Team Knollwood enjoyed a rewarding week of competition at the UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show last week.

Trainers, riders, and caretakers have been working hard all season to finish strong at the last show of the 2025 season. They were rewarded well for their efforts.

Maddie and Averie showed at the Royal for the first time, competing in the walk trot division.  They both showed in the UPHA Walk and trot Challenge Cup for Riders 10 and under, and the class was ginormous.

Both riders turned in strong rides, and Maddie showed Zach to a Top 10 finish.

Averie showed again after the final and finished second in her 2026 qualifier.

Leighton and Prince have had a highly successful first season in the 13 and under walk trot and canter world.

At the Royal, this personality plus team finished in the top 10 of their first ever walk, trot, and canter national final.

In addition, Leighton won the Sportsmanship Award voted on by her fellow Challenge Cup competitors.

Congratulations, Leighton and Prince.

Shaye and Lady are making a name for themselves. In Lady’s first year as an equitation horse, she and Shaye made the first cut in the most prestigious final of them all, the USEF Medal.

They have made amazing progress in a short amount of time. Just imagine how wise Lady will be after a Knollwood off season!

Maiya and Riddle were contenders all week. Rescue Riddle and Maiya are a seasoned team, and it showed at the Royal.

The rescue horse turned equitation superstar and his skilled rider finished in the Top 10 of both the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup Final, and the Medal Final.

Brooklyn and Gigi are in their first season together, and they have learned to appreciate and understand each other.

Firey Gigi and calm Brooklyn were the youngest team to make the top 10 in a final this year, and they made both the Challenge Cup and Medal final cut.

Just imagine how much closer they’ll become after an off season at home.

Natalie and Garfield closed out their junior exhibitor career at the Royal. These two have become a force to be reckoned with, usually finishing at the top of the ribbons.

Keep in mind that Garfield notices everything, and Natalie rides him superbly,  Her calmness is the perfect match for beautiful Garfield’s sense of awareness.

At her last equitation show as a ‘kid,’ Natalie finished in the Top 10 of the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup final.

Richie  

To say that Richie has had a storied equitation career is an understatement.

From his first ever championship at Cedarburg on Klem to the Royal this week, he’s been a true horseman and gentleman.

Richie loves his horses, and it shows.

At his final equitation show as a junior exhibitor, Richie won the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Final on his athletic horse Doc. They won it unanimously.

Richie just about brought the roof down on his victory pass.

To finish off the week, Richie finished 4^th in the USEF Medal Final.

Congratulations to all the Knollwood Kids who turned in strong performances in the finals!

What’s Coming Up?

World Cup Trials

November 21-22

William Woods University

Knollwood Kids Addison, Natalie, Richie, and Shaye have been selected to try out for the US Saddleseat team to compete at the World Cup this summer.

They’ll draw two horses each to ride in both railwork and patterns. Their horsemanship will be tested by riding two unknown horses with the luck of the draw being a big part of the process.

Shaye is trying out for the three gaited team, while Addison, Natalie, and Richie are aiming for the 5 gaited side.

Best of luck to them this weekend.

Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 22 at 5:30

After attending the first info meeting, interested families are coming to the arena on Saturday to watch some of our academy riders show off. New show riders will learn what the judge is looking for, what clothing looks like, and how to get the most from your show ring time.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 27

We will not be holding lessons. Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, November 29

5:00 – 7:30

There’s still time to join the fun!

All Knockouts are invited to join us to wrap gifts for our adopted family. Wrappers will also enjoy pizza from the Picnic Basket as well as fun and games with the Knockout officers and board members.

It’s only $25, and you can sign up with your instructor or admin.

School Horse of the Year Election

December 1 – 31

Pay your Knockout dues during the month of December, and receive a ballot for the horse of the year election.

Primary results will be available shortly after Thanksgiving, and the polls will open on December 1.

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 13

6:00

All Knockouts are invited to join the fun of a new scavenger hunt, an optional $25 gift exchange, pizza, and election of Knockout officers and board members for 2026.

Parents are welcome to join the festivities, and to bring the beverage of their choice.

The event is free to all current Knockout members. Please sign up in the school barn lounge, and let us know how many family members will be joining so we have enough refreshments.

Happy Holidays!

We’ll be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Holiday lessons will be credited.

Knockout Awards Banquet

Saturday, January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

All Knockouts are invited to join us at Merrill Hills to celebrate all things Knollwood.

Knockout members will recive invitations around the holidays. If you're not yet a member, we'd love to have you. Please talk to your instructor or admin to join the fun of being a Knockout!

See you soon at the barn!