Hi everyone, Klem here.

Yes, I snatched the iPad from Forest while he was eating.  That was easy.

Early exit polling in the first ever School Horse of the Year election is not looking good for us ‘box stall boys.’ Sure, I know that the ‘outside boys’ are a little more rugged, and do group lessons as well as privates, but we’re academy horses for goodness sake. We take our fun loving show riders al over and teach them the ways of the show ring. Plus, I’m really handsome!

So, I asked all of my co-workers what they would promise to do if they were awarded the coveted title. Here, in alphabetical order by barn name, are the campaign promises from the front of the barn:

 

Alex

Alex, officially known as Perilous has opted out of campaign promises.  He was having trouble with the big words. But he’s beautiful.

 

 

Baxter

 

Officially known as ‘A Champagne Toast,’ Baxter is a legendary academy horse. In this year’s academy ads, he was pictured in 8 of the 12 victory pass photos.  He promises a corner office for ALL the box stall boys.

 

 

Cashew

Captain Kaos may be new the lesson program, but he’s wormed his way into the hearts of many, many riders. He REALLY isn’t a politician, so he promises to remain thankful for his new job.

Dexter

Home grown Dekscalibur promises to stop peeing on his front leg wraps to make everyone’s life a little more pleasant.

Eddie

Hylee’s Red Fox promises modular bridles to all school horses so no one’s ears will ever be bent again.

 

 

Heist

Heist want everyone to know that if elected, he’ll trade his aisle seat of a stall with no neighbor on one side.

 

 

Hooper

The one and only Hula Hooper promises to end ‘over the head’ clothing for all horses. From now on, everyone’s clothes will open in the front!

JD

If miraculously elected, John Dillenger will become a vegan.

Klem

I promise to nicker at everyone who walks past my stall, Oh wait, I already do that.

Murphy

An Irish Victory will stop telling everyone that ‘his mother’ works here.

 

Panic

 

CH Callaway's Don't Panic has never had a bad day in his life. From earning his CH status in a year and half to teaching many a rider what it feels like to ride a show horse, every day is a good day to be Panic.

If elected, Panic promises to become a Tiny Tot lesson star. 

The date of this transformation has yet to be set.

Sadie

Just as Unique is the only mare in the lesson program. She’s promised all the grand geldings that she’ll try to be in the arena more often during their lessons.

Zeus

Andeker Light may be retired, but he promises to share his ‘everyday is Louisville’ attitude through a series of motivational speeches for the boys.

 

 

 What's Coming Up?

 

Next time you’re at the barn, be sure to put your 2019 Knockout dues in the ballot envelope, vote for your favorite lesson horse, and place the envelope in the ballot box. You might want to double check that Dean’s not in the box first.

 

 

Don’t forget that Parent’ Night Out is coming up this Saturday from 5-8 PM. You can sign up in the school barn lounge to join the fun. It’s only $10!

 

 

The Knockouts Holiday Gala is coming up the following Saturday, the 15^th. We’ll carol at 5:30 with Dudley and Forest before we return to the barn for pizza, party, and election of 2019 officers. Members, please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how much food to order.  If you’re not yet a member, we’d love to have you. Plus, when you join, you receive a ballot to vote for school horse of the year.

 

And most importantly, remember that lessons are 10% off through 12/31. Group lessons, private lessons, camps, even horse shows are 10% off. Stock up now so you can spend time with me.  And the other lesson horses.

 

See you at the barn!

 

Hi everyone, Forest here, master of social media and currently in possession of the school horse iPad.

(Plus, the internet connection is stronger in my pasture than in the big school horse playground… Please don't tell the people at the curling club that I'm stealing their internet. Probably.)

If you’re wondering why I’ve been escaping from my stall so often these last few weeks, it’s because I’ve been given a new reporting assignment. The latest? I’m collecting campaign promises from all the school horses who live in the back of the barn. Yes, most of us hard working boys have dreams of being elected School Horse of the Year, and voting starts on Saturday, December 1.  

Here, in alphabetical order by their barn names, is the list of campaign promises made by the boys:

 

It’s My Kinda Town

  Big Frank promises to stop overreacting when the arena heat comes on, and will provide personal escorts EVERY DAY to help fellow slow learners find their stalls.

