The days are getting longer, the horses are shedding, (a lot) show season is coming, and there’s a ton of fun to be had to Knollwood. 

Here’s the latest:

Spring Clean Up

February 28 and 29 from 4-6 PM

Spring is in the air, and we’re getting together to give the lesson tack and school barn ready. You can sign up in the school barn or here to join us for some fun with warm water and soap.  Parents are welcome, too!

Patchwork Pony Road Show

February 29 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Comfort Suites and Conference Center in Johnson Creek

All the way from West Virginia, the Patchwork Pony is bringing their deep selection of consignment show clothes to our neighborhood. Whether you need academy attire or suits, they have great customer service to help you look your best.

Culver's Fundraiser

Wednesday, March 4 from 5-8 PM

Get your friends and family together to enjoy some deliciousness at the Hartland Culver's, and support the Knockouts at the same time.  A percentage of ALL sales during these three hours are donated to our youth group, and the program has been wonderful for the Knockouts.  Plus, what in the world is better than frozen custard or a butter burger??

Mother Daughter Ride

Friday, March 6 at 6:30 PM

Friday Passport classes are in full swing, and it’s time for our horse girls to show their moms why they love riding so much.  Moms will enjoy a group lesson with their daughters acting as their personal assistants. For only $45, or a passport purchase of $160 which entitles you any ANY 4 passport classes, you can join the experience of having your daughter know more about something than you do.

 

Parent Meeting

Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 PM

Parents, have you wondered how you can become more involved with a great group of kids? Some of our supportive parents would love to meet you for a get together in the show barn lounge.  There are many, many ways to help this group, and no horse knowledge is required. Of course, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

 

Knockout Meeting

Saturday, March 14 at 2:30

Join the Knockouts for a meeting and learn all about what’s in the perfect show kaboodle. We’ll also get geared up for the food drive starting April 15 and Knollwood Olympics on May 16.

Practice Rides

Friday, March 20 at 5:30 and 6:30

Whether you’re a first time show rider, or an experienced star looking for a tune up, these practice rides are perfect for you. We’ll learn ALL about the Knollwood spring show, and get to practice all aspects of the show experience.

You can sign up with your instructor in the show barn lounge, and the class is only $40.

Knollwood Spring Show

March 21 at 1:00 PM and March 22 at noon

Show season starts at home with our Spring in-barn show. Walk trot and canter riders will compete on Saturday afternoon, while our walk trot and leadline stars will show on Sunday.

Entries are in, and horses will be assigned soon.  Watch the wall in the school barn for your horse and for opportunities to contribute to this important Knockout fundraiser!

Knockout Shirts!

Orders taken through March 22

The Knockouts have designed their own shirts for the summer. They’re only $20, and size samples are available in the school barn lounge. 

Light blue tees are available for youth sizes as well as unisex adult sizing. In misses sizes, we're offering a black tee in athletic fabric.  (Our 'grown ups' have requested black so no one will see them sweat ...)

All proceeds go to the Knockouts, so shirts can be paid for with cash or a check made out to the Knollwood Knockouts. They’re perfect for summer days at the barn!

Food Drive

April 15 through May 16

Team Knollwood’s annual food drive for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County kicks off on April 15.  We’re collecting food kits at a time of the year when the pantry runs low, and demand increases.

If you collect a minimum of 5 food kits or the cash equivalent, ($60) you can join a team to compete in the Knollwood Olympics on May 16 at 6:00 PM. Teams will be based on the day of the week you ride, and the day of the week that collects the most food kits over their goal of 5 kits per team member will get a special prize.

We’ll provide more details soon on this popular event, so be sure to save the date for lots of fun as we help our neighbors in need.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 17-19

Fields and Fences, Gurnee, IL

The first show of 2020!!  Both show and academy horses will be traveling to one of our favorite show series, and it’s close to home! Show horses will compete Friday to Sunday while our academy riders will show on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

With fabulous hospitality, deep competition, and a weather proof facility, it’s always a popular show.  Academy riders, please get your entries in soon so we can start preparing for show season 2020. 

 

We hope you can join us for all the events we have planned. 

Tradition.Honor.Passion.

And a whole lot of fun.

