What a couple of weeks it’s been.

Show horses are still at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, The Knollwood summer show was last weekend at home, and our last week of summer riding school is happening right now.

Here’s a brief update on all of it.

Louisville, 2026

It’s not just a horse show, it’s an experience.

The best horses and riders gather in Freedom Hall each August. They create a world unlike any other while competing with the best horses and ponies you’ve ever seen.

To ride into Freedom Hall is a privilege, and to win a ribbon is a life-changing experience.

Team Knollwood has 10 grateful riders who have trotted on to the green shavings this year.

In the equitation division, all four of our senior riders won ribbons in their qualifiers, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Brooklyn is a world champion in her age group, while Maiya and Shaye are reserve world champions in theirs.

Sophie was a strong 4^th in her age group.

All four riders will show back Thursday night in the World’s Grand Championship of Saddle Seat equitation on Thursday night against the best riders out there.

In the junior division, Leighton won a reserve world championship in her age class, and Maddie finished third in hers.

While first year rider Charlotte didn’t make the cut, she sure had a strong ride on the always curious Garfield. Charlotte has poise beyond compare and rode like a pro her first time in Louisville.

We’re so proud of all of our equitation riders.

World Cup Team member Addison made the trip with her beautiful pleasure horse Lexi. These two ladies had a beautiful ride in a big, ferociously deep class. While they didn’t get a ribbon to advance, Addison and Lexi looked right at home in the busy ring full of stars.

Richie is riding at Louisville in his first year as an adult amateur.

Last year, he was showing Doc in the equitation division, where they won their age group, and finished as Reserve World Grand Champions.

This year, Richie and Doc are taking on the depth of the Amateur 3 Gaited division. Scott and Richie have worked hard to get Doc ready for the new challenge, and it has paid off.

Richie finished 6^th in his qualifier and will be showing Doc back on Stake night!

In her first year of showing her own horse, Tracy is enjoying the Louisville experience.

She started the event by showing Mickey, her show pleasure horse. In the deep traffic of the adult qualifier, Tracy managed the flow like a pro and had a blast.

She stole daughter Tori’s beautiful country pleasure horse Stella for the week while Tori is at home working.

Tracy and Stella earned a ribbon in their qualifier and are on to the huge championship class. You’ll be able to identify Tracy as the rider who has the best time in the ring.

If you’d like to watch some of the action, you can purchase the livestream here.

Knollwood Summer Show

Meanwhile, at world headquarters, we were having a little show of our own.

The home team pulled together to produce a three day show featuring our lesson horses and their talented riders.

Friday night featured patterns indoors as well as Knollwood Challenge qualifiers. The riders were spot on.

We enjoyed the beautiful August weekend outside on Saturday and Sunday.

 TerriAnne Ullman came back on Saturday to judge the walk, trot, and canter riders in the big outdoor ring, while Knollwood Kid for life and former equitation star Shelby Hader judged our young walk and trot riders in the little outdoor ring on Sunday.

We loved watching our riders shine and are proud of each and every one of them for competing.

We are in debt to the Knollwood parents who volunteer hours and hours to make this a grand weekend, the admins who help run the show office, the camp counselor and barn managers who keep the show running smoothly, the person assistants who take excellent care of the horses, to announcer Wendy, and to our center ring officials.

Most of all, we’re in awe of the lesson horses who were the stars of the party. From Bee to Earl, they all behaved like ladies and gentlemen. We owe them all dinners out.

We are grateful.

Summer Riding School 2026

Summer is winding down, and we’re running our last week of summer riding school this week. You’d never guess that the best lesson horses in the world hosted a Knollwood show prep camp last week and performed in a 3 day show over the weekend.  They seem to have absorbed the Knollwood work ethic.

What’s Coming Up?

Knollwood Show Entries

We’re now accepting entries for our final in-barn show of 2026. Our fall show is coming up on October 16-18, and entries are due on September 8.

Please talk to your instructor about which classes might be right for you.

Labor Day

We’ll be closed on Monday, September 8 in observance of Labor Day.

Your instructor will arrange a make up lesson.

Monarch Series National Championship Show

September 9-13

Springfield, IL

Team Knollwood is heading to the most beautiful horse show arena in the country for the Monarch experience.

The show is home to two pleasure equitation finals, and is known for its hospitality, friendly vibe, and having classes for everyone.

It’s worth the trip!

Street Clean Up

1:00 on Saturday, September 12

Knockout members, please join us for our Fall street clean up.

It’s a fun way to earn your service hours, and to meet fellow Knockouts.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge, and be sure to have a signed permission slip from the City of Delafield.

Bring a Friend Day

6:00 PM on Saturday, September 19

Do you have a friend or sibling who’s always wanted to try riding?

We’re offering a relaxed intro group lesson where you get to be their helper.

The cost is only $50. And you can sign up and pay in the school barn.

UPHA Fall Show

October 3-4

Our academy team will be off to Beyond Stable for a fall show in the beautiful outdoor arena.

Please join us if you’re not showing.

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