First of all, Knollwood Kids of all ages and generations are proud, though not necessarily surprised that the original Knollwood Kids, Scott and Carol were awarded the Richard E Lavery Professional Horseman award at the recent UPHA (United Professional Horseman Association) convention.

You can watch the convention presentation and video here. 

 

 

Requirements to receive this prestigious honor are:

'The Richard E. Lavery Professional Horseman or Horsewoman of The Year shall be a person that has been involved in the training and showing of horses within our industry. He or she shall be a person that has given beyond the call of duty to promote the show horse industry and his or her profession, and to inform, educate, and promote in general. He or she shall be dedicated to the industry in an unselfish manner and shall have an interest in the industry and an interest in the respect of the profession and the professional horseman.'

 

 

Our fearless leaders live these requirements on an almost daily basis. (They are, in fact, allowed to go on vacation occasionally.) Whether it’s working from the inside by sitting on boards of industry organizations, giving clinics around the country, helping fellow horsemen, working horses at home, traveling to shows, teaching lessons, or running the business daily, Scott and Carol are a well-tuned machine. They pointed out in their video that they’re most proud of all the Knollwood Kids who have come through the programs.

So, here in no particular order, are things you know if you were lucky enough to grow up a Knollwood Kid.

Horses first, the rest later.

 

Admit it, you may have thought about putting your tack away before taking care of your horse after a ride on a hot (or cold) day.  Bet you were  gently reminded that your horse needed bathing or toweling or walking before mere ‘stuff’ was taken care of.

 

Your Knollwood Mom Might Not Always Be Your Biological Mother.

Your parents can’t make it to the show, but you really want to go? Live out of town but you really want to attend pattern camp? You can always count on another Knollwood Mom to step in. Just ask Mama Budzinski or Mama Berget who are frequently watching over Knollwood Kids until their ‘real’ parents can make to the show. Or Mama Kleba who opens up her home to Oshkosh rider Sofia so she can enjoy a week of camp craziness. Heck,  the Bergets even open up their home to our out of town riders during the summer and school breaks. Welcome to the Hotel Berget!

 

It’s Never The Horse’s Fault. Never.

You know, when Scott utters ‘Stupid horse…’ Yes, that means that your horse didn’t receive enough information from the rider. Let’s face it, if your horse has been ‘Mattonized,’ the pattern boo boo was, in fact, rider error.

 

Life isn’t fair.

Think you won that class, and received a pretty brown ribbon instead? Did you not get your first pick horse for the upcoming academy show? Did someone pop a champagne cork just as you were starting your pattern on a tough horse? Did Baxter feel especially good one sunny afternoon at Oshkosh and show the road trot during a walk and trot academy class?

Stuff happens that we have no control over, so we had best get over it and move on.

 

Scott’s not the one you need to be worried about.

Yes, Scott has a voice that carries, and a laugh that fills a room. He is very direct in his speech, and often quite free with his opinions.  Don’t let that fool you.

Watch out for the glaring blue eyes of Carol. She runs a business like a tight ship, and nothing scares her. Nothing.

 

Everyone was once a beginner.

Knollwood Kids of all ages know they get to give back to the newest members of the club. Running with beginner riders, helping with camp, and watching new riders fall in love with the lesson horses is all part of the fun of being a member of the club.

 

No chore is below your ‘pay grade.’

Every Knollwood Kid quickly learns how glamorous horses are.

Wading out in knee deep water in muddy pastures to rescue floating hay tanks while you’re praying that you don’t fall down OR lose your tall boots in the muck is a right of passage.

Walking pastures looking for lost shoes or halters can quickly become a game, and taking hay out to pastures with friends and hay in the wheelbarrow is lots of fun, even when it tips over.

 

Barn friends are the best.

Let’s face it, horse kids are different. Their phones are used for flashlights more than social media updates. They get excited when the show schedules come out, and when the school barn gets new brooms. Mud, snow, and horse slobber aren’t even noticed, sometimes much to their parents’ dismay.

So how great is it to walk into the barn and catch up with your fellow horse kids? Spending a night or a show weekend with your barn besties can’t be beat.

And, they become life long friends. Let’s face is, horses aren’t a phase.

 

Horses Can Break Your Heart.

While we wish our horse friends could live forever, they just can’t. (See ‘Life Isn’t Fair,’ above.)

Some horses leave this world suddenly while some age and just ‘wear out.’ However it happens, it’s tough on those they leave behind, and it’s a challenge to get through.

Knollwood Kids have lost their share of well loved horses including Cartman, Hootie, Louie, and Chip, and it never gets any easier.

 

Horses are great at keeping secrets.

Having a bad day, or going through a rough patch? Come to the barn, bury your face in your favorite horses’ mane and tell him your secrets. Repeat as needed.

And FYI, Panic, Baxter, Brinkley, and Forest are all great huggers.