Team Knollwood is sad to announce the passing of legendary academy horse Andeker Light.  Born at Knollwood 30 years ago, Zeus enjoyed a brief, undistinguished show career as a gaited horse before he found his true calling.

 

This son of Andeker was beautiful from the neck up, but can only be described as pretty crooked in the leg department. Zeus never let that get in the way of his dreams, entering every academy class as if it was stake night at Freedom Hall.

 

What he lacked in classic confirmation, Zeus made up for in heart, ambition, and sense of humor. He never tired, even when his riders maybe wish he would have, never saw an in-gate that didn’t make him trot in place until they dropped it, and could act on ringmaster hand signals before the announcer could open his mouth.

 

Knollwood Kids of a certain age will remember ‘making it’ by being ‘Zeused’ in their academy classes. He always knew when it was time for the line up, and beat everyone in.

Our hearts are heavy, but we’re grateful for the 30 years Zeus spent with us. He made countless riders better, and made everyone who rode him want a Saddlebred just like him.

 

Peace to you. Zeus. May you find straight legs and pastures to rack through over the Rainbow Bridge. 

And please tell Cartman and Dean that we miss them and the other Knollwood alums up there.

 

Our favorite social event of the year was once again a night to remember.

150 members of Team Knollwood gathered to celebrate our 2019 experiences, and to look forward to new adventures in 2020.

 

When asked about their favorite part of the banquet, the Tuesday 6:30 PM class all said it was the food.

They were particularly enthusiastic about bread.

  Mind you, there are some very old souls in that class.

 

The food was delicious as usual, and the menu, planned by Knockout party planner extraordinaire Susan, was perfect for everyone.

Whether you preferred vegetables, need to eat gluten free, or, like the Tuesday group enjoyed lots of carbs, there was something for everyone.

And the mini bundt cakes ...

After dinner, Susan reviewed the group’s finances, and announced that next year will be the club’s 25^th banquet.  She’s already in party planning mode, and we’ll be reaching out to alumni in hopes they can join the big silver anniversary celebration next February.

If you’re interested in helping with party planning, please let us know!

 

After 2019 Knockout President Korinne handed over the reins to 2020 Knockout President Erika.

The new leader introduced her fellow officers, and invited some members to the front to talk about their votes for horse of the year. 

 

Most of them had voted for Dudley, but Scott said he voted for Baxter, because he can do anything, and comes from royal bloodlines. Always an original thinker, that Scott.

 

Who won? Erika announced that Dudley is the second ever school horse of the year, and he’ll try to fill Willy’s shoes during his reign this year. We then got to watch a slide show honoring Dudley, to the music from the Dudley Do Right cartoon show.

 

Awards were next, with prizes for champions and reserve champions for both in-barn and out-of-barn academy shows. 

After attending 12 academy shows away from home, the point totals were pretty close in many of the categories. Many of the in-barn races were tight, too.

We had come pretty cool prizes for the champions this year.  Made for us in Poland, our champions received scarves with "Tradition.Honor.Passion". on one side, and "Champion" on the other. 

These accessories also included the Knollwood logo, and are sure to be treasured. Leadline champion Leighton is shown wearing her scarf to her first post-banquet lesson.

 

Scott’s remarks about 2019 were, as usual, memorable. Always able to think on his feet, Scott was at his finest even after an emergency trip to the clinic in Madison interrupted his Saturday afternoon speech writing.

The state of Knollwood is, well, pretty great.

 

The slide show was a hit, with pics of everyone, their favorite horses, and memories of all the adventures we shared during the year.

 

Everything was represented, including Hazel and Laney’s choice of hats, unique uses for the shopping cart in the shed, and Richie being held up by many, many people.  

 

(We don’t really know why so many people feel the urge to pick him up, but it makes for unique pics.)

 

 

Great thanks to Wendy for the countless hours she spent timing this out just right.

 

The dancing started right after the slide show, and social time started all over again.

Once again, the dance floor was full until the lights came up, closing the 24^th annual Knockout award banquet.

Just imagine what we’ll have in store for the 25^th!

 

Coming Up?

February 14

SOLD OUT Parent’s Night Out at 5:00 PM

 

 

February 21

Entries for the Knollwood spring show are due!

 

February 28-29 from 4-6 PM

Barn clean up. Please sign up in the school barn lounge to join the project.