 

Bo

Bo promises to stop telling the instructors which gaits should be done when during group lessons, and promises to provide a year round mud pit in the pasture.

 

 

Sun of Achilles

Brinkley, AKA ‘the cloud’ for having the smoothest canter in the land, loves his time with little riders. He promises free on-demand spa treatments for all.

 

 

 

Dudley Do Right

and

Duke’s Winged Medallion

 Dudley and Duke are always the last horses to go out at night because of their thick coats and long sessions with blow dryers. They have decided to open a blow out bar and will offer services each night. By appointment only.

 

 

Forest Gump

If elected, I promise to share all those big rocks that keep finding their way to my feed tub. Perhaps some other horse needs help slowing down their eating? I would never rush through all the deliciousness I find waiting for me.

 

 

Mr. Rogers and Hawaiian Cat

Fred and Hugo both know the value of a good nap, so the Quarter Horse and the Saddlebred are coming together and promising mandatory nap times.

Daily.

 

 

 

Rumours of War

Joey has some anger management problems, especially when riders drop their stirrups. He has proposed the issuance of a ‘No Stirrup Dropping’ card that horses can rent from him on a week by week basis. Proceeds go to …Joey’s therapy sessions.

 

 

Li'l Frank

Frank the Pony loves life in the calorie controlled paddock with his best friend, ME. He does, however, have some issues with sudden noises, especially the arena heater. He has promised to provide group counseling session for those affected by the heater. Running the sessions? The laid back Fjord, of course!

 

 

 

Distinguished Mark

 If miraculously elected, he will not serve.

 It’s all too confusing.

 

 

 

Way Cool Willy

 Picasso understands that his attitude toward some of co-workers won’t win him many votes, so he promises to improve his attitude in the arena. He urges others to keep their opinions to themselves as well.

 

 

Sparky

 It’s always the quiet ones who have the best ideas. Sparky promises to provide unlimited brushing by small children. Your back and head might not be so clean, but your legs will be spotless.

 

 

Bonnie Novel Santoro

 Sundance, AKA ‘The Master of the Pasture’ has made a huge promise to the lesson horses and will relax the code of conduct in the pasture. On Saturday nights only, gentlemen.

 

 

Fort Chiswell’s Aristocrat

 Thomas has enjoyed his first year at Knollwood, and has especially enjoyed his trips around the country as the practice horse. If elected, the rookie promises to stay out of trouble and to keep working his way into the hearts of Knollwood Kids.

 

 

Tony Ray

Tony has never seen a mint he didn’t like, and didn’t talk about. His campaign promise is to provide FREE MINTS FOR ALL LESSON HORSES!!

 

 

Dakota’s Diamond Sam

Elder statesman Willy has done it his way, and wouldn’t change a thing. (Well, maybe he’d work on his fear of fly spray, but that’s a story for another time…)

He does, however, promise to share his favorite food with his fellow workers. Yes, thanks to Willy, FREE EQUINE SENIOR FOR ALL!

 

 

The fine print:

All Knollwood Knockout members who have paid their 2019 dues will be issued a ballot for the election.  Your instructor and election commisioner can get your ballot and dues envelope. Please deposit your special envelope and dues in the ballot box in the school barn.

No photo ID is required.

You just need to be a Knockout to vote!

 

 

Be sure to stop by this Saturday for Soul Fire ornament making in the show barn lounge. For only $10, you can create a unique ornament which will be fired at the studio and returned at the Knockouts Holiday Gala on December 15.

You won't want to miss that evening.

Trust me.

Knollwood is quiet today, with the horses all enjoying a well-deserved day off.

We are grateful for many things.

Most importantly, we are thankful for our customers who entrust us with their riding education, and with their beautiful horses.

Thanks to you, we get to work with wonderful, talented people and horses.

We love what we do.

We hope you enjoy a joyous day filled with friends and family.

 

Tradition.

Honor.

Passion.

 

(And Lots of Fun.)

Black Friday is fast approaching, marking the start of the holiday season. Here at Knollwood, insiders know it means it’s time for our annual lesson sale. From Friday November 23 through Monday, December 31, all our lessons are 10% off. That’s right, you can purchase private lessons, group lessons, camps, horse shows, and even camps at a discount.

