Thirty-year-old Courtney Ryan gets her love for horses honest. She comes from a family with deep roots in the industry. As the oldest daughter of professional horsemen Stanley and Nancy Sue Ryan, the Texas native was one of the lucky few that was born into the industry. Ryan was raised at the barn and never quite outgrew it.

“I didn’t show too much in youth, because I was so involved in high school athletics, but I did win the Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation at the Congress in 1996 with my horse Range Cruiser,” Ryan said. “My mother, Nancy Sue Ryan still helps me with my show horses.”

Though this partnership has always been a successful one Ryan believes the most memorable ride for her was in 2005 when she was the Reserve Congress Championship aboard The Iron Maker in Junior Hunter Under Saddle.

“Iron was such an incredible horse, challenging but so rewarding when he wanted to be,” Ryan said. “He taught me so much, and is a horse that will be with me forever.”

Last year was a great year for Courtney Ryan. She showed Fabuluke Me, a 2009 brown mare by Fabuluke and out of Sweet Talk Me to a NSBA Word Championship in 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle and a Congress Championship in the same class. She also claimed both a Congress Reserve Championship and an AQHA World Show Reserve Championship with her homegrown mare, Gracious N Fabulous, a 2008 brown mare by Fabuluke and out of Katt Sass.

“Grace is just a ham, she will run you over for horse candy and she is the laziest horse I have ever been around,” Ryan said. “It is no surprise to see her lying down next to her hay so she can eat while 
resting. Her nick name is the water buffalo because she stays so fat.”

It was also a great year for Ryan on a personal level.  In September she got engaged to her boyfriend, Mark Brockmueller.

“Mark used to rodeo full time, and he team ropes which is nice because he understands our ‘gypsy-like traveling schedules for horse shows,” Ryan said. “I would have to say his kind, genuine nature and uncanny ability to make me laugh are some of my favorite traits of his that made me fall in love with him.”

The couple will be married in May 2013 in the backyard of the house they purchased together in November.

“We’re greatly looking forward to what the future holds for all of us,” Ryan said.

And if last year was any inclination of what is in store for them they better watch out.

Outside the show pen Ryan is an alumni of West Texas A & M University where she graduated in 2004 with a degree in Equine Sciences. She is currently a brand ambassador for SUCCEED, a digestive conditioning program equine supplement.

Ryan truly loves her horses and wants them to be rewarded for their hard work and talent; it’s what motivates her.

“I want them to be recognized for what they are,” Ryan explained. “My goals for my horse related interest is always the same, to work hard and be able to show each individual horse to his or her greatest potential.”

When she’s not busy at shows Ryan is an avid runner and has a great passion for music. She also enjoys spending time with friends and new neighbors, Tate Oakley and Jamie West.