By Britney Grover
Portraits by Kt Schramm
Serenity Rose Equestrian Center is a unique dressage barn in Lincoln, Nebraska, run by 24-year-old USDF Bronze and Silver medalist Tillie Jones. Tillie, an expert on training riders along Young Rider path because she has risen through it herself, named her program after her late coach, Felice Rose. “She made a huge impact in my life and I hope to do the same for my students,” Tillie said. “The first part of the barn name, Serenity, is to instill that the barn should be one’s happy place and form a family-like community.”
Tillie’s students include 14-year-old Adalynn Nelson, who travels to Serenity Rose from Marion, Iowa, and 19-year-old Darian Kauk and 16-year-old Claire Tucker, both from Lincoln. All three girls have competed at the Festival of Champions together, and are working on qualifying for the North American Youth Championships. “We don’t just ride—we train,” said Tillie. “There’s a difference, and it shows in how our riders perform. They understand the ‘why’ behind everything they do.”
Under Tillie’s tutelage, all three girls are progressing through the USDF Medal program: Adalynn earned her Bronze Medal scores this year; Claire just received her Silver Medal and Darian is earning her final scores for Silver. They love competing at the FEI level, especially getting to meet other young dressage riders and form lasting friendships.
“Teaching Adalynn, Darian and Claire is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career—not just because of their incredible talent and dedication, but because of the unique bond we’ve built along the way,” Tillie said. “We work hard during lessons, but we also laugh, share moments of frustration and triumph, and enjoy the process together. That kind of connection doesn’t happen every day, and it’s something I truly cherish.”
That connection in and out of the arena is what makes Serenity Rose so special. “We’re all about making memories,” Tillie said. “Whether it’s creating fun social media reels, having silly string wars in parking lots, or shopping in the dollar store picking out the most outrageous items we can find, the laughter is nonstop. In the end, what makes all of these experiences so special is the friendship we’ve built along the way.”
How did you get into horses and dressage?
Adalynn: I didn’t come from a traditional equestrian family, but the love for horses was always there. My mom rode for a few years as a child, and her passion eventually led me to riding. At just 3 years old, I began lessons at the same barn where she once rode. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of riding and horsemanship. I participated in all the summer camps, where I learned everything from horse parts to deworming and vaccinations. It helped prepare me to own my first horse. By the age of 9, I was entering local dressage schooling shows, and a couple years later, I got my first horse—an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Tito. He taught me a lot of lessons, though our partnership wasn’t the ideal fit for continuing in the dressage world. Everything began to shift a little over a year and a half ago when I started riding with Tillie and partnered with my new horse, Custom Made V. That’s when my journey in competitive riding truly began.
Darian: I didn’t grow up in a horse family at all; in fact, my parents wanted nothing to do with horses! They’ve opened up since and supported me in my riding. I started in dressage six years ago, riding Intro level on a pony cross. Before that, I had ridden in summer camps and took on-and-off lessons just taking any opportunity to be around horses.
Claire: I didn’t grow up in a horse family either—I actually started riding at a summer camp in Aspen, Colorado. I wasn’t interested in hiking or biking, so my parents signed me up for the horse camp instead. I absolutely loved it. From that point on, I was hooked. I began riding regularly in August 2019, when I was 10 years old. I leased a Western Paint horse named Apachi. He was a bit cranky, but I didn’t mind—l just loved being at the barn and riding with friends. I started out riding Western and didn’t begin dressage until July of 2021. Around that time, we had purchased an OTTB and I started showing in 4-H dressage. My introduction to formal dressage came through a connection—my mom was friends with Tillie’s mom, and she asked if Tillie might be willing to help me with my dressage test. At the time, Tillie wasn’t a professional trainer and wasn’t sure she even wanted to teach. Thankfully, she said yes—and that moment turned out to be the beginning of something truly special.
Tell us about your horses.
Adalynn: My horse Custom Made V is a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood. I’ve owned him for almost two years. He’s the sweetest horse and always tries incredibly hard for me. He loves treats and to have his face cuddled.
Darian: My horse Celoso Ta, or more commonly known as Jelly, has been my partner for a little over a year. He’s an absolute goofball and I adore all of his quirks and big personality. He’s turning 9 this year and is a PRE from Spain.
Claire: My dressage horse is a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding named Finnur, aka Finn. I also lease a Quarter Horse that I barrel race on named HW Win N Cash.
What do you like about riding with Tillie?
Adalynn: Tillie has played a pivotal role in my progress. She truly understands her students—their goals, their challenges and the unique paths they’re each on. Her experience in the sport, combined with her commitment to her riders, makes her an exceptional coach. She has not only guided me technically, but has helped me build the confidence and partnership with my horse. What’s even more inspiring is seeing someone who has achieved so much at a young age turn around and invest so much in developing the next generation of riders.
