Our academy team just returned from our final show of the 2025 season. We had riders from all levels of our academy team in competition. Three of our most advanced academy riders who ride with Scott and Carol rode in the most advanced classes while we had academy riders in the traditional academy classes, and we even had six riders who were finishing their first academy show season in the green division, which is just for riders competing in their first calendar year.

 All 20 of our competitors rode to the best of their ability and education level, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We had ups and downs, learned a lot, and found time to laugh as well.

As a competition-based lesson program, you’ll often hear us talk about how much we love academy showing.  Here’s your chance to hear a few reasons why we think it’s an amazing opportunity for any rider who can participate.

Showing Builds Confidence

Riders learn their lessons at home riding in the same arenas and in pretty much the same situations, with the same horses and riders around.

Show riders travel to different arenas which are sometimes indoor, and sometimes outdoor. Fellow competitors are different at each show, arenas can be huge, sound systems can be different, and these variables mean that horses may react differently. These differences require a rider to retain their focus on their horse and situation throughout their classes. Confidence is built through experience in different situations. We call it ‘broadening the base.’

Showing Promotes Goal Setting

Before we attend a show, each rider works with their instructor to determine goals for the competition. These are personal goals that reflect an individual rider’s present riding status.

Goals may be as simple as getting correct diagonals, may involve a position correction they’re working on, or a skill involving the particular horse they’re showing.

Goals NEVER involve placings or ribbons, as those are in the hands of the judge that we’re asking to place riders.

There’s nothing better than a rider achieving their personal goals. Then, we can move on to another goal!

Showing Requires Responsibility

Riders are responsible for having their show clothing and equipment packed and ready to go. We provide a laminated checklist so riders can mark their items as they’re packed and keep track of what they may need to refill before their next competition.

Riders must be at the show in time to prep and walk patterns.

 

Showing Encourages Gratitude

Not everyone is fortunate enough to fall in love with horses, or to have the opportunity to be involved with them. Riding horses, showing horses, spending time with horses, making horse friends, and getting to be a part of the Knollwood community are things to be grateful for.

Showing Horses Advances Resilience

Not all rides are going to be brilliant, and our goal is to learn and improve skills. You won’t learn if you don’t fall short sometimes.

Resilience means that you’re OK with learning from mistakes, take the error and learn from it for the future.

Resilience means that you’re OK with ribbons that reflect the ride you had, not the ride you dreamed you’d have.

Showing Horses Furthers Sportsmanship

Team Knollwood is known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, and we model that history.

We always thank our horse.

We ask for a judge’s opinion and accept it.

We clap for everyone, and congratulate everyone, regardless of placings.

When friends have a tough ride, we support them.

What we don’t do?

We don’t pout, complain, or make faces.

We don’t talk about others and we walk away if people choose to.

We NEVER blame our horse for anything.

 

Showing Horses Teaches Teamwork

We travel with many horses and riders, so we all help each other.

Riders frequently lend accessories, and sometimes even pants when zippers go out.

Show techs work very hard to make sure horses look their best, and riders frequently help them with tack changes and other tasks.

Instructors and techs help other barns with changes when they find themselves shorthanded.

If someone needs help, we lend a hand.

 

Showing Creates and Builds Friendships

Best of all, Academy showing gives us time with barn friends and the best lesson horses in the world.  Riders spend hotel nights in pools, evenings watching show horses, and hours getting ready at the show.

The laughter is contagious.

Plus, Knollwood Kids get to meet horse kids from other barns and develop friendships with other riders.

If you think you might be interested in joining our academy team, we’re hosting a parent meeting on Saturday, November 8 at 5:00 PM in the show barn lounge.

We’ll share our goals, schedules, and commitments. We’ll also talk about clothing and pricing and will finish with question time.

Parents are welcome to sign up in the school barn lounge so we can prepare enough folders for the event.

We’d love to see  you there.

 

What's Coming Up?

Halloween on Horseback

This Friday at 6:30 PM

It’s a sell out, but feel free to join us to see the costumes. Horses and riders will enter the arena at 6:30 PM, and will play games on horseback after judging. Please feel free to wear your costume!

Academy Parent Meeting

Saturday, November  8

5:00 PM

Please sign up in the school barn lounge to learn all about why we love academy showing.

 

UPHA National Championship American Royal

November 10-15

Kansas City, MO

Team Knollwood is traveling to KC to compete in the national championships, and the last of the big equitation finals.

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Academy Demo Night

Saturday, November 22

5:30 PM

Join us in the arena for a fun demo meeting. Current academy riders will show their clothing, give interested riders an idea of what an academy class looks like, and will answer questions. We’ll have academy parents there, too, to answer your questions.

Please sign up in the school barn lounge.

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27

No lessons. Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

 

 

Parents Night Out

Saturday, November 29

5:30 PM

Join the Knockouts for their annual night of gift wrapping for our adopted families. Sign up will start November 1.

 

Knockout Holiday Party and Election

Saturday, December 13

6:00 PM

All Knockouts are invited to join us for our annual party and election of new officers.

Sign up will begin November 15.

Not yet a member? We’d love to have you.

Holidays!

We’ll be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1

Lessons will be credited.

 

Knockout Award Banquet

Saturday, January 31

The Legend at Merrill Hills

All Knockout members are invited to join our annual banquet celebrating all things Knollwood.

Invitations will be sent to all current members in late December.

You can always join! Talk to your instructor or admin to join the fun.

 

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