At just 15 years old, Adalynn Nelson is already making her mark in the dressage arena. Adalynn currently competes in FEI Junior dressage with her horse, Custom Made V, while training with Tillie Jones at Serenity Rose Equestrian Center.
Her journey requires no small amount of dedication. Each weekend, Adalynn and her family make the five-hour trip from Iowa to Nebraska so she can train with Custom. That commitment recently carried the pair to the North American Youth Championships, where they proudly represented Region 4 and the United States.
Growing Up in the Dressage Ring
Adalynn’s love for horses began early. Her mom enrolled her in lessons as soon as she was old enough at the same barn where she had ridden as a child.
When Adalynn was 10, she joined the barn’s show team and began competing in dressage at local schooling shows. She quickly fell in love with the sport, and her ambitions have continued to grow ever since.
Today, she competes with Custom Made V, affectionately known as “Custom” around the barn. Their partnership has developed across several important stages of Adalynn’s riding career.
“Custom has been such an important part of my riding career and has taught me so much,” Adalynn shared. “We’ve grown together through several levels, from competing in the FEI Children’s division to now competing in the FEI Junior division.”
For Adalynn, Custom’s reliability and heart are what make him such an extraordinary partner.
“I know I can count on him when it matters most, and I really couldn’t imagine a better partner.”
The Road to NAYC
Reaching the North American Youth Championships required years of hard work, travel, and commitment from Adalynn and everyone supporting her.
Before moving into the FEI Junior division, Adalynn and Custom competed in the FEI Children’s division at the 2024 Festival of Champions, where they finished third in the country. Stepping up to the Junior level brought new challenges and opportunities, culminating in the chance to represent Region 4 at NAYC.
“Being able to represent Region 4 and the United States at NAYC was incredibly special and made all of the hours spent training and traveling so worth it,” she said.
Adalynn and Custom placed 18th out of 33 combinations in the Individual Test, earning them a spot in the freestyle. They went on to finish among the top 15.
Qualifying for the freestyle became one of Adalynn’s favorite memories from the championship, but sharing the experience with her team made it even more meaningful. Region 4 sent four riders to NAYC, three of whom trained at Serenity Rose Equestrian Center.
“Getting to compete at NAYC alongside my barn mate, Claire, and my trainer, Tillie, made the experience even more special,” Adalynn shared. “It’s something I will truly never forget.”
Making Every Ride Count
Living five hours away from her trainer and horse has been one of Adalynn’s greatest challenges. The weekly drive requires commitment while she balances riding with school and family, and being unable to see Custom every day is not always easy.
However, the experience has shaped the way she approaches her time in the saddle.
“It has taught me to make the most of every opportunity I get to ride and to never take the time I have with Custom for granted.”
Her current goal is to continue developing as an FEI Junior rider while strengthening her partnership with Custom. She hopes to return to championships such as NAYC and Festival of Champions, continue advancing through the FEI levels, and discover just how far she can go in the sport.
Finding Novella Equestrian
Adalynn initially discovered Novella Equestrian through social media before purchasing her first Novella shirt at the 2023 Festival of Champions, where she also met Novella owner Taryn.
Since then, visiting Novella in person has become one of the things she looks forward to each year at the Festival of Champions.
“It’s so exciting to have such an amazing and reputable equestrian brand based here in the Midwest,” she said. “I love getting to support a brand that feels so close to home.”
Adalynn loves that her Novella pieces are comfortable and functional enough for riding while still feeling flattering and easy to style. Two of her favorites are the Always Fits Signature Breeches and the Short Sleeve Barn Shirt, the same style Novella sponsored for the Region 4 NAYC team to wear during their jogs.
Above all, Adalynn remains grateful for the horse and community that have supported her journey.
“I’m incredibly grateful for Custom and for everyone who has helped us get to where we are,” she shared. “I’m especially thankful for my trainer, Tillie Jones, and everyone at Serenity Rose Equestrian Center.”
We’re proud to recognize Adalynn as our September Rider of the Month and cannot wait to see what she and Custom accomplish next!
Photography: First image by Emma Bermeo Creative. Additional images by Centre Line Media.
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