Ryan Wood.

© Jersey/Shannon Brinkman Photo

By Equestrian Life

The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Events kicks off today, with US-based rider Ryan Wood the sole Australian in the field of more than sixty.

Ryan, who currently runs his business Woodstock Eventing from Phillip Dutton’s True Prospect Farm (Unionville, PA), will ride Fernhill Classic (owned by the Fernhill Classic Syndicate and Ryan himself). At number 50, he will see plenty of combinations ride before him.

Ryan’s career in the saddle dates back to when he was just eight years of age. It wasn’t long before he purchased his first horse from the local newspaper — a thoroughbred x Australian stock horse for $1,500. Ryan took this horse, Countdown, from Pony Club right through to four-star eventing. In fact, the pair competed in their first four-star event when they were both 19 years of age.

Fernhill Classic settling in at Kentucky Horse Park.

© Ryan Wood and Woodstock Eventing Facebook page

In Australia, Ryan competed a number of horses to the top level and placed at some of the county’s biggest events, including Adelaide and Melbourne 3DE. During his youth, he spent time training with Guy Wallace and also took multiple trips to Germany — training with the likes of Ludger Beerbaum, Ernst Hofschroer and Norbert Van Laak.

In 2008, Ryan made the move to the United States. Initially, Ryan worked for eventing legend Bruce Davidson before eventually moving to Phillip Dutton’s property. After working for Phillip for four years, Ryan now trains alongside him and runs his own business from the property — Woodstock Eventing. Ryan is not only a professional rider, but also a respected coach.

Last year, Ryan had two completions at Kentucky 3DE, so he’s no stranger to Kentucky Horse Park. Can he finish in the top ten this year? We can’t wait to see how he goes!

Ryan Wood at Bromont.

© USEA / Amber Heintzberger

 

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