Team Knollwood just returned from the Monarch Show Series National Championship in Springfield, Illinois. The show is run by a terrific team that is organized, friendly, and welcoming to all competitors. The Monarch show series allows riders to love their horses who aren’t going to the World’s Championship in Louisville. They qualify throughout the year at smaller shows, and gather in the beautiful arena at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Monarch group welcomes saddlebreds as well as horses who compete  in open ‘all breed’ classes. Their full compliment of classes even includes ranch riding.

The academy classes on Saturday and Sunday are large, and super competitive.

Did we mention that the ribbons are bigger than Louisville’s?

Monarch is also home to two pleasure equitation national finals.

The Pleasure Equitation Olympics started the equitation calendar on Friday.  In their first season showing at the canter, Leighton and Teddy were the silver medalists in the junior division.

Knollwood Kid Maiya was the silver medalist in the senior division riding Riddle

 

 

These finals were well stocked with talented riders who showed like pros both on the rail and in workouts.

Saturday brought the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup National Final, which is also split into age divisions.

In a repeat of the Olympics, Leighton and Teddy finished reserve champion in the junior division.

Natalie and Garfield finished reserve national champion in the senior division.

This final is run by the trainers organization, so the judging is a little different than the other finals. In the UPHA finals, 60% of the score is based on showmanship, and 40% is on the pattern. The other finals are 50/50.

 

 

Mia won the equitation qualifier at the show and finished reserve in the championship. Barnmate Maiya won the championship

These two grew up together at Knollwood and are both competing at the highest level now.

The Monarch show recognizes the power of kids growing up with horses, and with people competing in any way they can.

Many of the top equitation riders had ridden with the same barn that they started riding with. Leighton, Mia, Maiya, and Sophie all started their lessons with us, and enjoyed the process. Knollwood Kid Natalie may not have started her lessons at 2800 Oakwood Road, but she has embraced the unique program at Knollwood.

We are fortunate to be in an area with fabulous academy programs feeding into their show barns. In fact, the rider who won both of the junior finals started her lessons at Highland Ridge and just started her show horse career with them this year. What a way to start!

 

 

 

Seven Knollwood academy riders attended Monarch this year, and showed like rockstars.

Thea, who’s off to Stanford to start college this week, finished first or second in all of her adult division classes. We’ll miss her while she becomes even more brilliant, if that’s possible.

Jules, Samara, and Sophia showed in the tough 14-17 divisions while Charlotte, Dilly, and Jilly were fierce contenders in the 13 and under classes.

 

 

Jilly, Dilly, and Charlotte finished first, second, and third in their equitation championship to finish the show!

Look for these up and coming riders as they continue their educations.

We love the process.

 

 

If you think you might be interested in joining our academy show team for 2026, please join us on Saturday, November 8 for a parent meeting. You’ll learn about riding requirements, schedules, clothing, and the financials of showing. We ask that this be an ‘adult only’ meeting since we will be discussing fees. We’ll host a follow up meeting later in the month.

 

The Knollwood community recently sent a $550 donation to Saddlebred Rescue in memory of Knollwood Kid Hanna. Thanks to everyone who donated.

 

 

What's Coming Up?

Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival

September 11-14

New Holland Pavilion, Madison

Show horses are all set up in Madison, just waiting for the show to start tomorrow.

The show focuses on young horses, but also hosts a full schedule of performance horse classes.

 

Adopt A Street

September 13

1:00 PM

The Knockouts' fall service project is coming up fast!

There’s still time to join the club as they clean up Oakwood and Nagawicka Roads. You can sign up in the school barn lounge.

 

Bring a Friend Day

September 20

5:00 PM

Knollwood Kids, here’s your chance to show a friend all the things you love about horses and riding.

For only $50, you can serve as a helper for your friend from school, church, or ??

You can sign up with your instructor or admin in the school barn lounge.

 

St. Louis National Horse Show

September 24-27

National Equestrian Center

It’s a really competitive show, and Team Knollwood will be there with numbers.

The show is home to two more pleasure equitation finals, the ASHBA National Championship, and the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final in both the junior and senior divisions.

 

Photo Shoots With Collective Grace

September 28

(Rain Date November 2)

 Here's your chance to have a mini photo shoot at Knollwood. Kim and Karina will be there to capture memories with a horse, or without if you prefer.

You can sign up here.

 

UPHA Fall Show

October 3-4

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is showing outside one more time this summer. Come cheer us on in the big outdoor arena at Beyond Stable Farm.

 

 

 

Mane Event Horse Show

October 15-18

Illinois State Fairgrounds

It’s a great show, and the first of the ‘Big 3’ equitation finals that make up the Triple Crown of Equitation.

Team Knollwood will be there for all the adventures.

 

 

Raffle Basket Donations Due

October 15

Be sure to have your donations in for the fall gift baskets!

 

Knollwood Fall Show

October 17-19

Our final in-barn show of 2025 is coming up. Come and enjoy the weekend celebration of our academy program.

IASPHA Fall Show

October 24-26

Beyond Stable Farm

Please join us for our last academy show of the season!

 

 

UPHA National Championship American Royal Horse Show

November 10-15

National championships, the UPHA Challenge Cup finals, and the USEF Medal final, the Royal has it all.

 

 

 

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