We’re getting pretty good at these 2 horse shows in 2 states thing.

Last weekend, more than 15 of our show horses were competing at the Mane Event Horse Show in Springfield, Illinois. The most beautiful horse show arena in the country was home to a highly competitive show and the first of the ‘Big Three’ equitation finals of 2026.

Meanwhile, at the home office, our lesson program celebration ran for three days with our Fall show.

 

Let’s start in Illinois…

Well, it was almost 90 degrees the first day, and was down to the high 40’s by the end of the week. Horse shows are always full of ups and downs, but that was a little much, even for horse people.

We couldn’t control it, so we just enjoyed the horse show.

Our favorite stories of millions?

Natalie brought an up-and-coming equitation horse to show in the adult classes and turned him into a star.

Natalie had a super successful junior exhibitor career in both equitation and performance, so who better to bring Besos along to the big show? She’s calm, she’s patient, and nothing seems to bother her.

Natalie and Ridgewood’s Angel Kisses (yes, that’s Besos’ registered name) won their equitation Jackpot championship after finishing second in the adult UPHA Challenge Cup class and 4^th in the adult Good Hands National Final.

Knollwood Kid For Life Richie won the Good Hands Final in 2023 and is now studying finance at Butler University in Indianapolis.

He’s still actively involved in showing and traveled to Mane Event to show his former equitation star Doc in the three-gaited division.

Richie and Doc finished as reserve champions in the amateur three-gaited division.

Equitation is truly not an end in itself, but a beginning.

 

Team Knollwood entered four riders in the Good Hands Final this year.

 All four of the ladies moved on from the preliminary round to phase II.

We’re very proud of Leighton, who’s a junior rider who made it through the preliminaries. Not many young riders make it through the initial cut, and it’s quite an accomplishment.

When the top 10  riders were called into the arena, all three of our senior riders, Brooklyn, Maiya, and Shaye were called back.  

When the results came in, Shaye and Lady were 6^th, Brooklyn and Gigi were 5^th, and Maiya was the national champion.

All of these riders showed great poise, patience, and horsemanship in their railwork and patterns. And, as Knollwood Kids, their no stirrup sections were strong as could be.

We couldn’t be more proud of these four riders.

 

 

The show horses have only one more show to go. They’re off to the UPHA National Championship American Royal November 16-21. The show is home to National Championships in a number of divisions, as well as the last 2 finals that compose the Triple Crown of Saddleseat Equitation.

Look for the Knollwood riders to be in deep competition of the UPHA Challenge Cup Finals, which are divided into a junior and senior division, and in the big one, the USEF Medal Final which is not split, and is for riders 17 and under.

Meanwhile, at world headquarters…

We had a near perfect weekend at the Fall show. If we could find a way to tune down the wind, we’d really be there.

Let’s break it down by the numbers:

 

$2000

That’s how much was raised by our hard-working volunteer parents and their Knollwood Kids. These funds go towards our charity work, and to defray ticket prices at our annual award banquet. Save the date for this year’s event on February 6, 2027 at the Legend at Merrill Hills.

293

Trips through the in-gate. Over three days of horse showing, that’s how many horse /rider  combinations entered the ring. We applaud every rider who was brave enough to show.

 

79

Riders who competed in the Fall show. From leadliners to our most accomplished academy stars who competed in the finals of the Knollwood Challenge, they all competed like pros.

 

22

Lesson horses. We just cannot say enough about these legends.

Our crew includes quarter horses, a Hafflinger, several unknown combinations, Saddlebreds, a half Morgan and half Connemara, and of course, a Hackney pony.

They all performed like ladies and gentlemen. They enjoyed a day off on Monday, but it’s really not enough thanks for all they do for us.

We are grateful for them everyday.

9

Personal assistants.

These experienced academy riders are chosen for their horse skills, their patience , their senses of humor, and their kindness.

They spend walk trot Sunday  supporting riders and horses. They accompany riders in the leadline division, head horses when necessary, and just take tremendous care of riders and their horses.

We could not do it without them.

9

Leadline Riders

We had to split the division into 2 classes.

These tiny and fierce riders showed us what they’re made of. In their championship, we let them ride the rail like a grown up class, with their assistants nearby, or course.

The future is bright for these smallest of Knollwood Kids.

2

Winners of the Knollwood Challenge Finals

Congratulations to Rebecca who won the walk trot and canter final, and to Vienna who won the walk and trot event.

Rebecca's division qualified by finishing first or second in a class performing railwork and trotting an inverted figure eight.

The walk and trot riders advanced to the final by finishing first or second in a qualifier in which their pattern was an exverted eight.

For the finals, the riders completed a pattern they received Friday night after the last riders qualified for the Saturday finale.

No one was able to ride the pattern, but everyone walked it on Saturday.

Congratulations to all of our participants!

 

1

Team

Team Knollwood really is a thing.

Whether you ride and work in the school barn or the show barn, this place works as one.

It’s how we do all the things we do, and we love what we do.

What’s Coming Up Next?

Knollwood Teamwear Sale

Through October 25

Here’s the link to order Knollwood clothing and more. Whether you’re looking for our signature personalized jacket, or a cozy hat, you’ll find all kinds of cool stuff here. Merchandise will be delivered to the barn, and will be here in plenty of time for holiday gifting.

Don’t miss out!

IASPHA Fall Show

October 24-25

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock, Illinois

It’s our last academy show of 2026, and we’re traveling with 25 riders.

It looks like great weather for a roadtrip, so please come cheer us on!

Halloween

October 31

We’ve cancelled our barn event because everyone is trick or treating. Please inform your instructor if you’ll be missing your lesson on the 31^st.

 

Parent Academy Meeting

Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 PM

Show Barn Lounge

Parents are invited to join us for an informational meeting about our academy meeting. We’ll talk about why we love academy showing, and what if offers our riders.

This meeting is limited to adults, as we will be discussing time commitments and finances.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge so we know how many folders to prepare.

Holiday Charity Event

The Knollwood Knockouts are adopting 2 families for the holidays.  We’re making the holidays brighter for a total of four children.

Their wish lists will be posted soon in the school barn. Please donate what you can for our adopted families. Gifts should be at the barn by November 25.

 

Academy Demo Night

November 21 at 6:00 PM

If you attended our parent meeting and are interested in learning more, please join us for a fun evening of riding demos from some of our current academy riders.

You’ll see correct attire and presentation, and learn more about the process and what the judge is looking for.

 

Thanksgiving

November 26

We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving, and lessons will be made up.

 Gift Wrapping Parent’s Night Out

Saturday November 28 at 6:00

Knockouts are invited for a night of gift wrapping, pizza, and fun with the Knockout officers.

It’s only $25, and we’ll be signing up at the end of October.

 

The Month of December

School Horse of the Year Election

When you renew your Knockout membership for 2027, you’ll receive a ballot for the school horse of the year election.

The winner will be announced at the banquet with their own slideshow!

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Officer Elections

Saturday, December 5 at 6:00PM

All Knockouts are invited for a night of fun and the chance to elect club officials for 2027.

We’ll enjoy a team scavenger hunt,  pizza, an optional gift exchange, and the elections.

The event is free for all current members. If you’d like to join, please talk to your instructor or admin.

 

Holiday Closures

Knollwood will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

All lessons will be credited.

 

 

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