Biography

Irish Olympic rider Michael Ryan (47), from Co Cork has completed Badminton nine times and on his last visit here in 2019 completed with Dunlough Striker (17^th). It will be a first Badminton for TR Kaygraff with who he was 2^nd in the 4*L at Ballindenisk last September.

Michael, who is originally from Limerick, was introduced through hunting with the Scarteen.

Michael is known for his partnership with Old Road who was retired in 2012 aged 18. Together the pair was an Irish team stalwart since first representing Ireland at the European Championships in Punchestown (2003). With Old Road Michael represented Ireland at three European Championships and one World Equestrian Games and completed Badminton four-times. In 2010 Michael was selected for the WEG with Ballylynch Adventure but had to withdraw due to a horse injury – the combination then represented Ireland at the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2015 European Championships. In 2017 with Dunlough Striker he was a member of the fourth placed team at the 2017 European Championships – the pair twice completed Badminton and completed Burghley in 2018.

Outside of eventing Michael enjoys running and watching movies.

Michael is married to international eventer Patricia Ryan and together they run Donegan Ryan Eventing. In 2009 the couple gained a one-two victory in the World Cup qualifier at Tattersalls with Patricia and Fernhill Clover Mist, taking poll position and both represented Ireland at the European Championships that year.

TR Kaygraff owned by Carol and Tom Henry is a 12-year-old registered Irish Sport Horse although his breeding is not recorded. He was acquired as a five-year-old and has been produced by Michael.