 

Willy is a god.

Don’t think we need to explain that one. He’s been here for 28 years, his jog is legendary for teaching even the smallest rider to post, and he enjoys being a demanding, grand gelding. He’s taken to yelling for his senior food, and lets himself out of his stall to get it.

 

 

'That’s way more betterer' may be the ultimate compliment.

Scott’s not one to throw compliments around willy nilly, but if you can earn a ‘That’s way more betterer,’ consider it a great day. If you get a ‘That’s exactly how you do that,’ pat yourself on the back.

 

We Are Beyond Fortunate

All Knollwood Kids are grateful for the atmosphere created by these fabulous horsemen. Not many kids are lucky enough learn from mentors with such passion for what they do and who are willing to share all their experience to help the next generation feel the passion.

 

Thank you, Scott and Carol.

 

Tradition.Honor.Passion.

 

 

And lots of fun.

 

 

So, Scott and Carol left yesterday for the annual UPHA convention. 

This year, show horse trainers will be roughing it in Palm Springs where they’ll honor the best horses and ponies of the year, discuss important issues facing the industry, share new ideas to grow the show horse world, and honor the trainers and exhibitors who have achieved extraordinary things.

More about that last part later…

 

Meanwhile, back at Knollwood, those of us who aren’t basking in the California sun are also achieving great things.

 

Any idea of what this photo is?

If you guessed the arena ceiling at the halfway point of cleaning, you’d be correct.  Whenever Lin isn’t working horses, the ceiling becomes job 1.  You’re going to need sunglasses in the arena when the project’s done!

 

 

Show season is fast approaching, and we want to be ready.  The wall of membership applications is complete in the school barn lounge. So, whether you’d like to join the ASHA, IASPHA, ASAW, or MAHSA, your application is waiting. We even posted completed form samples so you don’t miss anything important like rider nominations. 

If you’re not sure which associations to join, Nancy or Ann would be happy to help you decide, and will gladly review your forms before they’re submitted.

 

 

We’re proofing the banquet program, and putting the finishing touches on the evening. The RSVP box on the school barn counter is waiting for your reply by January 26th if you haven’t already turned yours in. The numbers are looking particularly strong this year, and you surely don’t want to miss this event!

 

 

 

We’ve revised our annual academy seminar and will be hosting a new version on February 16 at 6 PM. If you’d like to learn why we love academy showing, please join us in the show barn lounge. We’ll offer demos and much more!

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve been exchanging phone calls, and can now officially announce that the Patchwork Pony is coming to our neighborhood for a trunk show of show apparel for both our academy and show riders. With lots of inventory and personalized service, you’ll want to be at the Hilton Garden Suites in Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 16 between 9AM and 4PM.

 

 

 

 

We’ve contracted with 2 of the best show bun makers in the Midwest, and will be offering a class for moms and daughters on March 16 at 6 PM in the show barn lounge. Don’t worry, you’ll be ‘bunning’ some other child’s hair to keep the volume level down.

Oh, and there will be beverages served with snacks!

 

 

 

 

And we’re still running the farm as usual (as best we can without our fearless leaders)  while the Mattons are networking in the sun. 

 

 

  

In addition to meeting with other professional horsemen and celebrating greatness of 2018, Scott and Carol are being honored with a very special award.  Their fellow trainers have elected the dynamic duo to receive the Richard E Lavery Professional Horseman or Horsewoman of the Year Award. The description of the award could have been written just for the Mattons:

 

'The Richard E. Lavery Professional Horseman or Horsewoman of The Year shall be a person that has been involved in the training and showing of horses within our industry. He or she shall be a person that has given beyond the call of duty to promote the show horse industry and his or her profession, and to inform, educate, and promote in general. He or she shall be dedicated to the industry in an unselfish manner and shall have an interest in the industry and an interest in the respect of the profession and the professional horseman.'

 

We congratulate Scott and Carol on this prestigious award.

They live the ideals that this honor represents, and we couldn't be more proud to be part of Team Knollwood.

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

 

It became a somber day at Knollwood when barn cat extraordinaire passed away unexpectedly.

 

Rescued as a sick kitten, Dean quickly wormed his way into the hearts of Team Knollwood. A true feline ambassador, Dean became a friend to many who claimed to not be 'cat people.' 

 

Dean was not your average barn cat. Always looking to make his presence known, Dean helped instructors in the little outdoor ring, often resting in the step ladder, AKA his cabana. He excelled at earing up horses outside, and could do it from the top of the fence, or by popping up prairie dog style above the lowest rail.

 

Dean never missed a photo op, let us wrap him for the holidays just because we could, and enjoyed having his bed spun as if he made a trip to Great America.

 

We'll miss him racing us up the aisle, enjoying play time with his catnip stuffed stick of dynamite, and living in the back number box the entire weekend of Knollwood shows.