Darian: Tillie is really an incredible young woman. She has so much knowledge and experience, especially for her age, and I think her success in teaching and her own riding really shows that. She truly wants the best for all her students and will work to get you to your goals no matter how big they are.
Claire: Tillie blends hard work and fun so well. Having a coach who’s actively competing
herself is incredibly inspiring. She’s an accomplished rider, and because she’s constantly riding and learning, she brings fresh insights into every lesson. Her work ethic inspires me to work hard as well. She’s very encouraging and positive, which makes a huge difference in pushing myself to be better. Some of my favorite moments with Tillie are when she tacks up her own horse and rides in the field with us. It makes everything feel like a team effort, like we’re all in it together, learning and improving and having fun doing so.
What great things have happened because of riding with Tillie?
Adalynn: I began training with Tillie just a year and a half ago, after purchasing my current horse, Custom. Despite living in Iowa, I make the 4½-hour drive each week to train with her—an effort that has truly paid off. Under her guidance, I’ve progressed from Training Level to competing in the FEI Juniors division in a remarkably short time. In our first season together, Custom and I competed in the FEI Children’s division at the Festival of Champions, where we placed third. This year, we were honored to be invited to the USEF Training Series Clinic in Wellington, Florida, alongside 15 of the top youth riders in the country. While in Florida, I also achieved a major milestone by earning my USDF Bronze Medal.
Darian: Last year I competed at Festival of Champions and ended up placing second in the 14-18 Dressage Seat Equitation finals. This was so far above my expectations as I knew my horse didn’t have much ring experience and I was competing against some very talented riders. Tillie set us up well for success in our training at home and really pushed me to succeed in this class. Tillie has also worked very hard to get Jelly and me to Prix St. Georges this year from riding at Third Level just last season. I’ve improved so much through her program in such a short amount of time and I’m able to accomplish goals I never would have dreamed of just a few years ago.
Claire: I’m incredibly lucky to have my amazing horse, Finn, thanks to Tillie, who has a wonderful talent for pairing horses with riders. She truly found the perfect match for me. In 2023, I competed in FEI Children’s at Festival of Champions with my previous horse, Custom Made V. I placed fourth and received the bronze medal in the 13 and under Seat Medal Finals. In 2024, I began my first year in FEI Juniors with Finn. We qualified for both NAYC and the Festival of Champions. At NAYC, I earned two silver medals and one bronze, and later placed third in the FEI Juniors at Festival. I’m really proud of our progress, and I’m excited to see what this year holds—we’re working hard every day.
What’s the best-kept secret about what you do?
Adalynn: One of my best-kept secrets is the power of solid horsemanship and groundwork. Incorporating groundwork into my routine has been a game-changer. It’s helped me become more confident and has strengthened my bond with my horse, building trust and communication that carries into the show ring. Because of the relationship we’ve formed, my horse has been more willing, responsive and able to go farther in his development.
Darian: Maybe it’s not a secret, but at Serenity Rose we love to have fun. Whether it’s crazy outfits, dancing or lots of jokes, we love to make everything we do fun. Tillie has fostered an environment that creates more than just strong competitors but lifelong friendships between barn mates.
Claire: I don’t get stressed at shows or competitions. In fact, the higher the competition, the more I focus and get after it. It’s like the pressure sharpens my mind and drives me to perform at my best. I’ve learned to channel any nerves into energy, and it just clicks when the stakes are higher. What you see is what you get—I stay calm, collected and ready to rise to the challenge.
What’s the best thing about your life?
Adalynn: My horse, Custom. He truly is my heart horse, and I feel incredibly grateful to be on this journey with him. He has taught me so much about patience, partnership and trust. I’m excited to keep growing together and building our relationship to help him be the best horse and me be the best rider I can be.
Darian: The best thing in my life, without a doubt, is my incredibly supportive family. I truly couldn’t accomplish any of what I do without them. They have evolved to a horse lifestyle they never asked to have with early mornings, long weekends and the constant demands that come with horses. It’s not always easy but they are willing to support me through it all and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. Whether it’s hauling a trailer, cheering me on from the sidelines or just listening after a tough ride, they’ve been along for the ride this entire time, and that means more than anything.
Claire: The best part of my life is definitely my horses and the amazing circle of people around me. Our barn is more than just a place to train—it’s a supportive, fun environment where everyone encourages one another. We push ourselves in the ring, but outside of it, we’re close friends who genuinely want to see each other succeed. It’s a special place, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
Follow all three girls on Instagram: Adalynn @adalynn_dressage0, Darian @dariankdressage and Clarie @claire_equestrian0; and their trainer, Tillie @tilliejdressage
Photos by Kt Schramm of The Framed Equestrian, www.theframedequestrian.com
