NCHA News

Thomas (Tom) O. Ryan peacefully passed away in the early morning hours on October 3, 2022 in his home in Weatherford, Texas.    Tom was born on April 20, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio to Carmen and Martha Ryan.  As he grew, it became apparent of Tom’s athletic abilities playing Baseball, Basketball and Football in High School.  While attending The Ohio State University on a Football Scholarship he was a member of the 1958 Rose Bowl Championship Team coached by the legendary Woody Hayes.  After graduating from college, he ventured out into the World of Horse Training under the tutelage of Dale Wilkerson learning and becoming proficient in various Equine disciplines.  It was during this time that he met Sue Hunter who also loved horses and was active in showing in both English & Western Classes.  They married in 1969. Their partnership in the Horse Industry employed them with Eddie Crowell (Massachusetts) and Frank Carlo (Blackstone Virginia). In 1975 they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where they were employed by Dude and Barbara Noble as an exclusive trainer for their children to compete in all AQHA disciplines and NCHA Cuttings.  In the early 80’s a group of horseman Dude Nobel, Stu Gildred and Tom Lyons formed Cutters West in South Fort Worth which opened the door for Tom and Sue to move to Texas and begin their life in the Cutting Industry. In 1984 Earl and his Son Dennis Burke purchased 4,000 acres on the Brazos River in Parker County, which became known as Silverado on the Brazos.  Tom oversaw the construction of the indoor arena, barns, cattle pens and the development of the Ranch.  In 1986 another great opportunity was presented to both Tom and Sue by Dan Lufkin to oversee the construction of Oxbow South, one of the first premier Cutting Horse Breeding and Training facilities in Parker County.   In 1994 they built their dream home along with mare care and sale horse fitting facility in Millsap, TX.  Tom continued to stay active in horses for several years, faithfully turning back riding “Old John” for Greg Welch in the early morning hours.  In 2004 he enjoyed hauling Boonsmal Cee Lena to the breeding farm.  Another highlight was attending annual brandings at Silverbrook Ranches.  Tom had much success in ownership and/ or training of such notable and esteemed horses in our Industry, Mr. Gunsmoke, Mac LeOak and Dry Clean.   Mr. Gunsmoke who was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2016.  Dry Clean and trainer Tom Lyons went on to become the first gelding to win the 1987 Super Stakes with a then record of 227 points.  Tom was best known as a man with a vast knowledge of horses, bloodlines, and training.   He leaves behind a large group of family and friends who thought the World of him.  

He is preceeded in death by his wife Sue Ryan in 2012, Sister Grace Garland in 2004.  He is survived by daughter Tamera Arthur, son Richard Ryan, step sons Alexander (Sandy) Hunter and Scott Hunter, and his wife Lisa Hunter, 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life event will be held on December 4, 2022 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Parker County Sheriff’s Posse in Weatherford, TX.  We invite all friends and family who would like to attend.