 

We hope that the other side of the rainbow bridge brings you an unending supply of dynamite and friends to mess with.

And say hello to all our Knollwood friends there.

Peace, Dean.

 

Knollwood’s 40^th anniversary year was, in Scott’s immortal words, ‘’way more betterer.’ Than what, we’re we’re not sure. 

We are certain, however, that we enjoyed lots of successes, lots of ‘almost’ successes, and plenty of learning experiences.

And fun? We had plenty of that.

So here, in no real particular order, are our 5 favorite stories from 2018, and 5 stories we're watching for 2019!

 

 

 

Knollwood In-Barn Shows

The starting point for our riders’ show educations, the Knollwood events offer friendly competition for all of our students.  So in April, July, and November, Team Knollwood gathered to celebrate the progress of the students in our program, and showcased the best lesson horses in the world.

Highlights of this year?

 

 

 

We introduced the popular ‘Mother Daughter’ division.  Daughters ride the first way of the ring, and the moms take over for second way. To add more ‘excitement’ to the class, we offer a prize for the fastest tack change. Yes, there were a lot of daughters cantering to the rail with, well, their reins and stirrups not quite in order.

 

We were thrilled to have a 3 generation entry with Holly, Lin, and Oli.

Oli wisely decided to skip the riding portion of the competition, but was there for the photo op. Future equitation star on the way, no doubt.

The November show in particular showcased our youngest riders with a split leadline division of 13 entries. These future show stars meant business, and even did their first ‘workouts’ when judge Sarah Thordsen asked all competitors to show a 2 point position in the line up.

 

 

 

Show Barn Rookies

It was an exciting year for the show barn as four of our academy stars moved up to the ‘A’ show ring.

Maria rode into the adult equitation division with Sadie, and then showed Smyth in the pleasure division.  What an exciting way to break into the adult divisions!

2018 Knockout president Jordan had the opportunity to show Maddie (Tura Lura Lura) in the Country Pleasure divisions. These two learned a lot, and quickly became a team. Look for Jordan to enter the ring this season with a different partner as she continues to enjoy the process.

Emma enjoyed her entry to the big time showing Fergie (Impressive Asset) in the highly competitive senior Pleasure Equitation division. This charismatic duo made their mark quickly, even winning the championship at the IASPHA spring show. Emma and Fergie had a spectacular year in one of the toughest divisions out there.

Heather partnered with Tucker (Fine By Me) in the junior Pleasure Equitation division and acted like she’d been there her whole life.  This polished team even finished reserve in 3 national equitation finals, the Saddle and Bridle Junior Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final, the Pleasure Olympics, and the  UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Junior Final. She also finished third in the ASHA Pleasure Equitation National Championship for riders 17 and Under.

 

 

 

Knollwood Summer 2018

What a summer it was …

Our summer riding school was a complete sell out, as were all of our tiny tot camps. For our more experienced riders, we offered a Knollwood Show Prep week, a prep week before the ASAW Summer Showcase for our maiden riders, and 3 weeks of advanced pattern camps.

Between spending time with the best lesson horses in the world, crafting with our friends from Soul Fire Art Studio, and just goofing off and making friends, the summer created memories for a life time.

Oh, and the shows … We traveled from Oshkosh to Woodstock with our academy stars, and enjoyed horses, hotel pools, and became better horse people as we learned from the best.

 

 

Equitation Excellence

Sometimes, you just have to toot your own horn, and we think we’ve earned it this season.

By the numbers, Knollwood riders earned 12 National Championship or Reserve National Championships against the best in the country.

Counting our Top 10 finishes, the number jumps up to 24.

From Richie in the 10 and under walk and trot division to Heather, Hanna, and Payton in the 13 and under divisions to Ainsley, Amanda, Finn, Emma, and Haley in the 14-17 divisions, Knollwood was knocking on the door of every national final they entered.

 

 

Queen Haley

Knollwood Kid Haley has grown from riding Dudley in the walk trot academy division to being only the 13^th rider in history to win the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.

Haley has spent her entire equitation career showing horses owned by others, and she has had quite an education along the way. At last count, the queen has shown 7 horses to make it to where she is today.

This season, legendary Park mare Leila (Brookhill’s Passion Punch) didn’t have a rider, as owner Kerry was expecting a child and sitting out the season. Scott and Carol thought they’d try to make Leila into an equitation star, and as they say, the rest is history.

Haley and the firey mare were a team almost from the beginning and were knocking out patterns together. Leila has become very talkative in the ring, whinnying after segments of patterns. Haley wisely lets the wild woman express her opinions.

So, Haley won 6 National Finals, and was reserve in the 7^th.

We couldn’t be more proud of this Knollwood Kid who’s joined the elite Triple Crown Club.  

Fellow Knollwood riders in the club?

