Australian dressage rider Heath Ryan should recover from stroke

Australian Olympic dressage rider Heath Ryan (pictured) is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a minor stroke last Sunday.

Heath became unwell at a competition in Camden, New South Wales, Australia, and was taken to Cambelltown Hospital.

His wife Rozzie said: “His doctors have said that he should be able to make a 100% recovery quite quickly provided he doesn’t overdo it.”

Heath’s speech is normal at the moment, although he is still suffering from some dizziness. Today he will hopefully be transferred to John Hunter Hospital, which is nearer his home in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Rozzie added: “We have been totally overwhelmed by so many kind people. Everyone has been wonderful, it’s beyond words.”

Heath, 50, is the older brother of 1992 Olympic eventing champion Matt Ryan, who is based in Wales. Heath rode in the pure dressage at last year’s Olympics and also rides at the top level in eventing.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.