Matthew Morgan "Matt" Ryan, OAM is a triple Olympic gold medallist. Matt has three older brothers, who all rode and attended Maitland Pony Club, including the internationally successful eventer and dressage rider, Heath Ryan.

 

In 1984 Matt travelled to Great Britain and became a working pupil with the great Richard Meade, who was one of the most successful riders in the world at the time, having won 3 Olympic Gold Medals. Richard's son Harry, who was just a toddler at the time, has gone on to represent Great Britain in eventing. Harry often recalls Matt reciting Banjo Patterson's famous poem, The Man from Snowy River, to him. Matt returned home the following year, and then went back to the UK in 1989 to set up his own yard and business.

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In 1990 the Ryan family were out in force in Stockholm, Sweden for the first World Equestrian Games ever held. Matt and big brother Heath were selected for the Australian three-day event team, Matt’s Sister-in-law, Rozzie Ryan, represented Australia in the Dressage. Matt’s Mum and Dad competed in the four-in-hand carriage driving. Unfortunately, Matt’s horse Kibah Tic Toc went lame, and he didn’t get the chance to compete in the eventing team. However he remained part of the carriage driving team, hanging off the back of the carriage with his Mum, Sue, counterbalancing whilst Dad, Dr Rod Ryan, drove the team around a challenging cross-country course.

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Matt was selected to represent Australia on every Olympic team from 1988 to 2004, twice as travelling reserve and three times on the team. Matt narrowly missing out on the opportunity to compete in Atlanta, despite qualifying two horses on the team, Matt's back up horse, Alater Pedis, was pricked in a shoeing session and became unavailable for selection. Unfortunately, Matt's lead horse, Hinnegar (aka H), developed a mild stone bruise during the training camp in the USA.  Although H past the Trot Up, team managers decided to replace Matt and H with Gillian Rolton and Peppermint Grove. 

 

Matt says his key to success is consistency and never giving up. Matt's sights were always set on his number one goal…the opportunity to represent and win medals for his Country.

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Matt has won three Olympic gold medals, two at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and one at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. His two gold medal-winning horses, Kibah Tic Toc and Kibah Sandstone, were bred by Bridget (aka Bud) Hyem, Australia's first female Olympic equestrian competitor - in the Australian Show Jumping team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. 

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Matt acknowledges his brother Heath Ryan as one of his greatest influences, along with his parents, and idol Lucinda Green. Heath was on the coaching team at the 1996 Atlanta and Sydney 2000 Olympics where the Australians continued to dominate, making history winning team gold for the third Olympics in a row. 

 

Heath has on three different occasions been the Australian three-day event champion and on four different occasions been the Australian Grand Prix dressage champion. Heath continues to ride competitively and is credited for producing countless Australian eventing riders to international level.

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Matt's global success includes wins and numerous top 10 placings at some of the worlds toughest 5* events such as Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. Matt was inducted into the Australian Sport Hall of Fame in 2000.

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Matt announced his retirement from competition in 2014. Matt moved back to Australia in 2019 and continues to be heavily involved in the sport through coaching, commentating and high-level technical advising. Matt lives with his wife Zoe Dark, in Queensland where they run a 60 acre eventing yard. Zoe is regularly out eventing with Matt and her Bonza team mates.