 Sarah Thordsen who won in  2001,

and Nick Maupin who did the triple in 2010!

 

 

 

Stories to watch in 2019

Knockout Excitement

Our award winning youth group, the Knollwood Knockouts has a new set of officers and board members.  They’re taking over from the successful administration of Jordan, and hope to live up to her leadership.

They’re already fundraising with a monthly night at Culvers at which a portion of all sales are donated to the Knockouts.

We’re looking for great things from this great group of kids and their leaders!

 

Knollwood Summer 2019

Signups have begun, and we can hardly wait for Knollwood Summer. It’s going to be warm soon, right?

With half day Tiny Tot camps for our youngest riders, Classic Summer Riding School for our beginner and advanced riders, and advanced show prep and pattern camps for our more experienced riders, Knollwood is the perfect place to start or expand your riding experience.

The best lesson horses in the world are waiting.

 

Knollwood Knockout Banquet

Our award banquet is coming up at the Legends at Bristlecone on February 9. There’s added excitement this year with the announcement of the School Horse of the Year for 2018. We’re also looking forward to recognizing the achievements of our academy riders at our home and away from home shows, recognizing the contributions of our show riders, watching a slide show about 2018, and listening to enlightening addresses from our treasurer and of course, Scott’s annual ‘State of the Farm’ address.

We’ll finish the celebration with dancing and merriment.  We hope all our members can join us. If you’re not yet a member and would like to join us, becoming a member is easy. Just ask your instructor!

 

The Youth Movement

We have a spectacular group of up and coming academy riders.

In both the walk trot canter and walk trot divisions, there’s unbelievable depth in the younger divisions. We’re looking forward to a season of many, many excellent adventures!

 In fact, 10 year old Mia won the Knollwood Challenge Final last November as a 9 year old, and will be competing against the 17 and under walk trot and canter riders in the Challenge qualifier for the WTC Final. Watch out, world!

 

New Teams Are Coming!

One of the greatest things about our leasing program is that riders can show different horses each season to further their education.  We have lots of new teams that we’ll be announcing soon.

Right now, we can confirm one new team for 2019…

After a season of learning from several different steeds, Hanna is reuniting with Fine By Me, AKA Tucker for her final year in the junior equitation division.

We’ll have more news soon!

 

 

We look back fondly on a year to remember. 

We are looking forward to more adventures and making more memories in 2019.

  We hope you join us for the excitement!

Happy 2019!

The new year is here, and we have plenty of fun coming up at Knollwood. Mark your calendars so you won’t miss any of the events we have in store!

 

Midwest Saddleseat Consignment is hosting a private shopping event this Friday from 7-9 PM at the Hilton Garden Suites at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc. 

We’ll have the chance to shop before the merchandise is offered to the public on Saturday.  Experts will be there to assist with your selections, too.

 

 

 

  Invitations just went out to all Knockout members for our annual awards banquet to be held Saturday, February 9 at the Legends at Bristlecone.

You won’t want to miss this eventful evening where we award academy riders for both in and out of barn shows, recognize our ‘A’ and “B’ show riders, and announce all of our academy riders who are receiving medallions from the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

The affair also features enlightening addresses from the Knockout officers, our treasurer, and Scott who presents his annual ‘State of the Farm’ address.  We'll finish the evening with a slide show, the announcement of the first ever School Horse of the Year, and a DJ for after dinner dancing.

This is usually a sold out event, so be sure to get your reservations to the school barn by January 26!

Not yet a member? We'd love to have you!  Your instructor will be happy to help you sign up to join our award winning youth group.

 

 

 

Do you think you or someone in your house might be interested in academy showing?

Please plan on joining us for our academy show seminar on Saturday, February 23 at 6:00.  We’ll offer informational sessions, demonstrations, and of course, refreshments.

 

 

 

We’re hosting a special clinic on March 30 and 31 with Cindy Zubrod Boel and Renee Zubrod. 

They’re joining us from Zubrod Sables in Kentucky for a weekend of instruction for our show riders and experienced academy show stars.  We will not be holding lessons on Saturday, March 30 or Sunday, March 31 due to the clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first academy show of the season is coming up on April 13 and 14.  We’ll be kicking off the 2019 campaign at one of our favorites, the first IASPHA this year at Fields and Fences in Gurnee.

 

 

 

 

 

Our first in-barn show has been pushed back a little to May 4-5 when it will hopefully be a little warmer than in April. 

After talking to lots of Knollwood families, we’ve decided to make a change to the dress code for the in-barn shows this season. Starting with the spring show, riders will receive their own  show tee shirt to wear and keep as a memento of the day.  Our friends at Wild Impact Marketing are designing the shirts, and we’re looking forward to seeing them.

 

 

Don't forget to get your 2019 Riding Resolution on the bulletin board the next time you're at the barn!!

See you at the barn!