Ryan's first involvement in medieval and renaissance horsemanship started in 2007 via the Society for Creative Anachronism. What initially drew Ryan to jousting was the skill and precision required to hit a moving target the size of a dinner plate at 30mph. After acting as a squire for Steve Hemphill for a number of years, he decided to enter the sport. Lysts on the Lake 2012 will be Ryan's second international jousting tournament.