The show horses are in St Louis ready to compete at the Bridlespur Society Horse Show, and our academy horses are leaving tomorrow for the IASPHA Spring Show in Woodstock.

We’ve been reflecting on the season ahead and have come up with four keys to a successful show season.

Gratitude

How fortunate we are to be able to spend time with these glorious animals. And we get to spend horse show weekends with our barn team.

Many people would love to do the same and are unable to participate in the horse world.

Be grateful, always, for the opportunities we get to share.

Thank your horse.

Thank your trainer and instructor.

Thank the people who make sure your horse is glammed out for the ring and take such good care of him every day.

Thank your friends for their support, kindness, and laughs.

Junior exhibitors, thank your parents for the opportunities they’ve given you.

Thank the barista at Starbucks on those early mornings.

Resilience

We often say, ‘Horses teach us a lot, and most of it isn’t about horses.’

When you’re showing horses, it’s a proven fact that there will be ups and downs.

Perfection is unattainable.

So, diagonals will be missed, patterns will be creatively performed, shoes will be tossed, horses will get sick, and someone will pop a champagne cork in the middle of the class and spook your horse. (Yes, it’s happened!)

How you deal with the missteps is what matters.

If you correct the problem as best you can, and toss it over your shoulder for thought later, you can finish your performance with confidence.  Maintaining poise is your secret weapon, and is always noticed by judges and trainers alike.

Keep the communication going to the horse who’s going through it with you. Don’t leave his brain unattended.

Sportsmanship

While horse showing, you’re always trying to be a better horseperson than you were yesterday. Remember that everyone around you is as well.

People from fellow barns are trying to improve their skills.

Congratulate fellow competitors and speak to them in the lineup after the judge has walked the lineup.

Always, always, clap for everyone.

Accept the judge’s decision with a relaxed face especially when it wasn’t the decision you were hoping for.  These are hard moments.

Kindness

Showing horses is hard.

Riders enter the ring on a big animal and ASK to be judged. That takes confidence and bravery.

Please congratulate fellow riders when you see them with ribbons.

If someone has a tough ride, offer encouragement for the next one.

Tell other riders that you enjoyed watching them ride.

If you see a show outfit that catches your eye, tell the rider that you like it.

The smallest thing can make someone’s day, especially in the exciting world of showing horses.

Let’s have a successful 2026 show season, both in and out of the ring.

What’s Coming Up?

Our Online Woodwear Store is Open!

Through April 22

You can select from a broad assortment of Knollwood gear, and shop from home.

Here’s the link.

Orders close April 22, and no late orders will be accepted.

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 9-11

National Equestrian Center, St Louis MO

The show horses are starting their season tomorrow!

IASPHA Spring Show

April 10-12

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock, IL

Our academy team is starting their 2026 campaign on Saturday at one of our favorite venues. Sawyer and Stella are making their academy debuts this weekend, and we’d love a big cheering section.

Street Clean Up

April 25 at 1:00 PM

Please join the Knockouts in their first community project of 2026. Club members will be cleaning Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads to get them ready for Spring.

Club members can sign up in the school barn lounge. We’re also looking for parent supervisors to join the event.

UPHA Chapter 10 Academy Show

May 2-3

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock, IL

Our academy team is heading back to Woodstock for our second show of 2026.

Lorelei, Maura, and Niamh will be making their show ring debuts at the show, and several riders are entering the walk, trot, and canter division for the first time.

Come join us for an action packed weekend.

Mom’s Day Ride

Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM

Knollwood Moms are invited to join an intro group lesson just for them. If old enough, your Knollwood Kid will act as your helper, too.

It’s only $50, and signups will begin shortly.

Knollwood Spring Show

May 15-17

The horse assignment wall is up, and we’re in full preparation mode.

Knollwood families, we’re looking for your help to ensure a fun weekend with a well staffed show. Best of all, you can sign up the next time you’re at the barn using the QR codes posted in both lounges.

Madison Classic Horse Show

May 21-24

New Holland Pavillion, Madison WI

Our first show of the year when both academy and show horses will be together!

The show offers strong competition in all divisions in an all-indoor facility.

Come and watch some of the best show horses and academy riders around.

The academy performance is Saturday at 10:00 AM.

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!