Team Knollwood is starting our show season this weekend at the IASPHA Spring Show. We’re fortunate to be able do what we love in the horse community. We have some ideas to make the most of the opportunities of show season 2025.

 

Be organized and prepared.

Pack well ahead and double check your show equipment. Then recheck it.

We have laminated show sheets for our academy riders so you can check your packing list after each show. Use your dry erase marker after each show, repack, erase, and you’re ready for the next packing opportunity.

Trust us, it’s no fun to show up at a show with no jods!

 

Cheer for Everyone. 

That Means Everyone.

Showing horses is hard work.

Be sure to welcome everyone to the ring.

It doesn’t matter what barn they represent, or who teaches them. Everyone at a show is a fellow horse kid. That’s it.

Give Grace.

Not everyone you meet is at their best.

They might be having a tough show, have a sick horse, be having trouble at home, or not be feeling well.

They may say something they’ll later regret or not be very welcoming.

Chalk it up to a bad day and move on.

 

Thank Your Parents.

If you’re a junior exhibitor, remember that your parents make this possible. They sacrifice some things to support your horse habit and make changes around your lesson and show schedules.

Treat them with respect all the time. They want you to learn and succeed more than you realize right now.

 

Take Care of Yourself.

Get a good night’s sleep to be alert and ready to show.

Eat!  You can’t show well with no fuel in your body and mind.

Chill out. Take time to sit down and relax your mind before you show.

Keep your water bottle nearby, especially when it’s warm outside. We’ll be sure your water bottle is on the academy cart so it’s in the warm up ring ready between classes.

 

Watch, Listen, and Learn.

If you have some down time at the show, take the time to watch some classes and listen to other trainers and instructors. You’ll learn different terms that you can discuss with your instructor.

Appreciate Your Instructor and Barn Staff.

Your instructor wants you to learn and succeed in your riding life. They spend hours working on lesson plans and horse assignments. They choose show horses to keep you safe and challenge your skills at the same time.

Whether it’s our professional caretakers in the show barn or our show techs traveling to academy events, your barn staff works hard. They’re the reason your horse looks show ready and is wearing their tack comfortably. They work long hours cleaning tack and taking care of horses, and a kind word can go a long way.

 

Ditch Your Phone.

Really. Phones are distractions to all the good that's happening around you.

Be present in the moment, and enjoy your time with your friends and the whole horse show experience.

Love Your Horse.

We at Knollwood are fortunate to have some of the best academy horses out there. While they love their jobs, they sure appreciate some quiet time with their people.

Give them a hug, a carrot or two, a good spa treatment, or just some quiet time together. You’ll get to know them better and be even closer to them.

 

Let’s Have Fun!

There’s nothing better than showing horses.

Spend time with your barn friends, help each other with show prep, take time to goof off with each other.

It's not the ribbons you'll remember. It's the friends and memories you make along the way that will stay with you.

 

 

What’s Coming Up?

Last Day for Knollwood Entries

April 10

You don’t want to miss this!

 

IASPHA Spring Show

April 12-14

Beyond Stable Farm

Come join us at the first show of the season!

 

 

Highway 83 Construction

Starts April 14

Please allow some extra time to get to Knollwood.

 

 

Easter Sunday

April 20

We’re closed to celebrate the day.

Your instructor will schedule a makeup.

Street Clean Up

April 26

Join the Knockouts at their first community service event of the year. We’ll be cleaning up Oakwood and Nagawicka Road at 1:00 PM.  Stay after the event for a club meeting in the lounge.

Permission slips are required from the City of Delafield, and are available in the school barn lounge.

Parent supervisors are welcome and needed.

 

UPHA Chapter 10 Spring Show

May 3-4

Beyond Stable Farm

Our academy team is returning to one of our favorite venues for a weekend of showing.

Please join us!

Mom’s Day Ride

May 10

6:00 PM

Mom’s, learn why your Knollwood Kid loves riding so much.

For only $50, you can ride one of our priceless lesson horses with your rider as your helper.

We’ll start signups on April 15.

Helpers must be at least 10 years old, or an academy show rider.

Knollwood Spring Show

May 16-18

It’s coming fast!

Parents, we need a lot of help putting on an event of this size. Please consider donating your time and talent, or some items needed at the concession stand. See the list here.

School Horse Day Off

Monday, May 19

The best lesson horses in the world will enjoy a day off, and all lessons will be credited.

Memorial Day

Monday, May 26

We’re closed to remember.

Your instructor will schedule a makeup lesson.

 

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