Our Staff
Denise Tilley
Head Trainer and Owner
The first love Denise Tilley ever had was the horse. From a very young age, she was fascinated by these animals and immediately committed herself to learning everything about them—far beyond just riding. Horses became her world, both in the saddle and on the ground.
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Although her parents weren’t “horse people,” Denise’s persistence eventually paid off. After years of begging for lessons, her mother enrolled her in formal hunter/jumper training at a local riding school. It was clear from the start that Denise had a natural talent—not only for riding but also for connecting with horses on a deeper level. She devoted every waking moment to perfecting the art of English riding, focusing on Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Equitation. Denise is a firm believer in the principle that form equals function.
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Over the years, she has trained with top riders and coaches around the world, always seeking to learn more. Each opportunity to grow—whether from an international expert or a fellow horse enthusiast—was one she seized with gratitude and determination.
Today, Denise runs Tilley Show Stables, a competitive show barn that participates in A-rated competitions and clinics throughout the West Coast. She has established strong international connections and has imported dozens of European sport horses specifically bred for Jumping and Dressage.
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Under her guidance, her students consistently earn championships in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation at A-rated shows. Denise herself has an accomplished track record: she competed at the highest levels of junior Equitation, excelled in professional Hunter divisions—including International Derbies and classes from Baby Green to 4' Hunters—and has shown in Regional Standard Grand Prix Show Jumping.
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Above all, Denise is passionate about helping riders achieve their individual goals—whether that means developing clear communication with a horse for pleasure riding or reaching the top levels of competitive sport.
Maddi Andrus
Stable Manager
Maddi’s lifelong passion for horses began at an early age, growing up surrounded by Arabian show horses bred by her grandmother. From the age of 2 to 16, she actively rode and competed in Arabian shows before discovering her true interest in the hunter/jumper discipline.
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In 2020, Maddi joined Tilley Show Stables as a rider and became part of the team as a staff member in 2022. She is currently completing her final semester at Penn Foster, working toward her certification as a veterinary technician.
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With a deep love for horses and years of hands-on experience, Maddi is proud to care for and support the horses and riders at Team Tilley.
Sarah Kaye
Head Groom
Sarah is a dedicated equestrian and outdoor enthusiast with a strong academic and professional foundation in both environmental science and veterinary care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Conservation and Land Management from the University of Utah, and is currently pursuing certification as a radiologic technician at Salt Lake Community College.
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With over 15 years of experience in hunter/jumper riding, Sarah has competed across the Western United States in both A-rated and local competitions, earning championships and year-end awards. Her passion extends beyond the show ring to the daily care and well-being of horses. She has Grand Prix grooming experience from her time as a working student at a sales barn in Tryon, North Carolina, where she supported elite-level competition horses.
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Sarah also works seasonally as an equine veterinary technician at Paragon Equine Utah under Dr. Haleigh Lundgreen, contributing her skills to the health and performance of sport horses. In the winter months, she shifts gears to the slopes of Alta Ski Area, where she is a PSIA Level 3 certified instructor, sharing her love of skiing with students of all levels.