 

February 28 at 6:30 PM

Ladies Night Returns for our experienced riders. Sign up in the school barn to join the experience.

 

February 29  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Patchwork Pony Consignment store will be set up at Comfort Inn Johnson Creek Conference Center.

 

 

 

March 7 at 6:00 PM

Knockout parent meeting in the show barn lounge. Join us if you’d like to learn more about helping our award winning youth group.

 

And don't forget, the Knollwood Spring show is coming up on March 21 and 22.

 

 

See you at the barn!

 

Last weekend, Team Knollwood traveled to Lisle, Illinois for the MidAmerica Horse Show Association awards banquet.  The Chicago based group sponsors 3 shows throughout the year at a variety of venues, and offers classes and awards for divisions from academy to open classes.

 

We’re proud to congratulate our winners from the 2019 show season!

 

Mary won the judging award for adults.

 

 

In The 'B' Division:

Laura and Heist were Reserve Champions in

Show Pleasure for riders 18 and over.

 

Jodi and JD were Champions in Limit Horse Country Pleasure, and Reserve Champions in Country Pleasure for riders 18 and over. 

 

In The 'A' Division:

Linda and Warheart were Champions in 5 Gaited Country Pleasure.

 

Richie and Tink were Champions in Three Gaited Country Pleasure for Riders 13 and under.

 

Richie and Sophie were Champions in Saddle Seat Equitation for riders 13 and Under.

 

 

Laney and Robert were Reserve Champions in Pleasure Equitation for Riders 14-17.

 

Hanna was Reserve Champion for Pleasure Equitation for Riders 13 and Under. 

 

 

Our academy stars rocked the titles!

 

Denise was Champion in both Adult Academy Equitation and Horsemanship.

 

 

Lauren was Champion in both Equitation and Horsemanship for Academy riders aged 14-17.

 

Maddie was Champion in both Equitation and Horsemanship for Academy riders aged 13 and under.

 

 

Emma was Reserve Champion for Horsemanship and Equitation for Academy riders aged 13 and under.

 

 

Tori was Reserve Champion for both divisions of Academy walk and Trot for riders 11-17.

 

 

Samara tied for Reserve Champion for Walk and Trot Horsemanship for riders 10 and under.

 

 

Maiya also tied for Reserve Champion for Walk and Trot Horsemanship for riders 10 and under as well as Equitation in the same age group.

 

 

 

Mia was Champion of Walk and trot Academy Equitation for riders 10 and under.

 

Congratulations to all our riders who earned these hard fought titles!

 

 

This weekend brings our favorite event of the social season, the Knollwood Knockout banquet.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the Legend at Bristlecone for social time at 6:30 this Saturday.

 

We have almost 150 friends coming to celebrate all things Knollwood, including most of our 'out of town' customers!

Seating is not assigned, and we will reserve seats for families with 4 or more members in attendance. Junior exhibitors are free to grab the front tables so they can sit with their friends and offer guidance to our presenters.

Highlights of the evening?

 

A delicious buffet dinner.

 

Susan’s treasurers’ report.

Trust us, it’s always entertaining and enlightening. Always looking ahead, Susan will be making a special announcement about next year's banquet, too.

 

The 2019 Knockout officers will recap the year before they turn the club over to the 2020 leaders.

 

They’ll also introduce the winner of the School Horse of the Year!

Awards for both in-barn and out-of-barn shows, and service awards to our show riders who have mentored our academy stars.  We’ll also announce all the academy riders who are receiving medallions from the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

 

Slide Show!

 

Scott’s ‘State of the Farm’ speech.  You don’t want to miss the annual review complete with jokes good and bad, recognition of performances good and bad, and well, just a lot of fun.

Dancing and more time to catch up with your barn besties!

 

See you at the barn, or at the banquet!

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

And a whole lot of fun. 

The sun is going to set after 5:00 PM, and the helpers all know that the horses are shedding, meaning only one thing… Spring is coming!

 

If the Wisconsin weather doesn’t exactly agree with our prediction, we have plenty of fun planned to keep you busy until it warms up for real.

 

Awards Season 

Team Knollwood will be traveling to the Mid-America Horse Show Association’s banquet in Lisle, Illinois this weekend. From our academy stars to our ‘A’ list show winners, we’ll be there enjoying some of the best hospitality around. We’ll try our best to win gift baskets, some silent auction items, and we’ll dance the night away with our horse show friends.  Congratulations to all the Knollwood winners! 

