Devin Ryan is one of the most recognized show jumpers in the United States, known for his sharp eye in selecting and developing young horses. One of his most notable successes was with Eddie Blue, with whom he won team gold for the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Tryon.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Ryan discovered his passion for horses as a child on his grandfather's farm in Sussex County. Despite excelling in various sports during his youth, including winning the USBC National Championship in Junior Tetrathlon, his heart ultimately led him to equestrian sport. In this interview, he discusses his journey, his approach to training and horse management, and the importance of Equine 74 in his stable.

As the demands on sport horses continue to evolve, equine health and well-being have become crucial aspects of their performance. One expert in this field is Christian Dietz, the developer and manufacturer of Equine 74. He has dedicated his career to improving equine stomach health. With years of experience in researching and developing products that help manage gastric issues in sport horses, he has become a trusted name in the industry. In this conversation, he speaks with Devin Ryan about his career, training philosophy, and experience with Equine 74.

Christian Dietz: Devin, you started your career in sports with a broad range of disciplines. What made you choose show jumping over others?

Devin Ryan: As a child, my parents encouraged us to try many different sports. I did swimming, track, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and many others. My family is very involved in swimming, and my siblings even went to university on AAA swimming scholarships. I was told I had potential in swimming, but I found it boring to swim back and forth in a pool with my head in the water. I needed more interaction, whether with people or, as I do now, with animals. Horses fascinated me more in the end.

Christian Dietz: When did you start riding seriously?

Devin Ryan: I was 13 when I took my first formal riding lesson. My parents had converted an old dairy farm into a horse boarding facility. I started riding through a retired New York City mounted police officer who was a tenant at our farm. Later, I got deeper into the sport through the U.S. Pony Club, where I explored various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, and tetrathlon—a combination of riding, running, swimming, and shooting.

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Christian Dietz: Your expertise in developing young horses is widely recognized. You found Eddie Blue when he was four years old. I also saw that you bought Dominator when he was three. That’s a bit different from what many riders do, as they usually buy horses when they are seven or eight. Nowadays, it seems that people don’t sell those horses as often, or they are really expensive. What do you look for when selecting a young horse? Do you focus on character, scope, or is there a specific type of horse you prefer right from the beginning?

Devin Ryan: When I visit my friend Alan Waldman, who has a great eye for young horses, I start by simply walking through the barn aisle and observing the horses. One of the first things I look at is their eyes—expression is incredibly important to me. I believe that you can tell a lot about a horse's intelligence, willingness, and overall attitude just by looking at its face. A kind, intelligent expression is the first thing that catches my eye.

Beyond that, of course, I look at how they move, their conformation, and their natural ability over fences. Some horses don’t look like much at first but have all the right qualities to develop into something great. Alan understands exactly what I’m looking for in a horse, and that’s why I trust his judgment when it comes to selecting young prospects. The right brain combined with natural ability is what makes a future star.

Christian Dietz: Eddie Blue is a prime example of your ability to spot potential. What drew you to him as a young horse?

Devin Ryan: Eddie Blue caught my attention when he was just four years old. He had this effortless way of covering the ground and an incredible natural jump. Even as a young horse, he was careful, but he also had the power to clear big fences. What really set him apart was his mentality. He was brave, smart, and had an exceptional work ethic. That combination made me believe in him from the start.

Christian Dietz: Let's talk about Equine 74. Many professionals, including yourself, are increasingly focused on stomach health for performance horses. What led you to start using Equine 74?

Devin Ryan: Stomach and digestive problems are common in sport horses, yet they are often overlooked. Horses are naturally designed to graze all day, but our modern training and competition schedules don’t allow for that. Stress, travel, feeding schedules—everything we do with them in the sport can impact their stomach health. I started using Equine 74 because I was looking for a natural solution to help counteract the acid imbalance in my horses' stomachs. I initially tried it on two horses that had been struggling with digestive issues. Within a week, I saw clear improvements. Their behavior changed, their coats looked better, and they were more relaxed under saddle. Within two weeks, their overall well-being had stabilized. That convinced me to put all my horses on it.

Christian Dietz: What does your daily stable routine look like?

Devin Ryan: We start at 7 AM. My horses always have hay available, so I don’t follow the typical routine of feeding hay first and then grain. Instead, I give them their grain right away, and then they go onto the treadmill or are turned out in paddocks. Eddie Blue, for example, goes on the treadmill rather than the walker because he has injured himself in the walker before.

After that, I start riding around 8 AM. My first horse is usually a younger one, so I can get myself warmed up before riding my top horses. I ride around ten horses a day, depending on the schedule. The afternoons are for light training, hacking, and making sure every horse gets time to move freely. We also pay close attention to the feeding routine to ensure all horses get the right balance of nutrients without unnecessary stress on their digestive systems.

Christian Dietz: What is your philosophy when it comes to horse training?

Devin Ryan: Keep it simple, keep it natural, and put in the hard work. Horses thrive on routine, consistency, and patience. Every horse is different, so training has to be tailored to each one's specific needs. If you listen to your horses and respect their nature, they will give you their best in return.

Christian Dietz: Thank you, Devin! This was a fantastic conversation. Best of luck with the season!

Devin Ryan: Thank you, Christian! I really enjoyed it.

Interested in learning more about Equine 74 Gastric? Click here for more information, or feel free to text or call Christian Dietz, CEO of Equine 74:

Europe: +49 172 5184099
USA: (352) 207 6857

You can also meet Equine 74 in Ocala—we look forward to welcoming you!