Riding lessons make great gifts for many, many reasons. Here are just a few:

 

Horses build confidence.

Even the smallest riders in our Tiny Tot program for riders between the ages of 3 and 6 can learn how to direct our fabulous lesson horses. All our riders learn that the horses may be big, but they’re very cooperative when you communicate with them so they understand. We love watching our students figure out that they are, in fact, in charge!

 

Horses build patience.

Horses see the world in a very different way than we do, and they don’t communicate with their voices. Very often.

These wonderful creatures teach us to be patient as they try to understand what we’re asking them to do. Riders quickly learn that horses’ minds are not like computer keyboards, and that they need constant communication and help.

 

Horses build compassion.

Horses need care. A lot of it.

Riders quickly learn that horses don’t do much for themselves, and that they’re reliant on us. Horses must be groomed, prepared for lessons, taken care of after lessons, and groomed again. In the summer, we also add baths after working to their spa schedule.

Sometimes, horses don’t feel well and require extra care, and sometimes injuries occur which need care and rehab.

We are happy to add that we keep all of our retired lesson horses at Knollwood, and our senior citizens receive attentive care in their golden years.

 

Horses build resilience.

Things don’t always go your way, and life isn’t fair. It’s just not.

Riders will struggle with a particular horse, or a specific skill. Riders may fall off, and may have a difficult lesson or show. Horses help us realize that we just have to work through the rough parts, and never give up. Learning isn’t always pretty.

 

Horses make you strong.

The core and leg strength developed while riding will make you the envy of your friends. You'll use those muscles the most while directing an 1800 pound horse, and have fun doing it!

Of course, moving saddles, throwing hay, giving leg-ups, and running with new riders will also help your fitness routine!

 

Horses will introduce you to new friends.

Horse people love to talk about horses and riding. At Knollwood, the social time before and after lessons is almost as much fun as the lesson itself.

For our younger riders, having ‘barn friends’ outside of school friends is a good thing. Riders can always come to the barn and be with fellow ‘horse people.’  Of course, this usually involves games of ‘horse show’ in the arena!

We also have an award winning youth group, The Knollwood Knockouts. A member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association's Youth Foundation, the club has been recognized by Saddlebred Rescue (twice) and the American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin for their contributions.

Knollwood kids gather for service projects, street clean ups, and fun activities. They also staff the concession stands at our 3 in-barn shows as well as at the ASAW Summer Showcase in Cedarburg each August.

Their fundraising supports charitable causes as well as subsidizes their annual awards banquet held each February.

 

 

 

We’re the largest saddle seat lesson program in the area. We work with about 26 stellar lesson horses ranging from our patient beginner horses all the way to advanced horses that can take you into the show ring. The size of our program is a plus because we can offer opportunities that come with a large program.

We have a staff of instructors that works in the lesson program in addition to our owners, Scott and Carol Matton and their staff who work with the show horses. Of course, they also work with riders in the lesson program, and our advanced lesson program students have the opportunity to show the high end lesson horses in the show barn.

Our size allows us to offer both group and private lessons. Many students start in group lessons, and that’s a great way to begin. These 45 minute lessons offer plenty of repetition of basic skills at the beginning, and they are a very social affair with horse lovers coming together to learn.  We offer group lessons from beginners through advanced riders, and even offer an adults-only class on Thursdays at 7:30.

Private lessons are a great way to perfect skills, or to advance your skills very quickly. Since these lessons are half an hour in length, many riders choose to add a group lesson during the week to develop the leg and core strength it takes to succeed. Plus, we are strong believers in riding without stirrups!

Tiny Tot lessons are half hour private lessons for our youngest riders between the ages of 3 and 6. These lessons use a select group of our lesson horses who enjoy tiny riders. Our tiny tot riders learn the same skills on our fabulous older horses, and even get to show at our 3 In Barn Shows each year.

Summer camps are a tradition here at Knollwood. We offer 4 weeks of ‘Classic Camp’ for riders who want to almost live with the lesson horses. Campers learn how to groom and tack before each ride, and how to bathe and take care of them after. Campers also learn about horses through hands on activities and enjoy an afternoon of horsey crafts with our friends from Soul Fire Art Studio.

