Team Knollwood is all set up at the New Holland Pavilion ready for the 2018 Madison Classic to start. The show is a sellout, with not a stall to be had. Long recognized for its hospitality and exhibitor friendly atmosphere, the show was honored by the United Professional Horseman’s Association as winner of the 2017 National Honor Show Award. It met some pretty tough criteria and rose above other well-run shows across the country to earn the honor. To give you an idea, here’s how the shows are judged and voted on:

The UPHA National Honor Show Award will be presented to the show that meets the standards of the professional horsemen and the show horse industry. The following criteria shall be taken into consideration: the show arena, the warm up ring, the footing and lighting in each, the safety and number of stalls available, facilities for caretakers, and parking for the exhibitors. In addition to the physical aspects, the attitude of show management and its willingness to work with the exhibitors and the professionals for a better horse show, as well as the promotion of the show and the horse industry in general, through effective and innovative ways shall also be taken into consideration. In order for a show to earn the respect necessary to earn the National Honor Show Award, it must be a well-judged show.

Congratulations to Lynda, Tuffy, Vicky, and man about the grounds Ken on their great success.

The sellout of the Madison Classic is the second sold out show in our horse show ‘backyard’ after the IASPHA Spring Show in Gurnee ran at capacity in April. We’re fortunate to have these great shows in the area, and are looking forward to supporting our local show this weekend.

Some of the best horses and ponies in the country are making the trip to Madison, too. Horses started arriving from Kentucky and Missouri as early as Monday, and the New Holland Pavilion  is now home to many of the best. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of horse showing.

We’re looking forward to some fun Knollwood stories that will unfold this weekend, too.

Our three show rookies who just moved up from our academy program into the horse show world will be showing for the second time at this show. Emma, Heather, and Jordan each enjoyed success at their first show in Gurnee and will be riding into deep waters this weekend. They’re ready for it, and we can’t wait to watch them shine again.

Allison will again show that a juvenile equitation career is a great base for future success in many divisions. She’ll be showing her charismatic 5 gaited star Roy (officially known as I’m Royalty, Too) in the amateur division as well as showing Rudi (officially known as Sir Don Juan) in the western pleasure classes for owner Susan Honkamp.

Many of our equitation riders will be showing this weekend in qualifiers for the fall finals. Riders will be working towards the USEF Medal, UPHA Challenge Cups, The Good Hands, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion finals. At last count, we have six riders working towards the finals here, while Richie is already qualified for his Challenge Cup final and will show for fun and experience.

Did someone say this show is sold out? Our academy team had something to do with that, as we’re bringing 11 horses just for the Saturday morning performance. We’ll be showcasing eight walk, trot, and canter riders, all in the 14 and over division as well as five walk trot stars all showing in the 10 and under classes. From our freshest walk trot rider to our more experienced walk trot and canter rider, they can hardly wait for the gate to open.

We hope you can join us in Madison this weekend to see some of the best horses and riders at this award-winning show. We’d love your support as we compete in these deep classes.

And if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, the grounds are also hosting the World’s Largest Brat Festival. How can you beat these two events in one place on the same weekend?

Hazel already has her seat staked out at our hospitality tables, or maybe she's saving it for you??

See you at the show!