Team Knollwood runs a competition based lesson program.

That means that we value hosrse showing and all the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Our in-barn shows are designed for even the most inexperienced Knollwood Kids enjoy a weekend of horse showing with friends.

Knollwood shows offer leadline classes for riders who are very young and aren’t ready to be turned loose, especially in front of a crowd.

We offer maiden classes for riders who have never shown off lead. Our most experienced lesson horses fill maiden classes to safely teach the ins and outs of showing. These seasoned professional equine teachers will complete the class even if riders are a little distracted, which frequently happens at the first show.

After the maiden division, we group the riders by age and show experience. Our goal is to give the judge a similar group of riders to evaluate in each and every class.

What’s gained by riding in the show?

Problem solving.

While we teach problem solving in each and every lessons, these skills are even more in demand in the show arena.

Horses are in a different situation, with audience members on the rail. There may be traffic on a nearby road, slower riders ahead on the rail, or small people running near the arena. These all require a rider to be scanning and planning ahead of events around them.

Goal Setting

Our instructors work on goal setting for our competing riders. For inexperienced riders, the goal may be as concrete as getting the correct diagonals.  As riders advance, the goals may include how to use the arena to their advantage, to ride more challenging horses, or to have beautiful transitions.

Resilience

Working with horses teaches us about resilience.

Riders learn quickly that they don’t control everything, that weather, movements in the audience, dog and cats, and horse brains are unpredictable. Horse people figure out how to communicate well with their horse as they watch the environment around them.

They also learn that errors will be made, ribbons will vary, there are good days and not so good days, and none of it is personal.

Hug your horse, and move on.

Sportsmanship

Team Knollwood is known far and wide for their sportsmanship.

All Knollwood Kids cheer for everyone, congratulate winners, compliment fellow competitors, and love their horses.

The judge’s decision is what we ask for, and we accept it.

We don’t question or criticize placings. The judge saw what they saw, and placed the class accordingly.

Handling Pressure

Anyone who enters the show ring on a horse is a brave soul.

It’s not easy, and it’s full of uncertainties. We applaud our riders who further their education by riding in a more challenging situation for both horse and rider.

Real learning thrives when you head out of your comfort zone.

Joy

You’ll see plenty of joy on the faces riders on horses in the arena. The smiles can be from reaching a goal, like a new rider getting all their diagonals. The happy face might be from meeting challenges head on and getting great places in the ring by looking ahead and organizing thought. Probably the biggest reason for joy is the cheering from friends and relatives. 

You’ll see riders lining the rail, and cheering on the competitors.

This is what it’s all about.

Entries for our spring show on May 15-17 are closing on March 20. Please talk to your instructor and admin for help competing the form.

We believe horse showing builds many, many skills, and some of them even involve riding.

We hope to see you coming through the in-gate.

What’s Coming Up?

It’s New Application Month!

We’re asking all Knollwood families to fill out new applications for each current rider. The new and improved apps will help us update contact information, as well as to clarify some policies.

Academy Kick Off Night

This Saturday at 6:00 PM

We’re excited to welcome our new academy families to learn the ins and outs academy showing. Scott is joining us to teach tie knots, Karina is showing hair and makeup tips, and Ann will be covering packing and show ring prep.

Parents Night Out

Saturday, March 28 at 5:00

Knollwood Kids are invited to join club officers and board members for a fun night at the barn.

For only $25, you can join the fun and enjoy a pizza dinner, too.

Please sign up and pay in the school barn lounge.

Easter Sunday

April 5

We will not holding lessons on Easter, and lessons have been rescheduled.

Bridlespur Society Horse Show

April 9-11

The show barn is off to St Louis for the first show of the year.

IASPHA Spring Show

April 10-12

Our academy team is off to Woodstock for our first show of the year. Please join us!

Street Clean Up

Saturday, April 25 at 1:00

All Knollwood Kids are invited to our first service project of the year. Teams of Knockouts will clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads for the spring.

We’ll start signups the beginning of April.

UPHA Chapter 10 Spring Show

May 1-3

Join the academy team at Beyond Stable Farm for our second show of 2026.

See you soon at the barn.