Our more advanced riders enjoy weeks of camp designed especially for them. These advanced camps focus on show ring skills and strategy with lots of fun thrown in!

We love to show! Our students can compete in 3 In-Barn shows each year. These shows are held in our own arena, and offer competition for our riders on our horses. It’s a wonderful way to introduce riders to the horse show world.

In addition to the In Barn shows, we travel to about 12 academy shows each season where our academy horses and riders compete against other lesson horses in the Midwest. We have so much fun!

In addition to our lesson program, Knollwood Farm offers a full service training facility for champion American Saddlebreds. For riders looking to move up to the world of show horses, there’s nowhere better.

Scott and Carol have produced many, many National and World Champions. This year, a rider who came up through our lesson program won the coveted Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation. Haley became only the 13^th rider in history to win the UPHA Challenge Cup National Final, the Good Hands National Final, and the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final. 

Haley is the third Knollwood rider to achieve this rare feat, with Sarah Thordsen ‘doing the triple’ in 2001, while Nick Maupin rocked it in 2010.

 

Want to join the adventure?

You can purchase lessons online at www.KnollwoodFarmLTD.com and use discount code HOLIDAY2019 to receive 10% off through December 31.

You can also call Ann or Nancy at 262-367-2391, and we’d love to talk about a program that will work for you.

We’d love to meet you, and you’re welcome to come out and visit at any time. If you’d like an official tour, please give a call so we can schedule a  guide to answer all your questions.

 

We love what we do.

 

 

 

 

 

What a weekend we enjoyed at Knollwood and in Kansas City.

We have wonderful stories to tell from the Knollwood Fall Academy Show and from the UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show!

The field at the Royal was even deeper than in previous years.

Maybe it was the move to Hale Arena last year, maybe it just shows the strength of the industry, we’re not sure. But, any ribbon in any class was an accomplishment to be proud of.

 

We’re proud to report that our performance horses all showed to ribbons in the always tough Junior Exhibitor divisions.

Dos, Millie, Charlie, Robert and Garfield all won ribbons with their hard working Knollwood Kids onboard.

 

 At home, the Annual Knollwood Basket Challenge was a great success this year.

Each team of helpers was given a theme, and asked customers and friends to donate to their theme.  Horse show judge and 2001 Triple Crown winner Sarah Thordsen had the difficult task of picking her favorite basket, and the winner was Team Tuesday with their holiday theme. Tuesday helpers Heather, Margit, Maya, Maddie, Nicole, and Kristen will enjoy a pizza party!! Somehow, we think the Tuesday amigos will crash the party as well…

 

 

 In KC, all of our equitation riders made it to at least the second phase of the Challenge Cup and Medal finals at the Royal!

All season, equitation riders around the country have been training and dreaming of success during Royal week. We’re happy to report, once again, that hard work pays off!

 

 

 Meanwhile, back at world headquarters, lead line riders have never been more plentiful or looked better!

The Knollwood show featured 13 lead line riders showing in split classes AND a split championship.

Our youngest riders were even asked to perform a ‘workout’ in the line up, when they all showed the judge how to correctly hold a 2 point position. Championship winners in the big field were Zoe and Leighton.

 

 

 At the Royal, Richie and Payton made the Top 10 in their UPHA Challenge Cup National Finals, and Finn made the Top 10 in the Medal Final!

 Richie and the great Miss Mheirry Mac (Tink)  made their last walk and trot appearance at the Royal, and finished 5^th in the Walk and Trot National Final. (Even with a little cantering thrown in during the preliminary phase!)

They were a vision of horsemanship and poise while obviously enjoying every minute.

 

Payton and Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist (Eli) have re-entered the equitation world after showing in the performance division for most of the season. This personality plus team earned a great 6^th in the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup National Final. Look for more great things from them in the future!

 

Finn and Sophie finished 8th in the USEF Medal National Final. Featuring the best of the equitation world, the Medal is often considered the most difficult of the Big Three. Finn's placing  was a wonderful way to finish her first season in the senior equitation division!

