Ryan Wood, Another Aussie from Down Under Comes Up and Over To Bridle Creek in Aiken, SC
Ryan Wood (Woodsy) will be starting his 5th season in the USA and his first season on his own, and has another 5 years available in the US stamped on his passport. A well seasoned 4* Event Rider that first stepped ground on US soil in 2008, where he worked with eventing legend Bruce Davidson, and then joined Phillip Dutton's team in 2009, and recently has been "kicked out of the nest" so to speak.
Phillip (Olympic Medalist for both Australia and USA) has been instrumental in assisting many riders, specifically Boyd Martin, another fellow Aussie whose winter facility is based in Bridle Creek, and now Ryan continuing his own training business: Woodstock Eventing. Phillip's Red Oak Farm is also based in Bridle Creek. Ryan continues to ride with Phillip.
Vitoria Farms, LLC, a newly built 14 stall barn, court yard design, was recently purchased and built by Curran and Margy Simpson of Bennet's Creek Farm, owners of competition horse named "Woodstock Bennett." The Simpson's hired Rob Cahill of Equestrian Structures, LLC to design and build this functional facility that borders Phillip Dutton's property.
The Simpson's compete and own a number of horses, recently purchased ISH that Curren will be competing this winter. The Simpson's have given Ryan an opportunity to be situated and have access to the top training facility of Boyd Martin, owned by Ilene Boorman. Kevin Keane, one of the finest equine veterinarians and top-level rider, lives across the street. Gratitude is an understatement! What a great place to live during the winter months to fully prep the horses for the 2013 Spring Season up North.
2012 was busy and impressive for the lean, long legged event rider: 124 events; 21-wins, 13-2nd place, 11-3rd place finishes, and sometimes riding as many as 9 horses in one event. It takes a committed and disciplined rider to achieve these goals. Ryan started as an 8 yr old when he purchased his first TB stock horse for AUD $1500. He and "Countdown" went through Pony Club and finished with a 4* event when they were both 19 yrs of age.
After completing school in Australia, he spent a year working for Gary Wallace (Australian Eventing Champion), and then based out of New South Wales Equestrian Center, where he also had the opportunity of galloping race horses at Hawkesbury & Cessnock Race Courses, as well as starting a few young horses. His passion and focus in the horse industry is demonstrated by acquiring his EFA NCAS Level 1 Coach qualification through the Equestrian Federation of Australia. Ryan has also made a number of trips to Germany and rode with Olympic dressage trainer Norbert Van Laak as well as champion show jumpers Ludger Beerbaum and Ernst Hofschroer.
His passion and experience and ambition is sure to facilitate his move to the top of the Eventing World, and his endless hours spent riding and training enables him to be a very helpful coach at all levels. His quiet and persistent demeanor sends a contagious message of self esteem, to both horses and riders of all levels.
At the time of this article, the barn was nearing completion, stay tuned for photo gallery in next newsletter.
Feel free to contact Ryan directly if you are interested in lessons, buying, selling or becoming a part of his syndication program. Shortly after Winter in Aiken, the plan is to go to Ireland and purchase a few prospects, which could be a great opportunity to be a part of a World Class Event Horse. For more information contact Ryan directly at (610) 836-1011.
by Nancy Bruen Smith
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