and taught Ryan to maintain it to the highest standards at all times. So Ryan diligently learned to bring all the jumps in at night, to drag the ring every three or four horses and to adjust ev- erything down to the ground poles according to the benefit of each horse. Ron insisted that in the hunters, turnout was everything, so Ryan learned to notice every detail, down to fixing the stitching on a bridle keeper that was turned out instead of in, before one of their horses entered the ring. The learning process wasn’t carried out in months, it de-
veloped over years. But Ron’s constant support resulted in a deep loyalty and mutual respect that laid the groundwork for a future partnership. “Ron has always expected and asked the best of me, but
he also had a lot of faith and trust,” adds Ryan. “He would purposely put me into a position to handle things on my own. He’d make a point to let me handle a sale, but he’d be right there listening in, and later he’d tell me what I did right and also how I could improve.” Ron slowly granted Ryan a few rides on some of the green horses, waiting for his ability to develop to a level in which he could prove himself. Ryan began to accompany Ron on buying trips with the purpose of developing an eye for pick- ing out a good hunter. When they encountered times that other trainers would consider low points; losing a client, or having a bad round, Ron was always there to point out the positives of the experience, and to teach Ryan how to move forward. As Ryan earned his way to more rides and more responsi-
bility at Kennedy Farms, he realized that he’d found a true mentor in Ron. “Ron made me feel like I could be a part of things,” says Ryan. “I’m a tryer, and I always give 1,000%. Ron has always known that I listen to him, and I keep ev- erything running to the T. He knows that and respects that I’m on it.” On the day that Ron told Ryan he was ready to be a
trainer, they were busy showing at the Oaks in schooling rounds with a barn full of green horses. Ron approached Ryan after a solid day of great riding and simply told him, “You rode well. I am so proud of you. You are there.” With those words, Kennedy Farms became a partnership, and in that moment, Ryan knew that all of his hard work had paid off exactly how every young trainer hopes it will. He has thanked his lucky stars every day since. Kennedy Farms has since evolved into a small, special-
ized business. Their dedicated clients compete with mul- tiple horses, and Ryan capably handles all of the show
Opposite Page, Top to Bottom: Ryan Pedio and Waltzing Mathilda WF, Blenheim EquiSport 2010, Photo © Captured Moment Photography; Ryan Pedigo, Cindy Busby and Ron Kennedy, 2009.
This Page, Top to Bottom: Ryan at age 8 on Luke, with his grandfather Richard Pedigo; Ryan at age 13 showing Alexandra EP at Hood River Classic in Oregon; Ryan going over the course with Cindy Busby on Alexandra EP at Santa Barbara in 2001; Ryan riding Macallan in First Year Green Hunters, Las Amigas de Las Lomas, Palos Verdes 2007.
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