The 85^th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show had something for everyone.

Midwest is a summer show in southern Illinois, so it’s known for its weather adventures. This year’s edition featured the expected heat with the addition of tornadoes that knocked out power for a while.

Horsemen are resilient people who got their hands on generators to keep the air moving. (Thank you to Knollwood’s Jeremy Jensen who kept our horses and humans comfortable with his resourcefulness.)

Show management rearranged schedules around the weather, and the show went on.

What a show it was.

Team Knollwood was there in the middle of the action, and their riders truly went with the situations as they came up.

All three horse showing Dallens came for the show, and had a grand time.

Tracy and Mickey attended only their second show together, and finished a wonderful third in their Limit Rider Show Pleasure championship.

College girl Tori took some time off from her full time job in a vet office to show beautiful Stella.  Tori and Stella brought home a strong eighth place ribbon from their deep Adult Country Pleasure Stake.

Richie came to Springfield with Alvin and Doc.

Also at their second show together, Richie and Alvin earned a good 4^th in their qualifier.

Doc is truly enjoying the freedom to express himself in the three gaited performance division, as are Scott and Richie.  He won his qualifier, and earned reserve championship honors behind the reigning world grand champion three gaited horse. They were a sight.

Knollwood’s equitation riders came to Midwest coming off a strong Madison Classic.

Brooklyn, Maiya, and Shaye were stars in the senior equitation classes.

Brooklyn and Gigi were charismatic in the ring, winning their Challenge Cup qualifier, finishing second in the Medal qualifier, and were third in their championship.

Maiya and Riddle enjoyed the heat, and won their age group qualifier, and won their championship.

Shaye and Lady finished third in their Challenge Cup qualifier, and were fifth in the championship. Shaye also borrowed Riddle for a class, and won the Medal Qualifier.

Sophie and Gamora had a breakout show at Midwest, winning both their Pleasure equitation qualifier, and their championship.

In the junior division, Charlotte, Leighton, and Maddie shone bright.

Leighton and Teddy looked like pros, winning both their the 13 and under pleasure equitation qualifier, and the championship.

At only their second show together, and just out of the academy division, Charlotte and Garfield finished second in both their qualifier and championship.

Maddie and Zach also had a marvelous second show this year. In only her first year out of the walk and trot division,  after a 5^th place finish in the 13 and under equitation qualifier, these two came back to win the Junior Challenge Cup, and the Junior Championship.

Averie and Addison came to Midwest to compete in the pleasure divisions, and enjoyed the deep, deep competition.

Meanwhile, at the home office, we started camp season with a Tiny Tot camp and an academy camp. We had a ball.

This week, we’re enjoying the company of 14 campers before we have 9 academy campers join us next week.

Knollwood Summer 2026 is in full swing, and we love it.

What’s Coming Up?

Dad’s Ride

Saturday, June 20 at 4:30

We have a few spots left in our special ride for Dads. Knollwood Kids will serve as their Dad’s helpers while they enjoy an introductory lesson. Please check in with your instructor or admin if you’re interested.

Oshkosh Summer Classic Horse Show

June 24-27

Sunny View Expo

Team Knollwood is headed to the horse show that feels like a weekend in a park.

It’s worth the short trip to enjoy the show and watch beautiful horses and talented riders.

The academy session will start at 10 AM on Saturday.

Independence Day

July 4

We will not be holding classes on July 4^th, and your instructor will schedule a makeup lesson.

Lexington Junior League Horse Show

Rolex Stadium

July 6-11

Show horses and equitation riders are heading to beautiful Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park for one of the oldest and most prestigious shows in the country.

The show will be webcast for a fee, and we’ll share the info as we receive it.

ASAW Summerfun Horse Show

July 9-12

Wisconsin State Fair Park

It’s our home show!

Some show horses and our academy team is heading to State Fair park to enjoy a perfect summer show.

Please join us!

Knockouts Car Wash

July 19

Hartland Piggle Wiggly

Calling all Knockouts!

Our annual car wash and brat shack takeover is a major fundraiser for the club. Please save the date, and join us for a shift. Everyone who helps gets the chance to wash cars, and to work in the shack.

IASPHA Summer Show

July 24-26

Beyond Stable Farm

The summer IASPHA show is always a grand weekend of showing.

Some show horses and our academy team is making the trip to show in the big covered outdoor arena, and to enjoy the IASPHA hospitality that we enjoy.

See you soon at the barn, or at the ingate!