Pictures are sure to follow.

 

 

Our own Knollwood Knockout banquet is coming up fast the following weekend. 150 Knockouts and their fans will gather at The Legend at Bristlecone for an evening to celebrate all things Knollwood. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 8 for social time followed by dinner at 7:15 PM. We’re pretty sure Scott is already working on his ‘State of the Farm’ address, and the awards are all on their way.

 

We DO have a couple updates for this year’s gala.

The banquet works on an open seating plan, but this year we’ll be reserving seats for families of four or more. We’ll have name tags on tables to make sure these groups will be seated together.

Of course, the front tables are ‘reserved’ for our junior exhibitors who make up the loudest cheering section, and always enjoy the event with their barn besties. Plus, It makes it easier for Scott to single them out during his always entertaining remarks.

 

February Culver's Night!

Meet your friends at the Hartland Culver's on Wednesday, February 5. Any purchases made between 5 PM and 8 PM will benefit the Knollwood Knockouts.  What a great reason to enjoy some Culver's deliciousness!

 

 

Valentines Day

We’ll be celebrating Valentines Day at Knollwood by hosting a Parents Night Out. Parents can enjoy a quiet evening or dinner out while your rider enjoys crafts, games, and dinner at the barn. The event runs from 5 PM to 8 PM, and is only $10 to cover dinner.  Please sign up in the school barn lounge by February 7.

 

Knollwood Entries Due February 21

Our spring in-barn show is coming up fast on March 21-22.  Entries are due on February 21, so we can get the fun purple show shirts produced for the show.  Forms and shirt samples are available in the school barn lounge, and your instructor would be happy to help with your entry.

We have classes for everyone from lead line to maiden riders participating in their first show to our most advanced stars riding in the Knollwood Challenge. It’s a relaxing, fun atmosphere to enjoy the horse showing experience, and you won’t want to miss it!

 

 

Friday Passport Classes 2020!

They’re back! After a quiet January, passport classes start up again at 6:30 PM on Fridays. These classes are $45 each, or you can buy a passport good for any four classes for $160.  The upcoming line up is:

  February 7    Tiny Tot Group

  February 21  Academy Strategy

February 28  Ladies Night

  March 6          Mother Daughter

  March 13       Tiny Tot Group

  April 3             Pattern Class

 

We’ve added some new offerings, such as Mother Daughter nights, and Bring a Friend events.  You can check out the whole year here.

 

Barn Clean Up

It’s spring cleaning time! Join us February 28 and 29 from 4 PM to 6 PM while we clean tack and the barn before the spring in-barn show.  As our helpers can tell you, chores are lots more fun when you’re working with your friends, and we’re looking forward to having a great time.  You can sign up here, or on the paper sign ups in the school barn lounge.  Of course, these service hours will fulfill your requirement towards your 2020 Knockout awards!

 

Patchwork Pony Update

Our friends from the Patchwork Pony consignment shop in West Virginia are making their trip to Wisconsin on Saturday, February 29.  They’ll be setting up at the Comfort Suites Conference Center in Johnson Creek, where they will offer a terrific selection of gently used show clothes.  We’ll update with more details as they become available!

 

Parents Meeting

Would you like to get more involved with the Knollwood Knockouts, but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an informal parents meeting at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 7 in the show barn lounge.  We’ll talk over appetizers and beverages and help you learn how you can help a great bunch of riders.

 

Knockout Meeting

All members are invited to attend their March club meeting on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 PM. President Erika and her officers will put the finishing touches on the spring show, and will update everyone on the perfect kaboodle.  They always have more planned, so don’t miss the fun!

 

Knollwood Spring Show

The season kicks off Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 PM with the start of the Knollwood Spring Show. We’ll enjoy two full afternoons of horse showing, with the walk and trot riders taking over on Sunday, March 22 at noon. We’re thrilled to have Brandi Bushard of Hanrahan Stables to judge both days of the show.  Don’t forget to get your entries in by February 21!

 

We hope you can join us for all the fun we have planned as we work our way to spring.

See you at the barn ... or at a banquet!!

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

And a whole lot of fun.