Then & Now: Ryder Richardson

from The Paisley Pony Re-launch Issue November 2021

by The Paisley Pony

Chantilly ...a pony LEGEND!

Paisley Ambassadors Then & Now

Ryder Richardson

W W E E F F 2 2 0 0 2 2 2 2 ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

Ryder Owen

I have been up to quite a lot in the past few years. I was a 2018 Gochman Grant recipient and that experience changed my life. I have travelled around as a working student and have shown a little. I have even been to WEF and had the opportunity to show some incredible horses.

I recently competed my large jumper pony, Becks, at Pony Jumper Finals. We were awarded the Pony Jumper Style Award, Bronze team, and fourth overall.

A year ago I started my own non-profit called, Joy Ryder, and have already started helping people start achieving their horsey dreams. Last winter I sponsored five riders to do their very first horse show and this year I am expanding and paying for several kids to join Pony Club -as well as help pay for lessons. I really enjoy trying to help diversify our community and help kids that may not have the support, get started.

I have also recently started to get into the governance side of different equestrian organizations. I am a USHJA Youth Committee member, an Equus Foundation ambassador, a volunteer at two different horse rescues, and on a DEI equestrian Task Force.

I love getting involved and I love the equestrian community.

My goals for 2022 is to compete my new horse, Chosen, in the low junior jumpers. I would also really love to continue to expand my non-profit to make riding more accessible for kids that are interested. I would also like to focus a little bit more on equitation and keep learning as much as I can.