We always look forward to the Madison Classic Horse Show.

The competition features some of the best exhibitors around, the facility is bright and airy, management is responsive and friendly, and it’s close to home.

Team Knollwood came together to show 30+ horses in Madison, and we had a great time. Here are some of the stories we have to tell.

 

New Show Riders

Our lesson program creates riders for the show horse world, and this year we produced three new equitation riders.

Charlotte is teamed up with the beautiful and accomplished Far and Away Garfield for this season. A well known equitation horse, Garfield has been Natalie’s partner for the past few seasons. Natalie finished out her junior exhibitor last season, and Charlotte has picked up the reins.

Charlotte is a Knollwood Kid through and through. She’s known for her hard work in the arena, her sense of humor, her creativity, her negotiation skills, and her willingness to help others who are learning.

Charlotte has been a star of pattern camps, and academy shows, once even organizing a tea party for her fellow riders.

This team made a fabulous debut in Madison, winning the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation qualifier.

This team is going to be so much fun to watch.

 

Hailey teamed up with beautiful Dylan at Madison, and they made a beautiful team.

Hailey has grown up a Knollwood Kid, and would absolutely live at the barn if she could. She’s been involved in the Knockout activities, and her mom even lets us touch her cool old car at the car wash.

Hailey is a real horse girl, and you can usually find her in a stall, brushing or hugging a horse.

She’s spent Knollwood summers at pattern camps, and traveling to shows to watch ‘the big girls’ show throughout the Midwest.

She and Dylan, officially known as Dylan's Just For Kicks,  made a splash at Madison, even winning the Pleasure Equitation qualifier, their first class together.

We can’t wait to see what Hailey will accomplish this season.

 

Molly and Robert made their debut at the show, and made quite a splash.

Knollwood Kid Molly has grown up in our academy program and we’re excited to see her spread her wings in the show horse world.

Known for her enthusiasm, determination and kindness, Molly’s famous for her skills at games on horseback, her tank tops in winter, and her collection of left handed gloves.

Molly and beautiful Robert, who’s officially known as Rosewood’s Homecoming Dance, made a beautiful first show, and even qualified for the UPHA Challenge Cup final.

This team is going to be a blast to watch.

Tracy has been watching her kids Richie and Tori learn and compete on their own horses through the years. She’s been taking lessons and enjoying the same process she watched her kids enjoy, and showed Nacho last year in the single bit division.

Tracy purchased The Mouse King for herself, and made her debut at Madison.  Mickey loves to show, and Tracy loves to ride, and they were both smiles from ear to ear.

These two even won their championship at their first horse show.

It’s going to be so much fun to watch!

Some other updates?

 

Maddie and Zach moved up to walk, trot, and canter equitation this season, and had some nice classes in Madison. 

Jane is showing Eli this season, and the team looks like a mutual admiration society going down the rail. Undulata’s Crystal Illusionist LOVES to show as much as Jane does, so this is a blast to watch.

Payton brought her inexperienced Bennet to the show for the training class, and they had a nice outing.  We’re looking forward to Tomahawk’s War Dance learning the ways of a show horse with Payton enjoying the ride.

Tatum finished her academic year at Marquette, and joined us in Madison to show Uno in the amateur Park division. They had a grand show, even finishing reserve in the championship.

Our equitation riders picked up right where they left off last season. 

Leighton and Teddy were a sight, even winning the Pleasure Equitation championship.

Sophie and Gamora had a good show, winning the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup.

Shaye and Lady were bright in the senior equitation division, finishing reserve in their qualifier.

Brooklyn and Gigi continue to grow together, winning the Good Hands qualifier.

Maiya and newly trimmed Riddle made a splash, winning their Challenge Cup qualifier, and finishing reserve in the championship.

 

Richie has begun his life as an adult amateur exhibitor, and made quite an impression.

If anyone wonders what equitation does for a horse person, you only had to watch Richie show his new inexperienced gaited horse Powerful Kisses, or his former eq horse Doc now letting his outgoing personality show as a 3 gaited horse.

Richie piloted these powerful show horses to beautiful performances, keeping them balanced to be their best.

The study of equitation produces grand horse people indeed.

 

The Saturday morning academy session showcased the riders coming up through the strong lesson programs in our area.

Our walk trot and canter riders showed like seasoned riders in nice classes of accomplished riders.  Madison showcases the best academy riders in the area, and competition was deep. 

 

After a championship of 14 riders, Team Knollwood’s Kali was the reserve champion riding Oscar, and Samara was third showing Nacho.

The walk and trot division was equally strong, with newer riders enjoying the chance to show in the big, noisy arena.

Knollwood Kid Hadley turned in some great rides to finish a brilliant 4^th in her championship aboard Oscar.

We finished the morning with the 10 and under walk and trot riders.

Our enthusiastic 8 year old Vienna teamed up with Baxter to  show the other riders how to love what you do.

Vienna and Baxter used the ring like pros, and finished 3^rd in the championship for riders 10 and under.

We’re proud of all of our academy riders.

 Our future is super bright!

 

What makes it all work?

Taking 30+ horses to a show is a crazy idea.

It’s the team.

Everyone from Scott and Carol, Carlos and his crew, Payton, Natalie, and everyone who pitched in made the weekend possible and downright enjoyable.

Thank you to everyone who lent a hand to help, who congratulated a rider, who brought coffee for the team, or helped out in many unseen ways.

It was a blast.

What’s Coming Up?

The Food Drive!

For the 16^th year, we’re collecting food for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

Please deliver your food kits to the barrels in the show barn lounge. If you gather 5 or more food kits, you can join us for the Knollwood Olympics on Saturday, June 6 at 6:00 PM.

Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Monarch May Classic Horse Show

May 30-31

Beyond Stable Farm, Woodstock Illinois

Our academy team is heading to beautiful Beyond Stable Farm for a new show.

We’d love to have a loud audience!

Knollwood Summer Show Entries Start

June 5

Entries run through June 19 for our summer show.

Show dates are August 21-23

Knollwood Olympics

June 6 at 6:00 PM

Join us in celebration of helping our neighbors in need.

Olympic teams will compete in silly ‘games of skill,’ and you won’t want to miss it.

Just collect 5 food kits, and you’re an Olympian.

Please talk to your instructor or admin for more info.

Midwest Charity Horse Show

June 9-13

Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield Illinois

It’s a big one, and it’s a sell out!

The best horses and riders will be competing in the beautiful Coliseum of Champions.

Team Knollwood will be there, and you can watch the show on Richfield Video. We’ll post a link when it’s available. 

 

Summer Riding School

It all starts June 8 with a pattern camp, and a Tiny Tot camp.

Knollwood Summer 2026, here we come!

Dad’s Ride

June 20 at 6:00 PM

Knollwood Kids, here’s the chance to show your Dad why you like riding so much.

You can sign up and pay for the event in the school barn lounge.

Spaces are very limited.

Oshkosh Summer Classic

June 24-27

Sunnyview Expo

It’s the show in a park!

Both the show and academy teams are headed to Oshkosh to compete in the beautiful covered outdoor arena.

Known for it’s hospitality, it’s a show you’ll want to experience, even if you’re not showing.

 

Independence Day

July 4

We will not be holding lessons.

Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

 

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