 

 

 The Knockouts pitched in this weekend to raise funds for the club while running the show.

Some highlights?

The silent auction had some really unique items, and the new items at the concession stand were a hit. In fact, additional shopping was needed twice on Sunday as the crown couldn’t get enough of the quesadillas and walking tacos!

Thanks to generosity of Knockout members and their friends, the club raised over $1800 this weekend. The funds will be used to subsidize the banquet as well as the Knockout’s charitable efforts. We also sent Saddlebred Rescue a check for $450 thanks to everyone who purchased songs at our three academy shows this year!

 

 

 Not to be outdone by the leadliners, the ‘grown up’ divisions at the Knollwood show were also exceptionally strong.

The adult walk and trot division returned after an absence of a few years. Nancy and Rachel kept switching placings throughout the show. They both enjoyed showing and are looking forward to welcoming more adults to the ring.

After last entering the academy show ring 17 years ago, Kristen showed Hugo this weekend and rode to the adult walk trot and canter championship as well as the pattern championship. These classes were strong from top to bottom, proving that riding is, indeed, a sport for life.

 

 The Knollwood Challenge Final is the highlight of the fall show. Modeled after the UPHA Challenge Cup and Good Hands finals, riders qualify throughout the year by riding in a qualifying class. All riders perform the same pattern to qualify, and riders placing first or second in a qualifier advance to the November final, and are eliminated from future qualifying classes.

Both our walk trot canter and walk trot finals featured talented, hard working riders who rode hard trying to win the bronze traveling trophy and a custom show shirt from deRegnaucourt.  After railwork and challenging patterns, we’re proud to announce that Lauren S won the walk trot and canter final with Lauren B in reserve.

In the walk and trot division, Mia won the final with Samara reserve.

 

 

 So, Ken hasn’t traveled to away horse shows all season because he thought Haley and mom Sue had a routine and schedule that he didn’t want to interrupt. He stayed home this summer and fall, watching the shows online and logging many cellular minutes.

When Haley was getting so close to possibly winning the triple crown, she placed a call to her Dad and told him to get on a plane to KC. Ken made it in time to see…

Haley win the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation.

In one year, Haley and Leila won the Good Hands Final, the UPHA Challenge Cup Senior National Final, and the USEF Medal National Final. She’s the 13^th member of the elite club who can call themselves Triple Crown winners.

Knollwood has produced 2 other club members, Sarah Thordsen who did the triple in 2001, and Nick Maupin who won all three in 2010.

 

In addition to the Big Three finals, Haley and Leila were also reserve national champs in the Pleasure Olympic Senior Final.

They were National Champions in the ASHA Pleasure Equitation Final, the Saddle and Bridle Senior Medallion Pleasure Equitation Final and in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup Final.

What a year for this Knollwood Kid.

 

Like so many, Haley started in group lessons when she was 7. She started taking private lessons, and the rest is history. She enjoyed a successful academy career, and even won the Knollwood Challenge Walk Trot final.

 

Haley went on to show lots of different horses in the equitation division.

Some of her horse partners include Batman, Nugget, Maddie, Felix, Butters, and Robert.

This season, Kerry Richter agreed to let Scott teach her great park mare Leila, officially known as Brookhill’s Passion Punch, the ways of the equitation horse while she sat out the season on maternity leave.

Leila has always been athletic, talented, and brilliant. She can also be opinionated, sure of herself, and, well, challenging. Scott saw the intelligence in Leila, while he and Carol knew that they had the rider who could get it done in Haley.

 

Haley and Leila debuted at Chapter 5 last May, qualifying for the Good Hands and the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup. The rest is history.

 

 

The two shows merged on Sunday afternoon when Haley stopped in on her way home from Kansas City.  Judge Sarah introduced Haley to the crowd, and told them about the amount of work and dedication required to reach this level of success.

 

 

Triple Crown winner 2001 got to meet Triple Crown winner 2018. It was magic.

 

Haley stayed long enough to meet up with some of her ‘littles’ who she helps at horse shows, and brought her Medal bouquet to show.

 

 

Magic? Yes!

See you at the barn.

 

Tradition.

Honor. 

Passion.