Ryan Kearns is a 12-year-old seventh grader who already recognizes how relationships with animals can change a life. In fact, his advice to others is “Get a dog. They will make you happier.” No truer words have been spoken!

 

Ryan and his parents, Heather and Patrick Kearns, have two dogs, Rylee, and Reeses. They also have two horses, Tilly and Monte, a cat, a bird, and a snake. Ryan loves all animals and hopes to have a career that involves animals in some way. However, he’s “not sure in what capacity yet. Maybe marine biology, avian biology, veterinary medicine.” Snorkeling in the Bahamas while on vacation gave Ryan the opportunity to experience life below the surface, which initiated the idea of pursuing marine biology.

 

Before he starts his career though, Ryan keeps busy not only with his pets, but he also takes tennis lessons and enjoys creating art at Estelle Studio and Gallery. Like other kids his age, Ryan plays online games including League of Legends and Minecraft. But most of his free time is for training his Oldenburg Cross horse, Monte, for show jumping. “I compete in show jumping, which is judged based on whether my horse jumps the obstacles in the course and finishes in the allotted time,” Ryan explained. According to Ryan, Monte is “very sweet, big, and crazy, and still needs some training in the arena.” 

 

It's obvious that one of Ryan’s favorite hobbies is horseback riding, but he also likes that he can ride his bike to the general store for candy. All that activity makes a boy hungry, and Ryan has his favorites for food in the area. At North Beach Social, his go-to is the Caesar salad; at The Bay it’s sushi for sure, and at home he likes noodles, chicken strips, and pretzel bites. (He also likes McDonald’s but that goes without saying.) 

 

If you see this young equestrian in the neighborhood, tip your hat and be sure to say “Howdy!”