By RITA MILLER CNA staff writer

Horseman: Nicholas Knoebel is shown with his thoroughbred, both members of the Black Horse Troop at The Culver Academies.

Astride a big, black thoroughbred, 16-year-old Nicholas Knoebel will make a historic ride Jan. 20.He’ll be one of 54 Culver Academies students in the Black Horse Troop. a unit that’s ridden in nearly every presidential inaugural parade ever held. Nicholas, son of Paul Knoebel, rural Creston, is a sophomore at Culver Academies, a private boarding school located in Culver, Ind. “I learned to ride horses there,” said Nicholas. “I’d never ridden before, but now I love horses.”

Father-Son academy students: Paul and Nicholas Knoebel share the Culver Academies experience, Paul as a 1979 graduate and Nicholas as a current sophomore.

Nicholas attended Burton R. Jones Middle School before enrolling as a freshman at Culver Academies. Paul Knoebel, general manager of Michael Foods, Eggs Products Division in Lenox, is a 1979 graduate of Culver Academies. He’ll be watching for Nicholas on TV as the inaugural parade for President George W. Bush is broadcast beginning 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20.

“l’m not sure where I’ll be in the parade,” said Nicholas. “We will all be carrying American flags, all 54 of us. The Culver unit will be the largest mounted one in the entire parade and located in the first of five parade divisions. “We’ll be wearing dark blue coats with belts, and gray and blue breeches with yellow stripes down the side,” said Nicholas.

Tradition since 1913

The troop rides English style, part of a tradition that began 88 years ago with President Woodrow Wilson’s. inaugurals in 1913 and 1917. Six vans will transport the 54 horses to Washington, D.C., Jan. 18 while students will travel by plane. “We’ve been practicing since early October,” said Nicholas. “After Christmas break we’ll practice every day and Saturday mornings.” Along with a nine-month college prep curriculum for the 400 boys and 300 girls at Culver Academies, students may choose from more than 30 sports and programs. “I was looking forward to it,” said Nicholas of his freshman year. “I was in the Civil Air Patrol and interested in aircraft.” However, he soon discovered an affinity for horses and is now on the junior varsity jumping team. “We’re tested at the semester on proper leads and gaits. We have actual academy classes in horsemanship with three riding instructors,” he said. Nicholas is one of three Culver students from Iowa. “There are students from all over the world, although most are from the U.S.,” he said.

While discipline is military style, Nicholas said it depends on the infraction. “You have to be accountable. Troop discipline is tough. I’m a lance corporal. That’s the highest rank as a sophomore,” he said. Nicholas, who had no riding experience until last year, said he’s fallen off his horse and learned some things the hard way. “I hope to make the varsity jumping team,” he said. “We have horse shows, trail rides and cross country courses, too.”

For the next couple of weeks, Nicholas and his fellow riders in the Black Horse Troop will concentrate on parade perfection. “I never dreamed I would be this close to horses.” Nicholas said.

Rita Miller can be reached at 782.2141, ext. 236 or

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