter ever.

Plus, he has the biggest, brownest eyes in the barn. Except for mine.

 

 

 

Baxter

You know he’s officially known as A Champagne Toast, and that both of his parents were world champions. But did you know that he lives in the corner office, can sniff out a peppermint from a million miles away, and that his first nickname was ‘Hellion?’

It seems that when he was a yearling, he learned how to open the latches on his pasture gate, and would let himself and ALL his friends out of the pasture and into the world.

He’s still pretty good at loosening tongue ties and licking hands that might perhaps contain mints.

He’s one in a million, and if I could vote, I’d cast mine for him.

 

 

Great thanks to all our friends who donated to the Knockout holiday adoption project.  Thanks to your kindness, four local families are enjoying a more festive season.

And thanks to the Knollwood Kids who came to wrap presents last Saturday night!

 

 

Knollwood Kid Gifts

Don’t forget to check out our Gift Blog for the perfect gifts for the Knollwood Kid in your house.

If you want to order stirrups, please contact Ann ASAP.

Gift Certificates are 10% off through December 31 using the promo code Holiday2022.  All purchases will go towards your enrollment fees, including shows and camps.  It’s a great way to stock up on everyone’s favorite gift.

Remember, if you’d like to purchase 6 months or more of lessons at a time, you’ll receive 10% off at any time.

 

 

 

We’re closed for the holidays on December 24, 25 and 31, and January 1.  All lessons will be credited to your account.

 

 

 

 

 

See you at the barn!