Knollcrest Morgans Ann C Knoll

On September 10, 2005 I was invited by Ann Knoll to visit her at her farm in Central Square, NY. She was preparing for a move and had boxes of past New York Morgan show programs, New York State Morgan Horse Society Directories, as well as a comprehensive collection of State Fair and Syracuse International show programs. In her quiet and unassuming way, Ann was donating these materials to our club, knowing how valuable they would be to us.

During our visit, Ann was willing to sit with me and tell some stories. By following the links below, you can hear some highlights in Ann's own words.

You can also view "Ann's Scrapbook" - a collection of photos that she was willing to share.

I hope you enjoy the results of our visit as much as I did...

The first Morgan at Knollcrest...

Valley View Pal, a registered Morgan gelding, foaled in 1944, was sired by Upwey King Benn and out of Upwey Emerald Goldie. About his only claim to fame was that he had some mighty famous relatives, perhaps the most famous was Upwey Ben Don, the well known Show Horse of the late 1940’s and ‘50’s who was also by Upwey King Benn.

Pal was purchased as a 4 year old stallion and later gelded. For 11 years, he was our pleasure and trail horse. He entered a few competitive trail rides and always placed well, but for the most part, he was just the nice dependable fellow that we could take anywhere we wanted to go, whether it was 5 miles or 30, and if the girls wanted to go trail riding, we could always be sure that he would look out for them. He taught them to ride, always insisting on a light rein, and “keep the heels down and the knees in, girls, or a quick stop will remind you.”

Download this full story - Titled "A Tribute To A Morgan Gelding" and written by Ann...

Listen to Ann share her funny story about why Pal was gelded (file appx. 320kb, appx. 1-2 min download for 56k modem)

Over the years Ann has been part of the show management team for the New York Regional, the Syracuse International, The Morgan Amateur Show and the NY State Fair.

Download one of our very early Trader Magazine articles on Ann's perspective of the first 1960 New York
Read an article published in the 1985 25th anniversary NY Morgan Show Program
and then listen to Ann's comments about exhibiting (file appx. 333kb, appx. 1-2 min download for 56k modem)

Ann has earned an AMHA Pathways award patch for logging over 1,000 hours driving her mare. Read an article about Ann published in the October 2000 Horse Bits Magazine, prior to her earning that distinction.

Hear Ann tell you how she did it! (file appx. 232kb, appx. 1 min download for 56k modem)

Also, Ann has been recognized by the AMHA as one of their "Masters."

And before we share Ann's scrapbook, enjoy the following sound bytes from our visit:

Ann's notes on 4-H students (including a funny anecdote about one of our well known NY Trainers)

Ann's thoughts on several NY Morgans that she remembers fondly

The Heritage class at the New York International

And now click here to view Ann's scrapbook....